Head of Human Resources (Qatarization)

Job Title: Head of Human Resources

Department: Human Resources

Location: Doha, Qatar

Direct Reports: HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Compensation & Benefits, HR Operations

Job Purpose

The Head of Human Resources is responsible for leading the bank’s HR strategy, ensuring that people, culture, and organizational development initiatives align with the bank’s strategic objectives and regulatory obligations under the Central Bank of Qatar (QCB) framework.

This role drives the full spectrum of human capital management — from talent acquisition, development, and retention to performance management, compensation, and employee engagement — while fostering a high-performance, compliant, and inclusive culture.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic HR Leadership

• Develop and execute the HR strategy in alignment with the bank’s business objectives and long-term growth plans.
• Advise the CEO and senior management on workforce planning, organizational design, and human capital priorities.
• Lead the HR function in supporting business transformation, succession planning, and leadership development.
• Ensure all HR policies and practices comply with QCB, Ministry of Labour, and Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) employment regulations.

2. Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning

• Oversee the recruitment strategy to attract, assess, and retain high-caliber professionals across all business lines.
• Ensure fair, transparent, and timely hiring processes in compliance with local labour laws and QCB fit-and-proper requirements.
• Lead workforce planning to align headcount, skills, and capabilities with strategic business needs.
• Drive Qatarization initiatives in line with national workforce development priorities.

3. Learning, Development & Performance Management

• Develop and implement continuous learning and leadership development frameworks to upskill employees.
• Embed a performance management culture linking individual goals to corporate objectives.
• Identify high-potential talent and create structured career progression and succession planning programs.

4. Compensation & Benefits

• Design and administer competitive compensation and benefits structures aligned with market benchmarks and regulatory expectations.
• Ensure pay equity, performance-based incentives, and appropriate governance over bonus and long-term incentive programs.
• Manage annual salary reviews, job evaluations, and total rewards analysis in consultation with senior management.

5. Employee Relations & Engagement

• Cultivate a positive and transparent workplace culture emphasizing collaboration, respect, and accountability.
• Handle employee relations issues, grievances, and disciplinary actions fairly and consistently.
• Lead internal communication, recognition, and engagement initiatives to enhance morale and productivity.
• Promote employee well-being, diversity, and inclusion in line with the bank’s values and local best practices.

6. HR Operations & Compliance

• Oversee HR operations including onboarding, payroll, records management, and offboarding.
• Ensure HR processes meet internal audit, risk management, and compliance requirements.
• Maintain accurate employee records and ensure confidentiality in line with data protection laws.
• Act as the primary liaison with QCB, QFC, and external auditors for HR-related regulatory reviews and reporting.

7. Digital HR Transformation

• Lead the automation and digitalization of HR processes using modern HRIS and analytics tools.
• Implement data-driven HR metrics to improve decision-making and workforce productivity.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field.
• Professional Certifications: CIPD, SHRM-SCP, or equivalent HR certification preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 12–15 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within the banking or financial services sector in Qatar or the GCC.
• Language: Fluency in English required; Arabic proficiency preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of QCB, QFC, and Qatar Labour Law requirements.
• Proven experience leading HR strategy, transformation, and people-centric culture initiatives.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Analytical and data-driven approach to HR decision-making.
• High integrity, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Employee engagement and retention rates.
• Compliance with QCB and labour regulations (zero major HR audit findings).
• Successful implementation of workforce and succession plans.
• Qatarization targets achieved.
• Reduction in time-to-hire and improvement in talent quality.
• Implementation of digital HR systems and process efficiencies.