Country HRM KSA

Job Purpose

This role supports and assists the Regional HR Manager Middle East in providing senior generalist professional HR services and implementing AkzoNobel people calendar in Saudi Arabia. The HR Manager will develop successful relationships with key stakeholders to understand their business requirements and be instrumental in applying HR policies and procedures in Saudi Arabia, while ensuring full compliance against internal and external controls and legal frameworks and drive the strategic Saudization goals in the country.

Key Accountabilities

• Build positive relationships with the management team and employees to become a first point of reference for general HR advice and people-related matters.
• Assist employees and people managers in Saudi with day-to-day HR queries, providing coaching across performance and development, grievances and disciplinary cases, training and development, performance management, and compensation and benefits.
• Manage, control, and report on payroll-related issues in close coordination with the regional payroll team.
• Provide local support for the employee Voices survey by driving high participation through continuous communication and translating results into meaningful local action plans.
• Localise regional HR policies and procedures for Saudi Arabia in line with AkzoNobel directives by advising on Saudi labour law, market best practices, policy development, and ensuring full compliance with internal and external legal frameworks.
• Support the Regional Talent Acquisition team with sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding activities in KSA, acting as an ambassador for AkzoNobel and leveraging professional networks and participation in Saudi job fairs to attract quality local talent.
• Act as a compliance ambassador to ensure HR and administrative practices align with internal policies and external legal requirements, taking appropriate action and involving relevant stakeholders in cases of non-compliance or risk.
• Lead recruitment activities for blue-collar and junior roles in collaboration with the Talent Acquisition team.
• Manage administrative and facilities functions to ensure timely, accurate, and value-adding support services across the site.
• Provide guidance, local market insight, and networking support to the Regional Talent Acquisition team to attract Saudi talent and maintain strong Saudization levels, acting as a guardian to keep ANSAL in the highest Saudization band and strengthen employer-of-choice positioning.
• Enhance employee engagement and wellbeing by supporting regional initiatives and developing local activities that foster a positive, inclusive, and motivating work environment.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of operational HR experience in KSA, including at least 3 years in a manufacturing or industrial environment within a multinational organization
• Graduate-level qualification in HR or a relevant business discipline; CIPD certification is an advantage
• Strong knowledge of Saudi Labour Law, with a proven ability to stay up to date on employment legislation and HR trends
• Demonstrated experience in a senior HR generalist role, providing effective advice and coaching to people managers
• A self-disciplined, driven, and results-oriented professional with a proactive can-do mindset
• Proven capability to enhance and continuously improve HR offerings in a complex operational environment
• Strong MS Office skills, particularly Word and Excel, with familiarity in HR Information Systems (HRIS)
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal