Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

Overview

A leading Saudi group with multiple operating companies is seeking a Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to transform, build and lead the group-wide HR function. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for establishing HR governance at the holding level, while enabling each business unit to operate effectively according to its stage of growth. The CHRO will partner closely with executive leadership to align people, structure, and performance with the group's long-term vision.

Responsibilities

• Group HR Strategy & Governance: Define and implement the group-wide HR strategy aligned with business objectives. Establish HR governance frameworks across all subsidiaries. Standardize core HR policies, while allowing flexibility for business units.
• Organizational Design & Workforce Planning: Design and optimize organizational structures across the group. Lead workforce planning and headcount strategy. Ensure alignment between business strategy and organizational capability.
• Leadership & Talent Management: Build and implement leadership development frameworks. Oversee succession planning for critical roles. Partner with executives on talent decisions at senior levels.
• Performance & Culture: Establish a group-wide performance management system. Drive accountability, productivity, and performance culture. Align culture across companies while respecting business differences.
• Compensation & Rewards: Design and implement compensation and grading structures. Ensure internal equity and market competitiveness. Oversee incentives, bonus structures, and executive compensation frameworks.
• HR Operations & Systems: Oversee HR operations across the group. Ensure efficient HR systems, reporting, and data-driven decision-making. Drive HR transformation and automation initiatives.
• Compliance & Saudization: Ensure compliance with Saudi labor laws and regulations. Lead Saudization strategy across the group. Maintain strong governance in HR practices.
• Strategic Impact: Opportunity to shape and build the HR function at the group level. Direct impact on leadership, structure, and long-term growth. Work closely with executive leadership on critical strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• 12-18+ years of experience in HR, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (CHRO).
• Experience in holding groups, multi-entity organizations, or complex structures.
• Strong background in organizational design, HR governance, and transformation.
• Proven ability to partner with C-level executives and boards.
• Experience in Saudi Arabia is essential.

Preferred Profile

• Experience building HR functions from the ground up.
• Exposure to logistics, operations, or large workforce environments.
• Strong strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution.