Human Resources Advisor

HR Advisor – GCC Region (Based in Riyadh)

Join a world-leading design practice and help shape the people strategy behind one of the most dynamic regions globally.

Foster + Partners is a global studio for architecture, urbanism, engineering and design, founded on a philosophy of innovation, sustainability and excellence. With over 2,500 colleagues across 22 countries, our people are central to everything we do — and as our presence across the Gulf continues to grow, so does the importance of delivering a consistent, high-quality and locally relevant people experience.

We are now looking for an exceptional HR Advisor to join our team in Riyadh , supporting our operations across the GCC region . This is a pivotal, regionally focused role, partnering with leaders, managers and employees to deliver a best-in-class HR service aligned to local legislation, cultural context and Foster + Partners’ global standards.

Why this role?

This is not a single-office HR role. Based in Riyadh, you’ll have responsibility across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait , working at the intersection of local employment law, international mobility, and global HR policy.

You’ll act as a trusted advisor to leadership, supporting organisational growth, navigating complex employee relations matters, and ensuring HR processes are legally compliant, consistent and scalable across the region. With exceptional growth across the Middle East, this role offers exposure, influence and the opportunity to help shape how HR is delivered across one of the Practice’s most strategically important markets.

If you enjoy variety, complexity and regional responsibility — and want to operate at both an operational and advisory level — this role offers a rare and rewarding challenge.

What you’ll be doing

• Providing comprehensive HR advisory support across all GCC offices
• Ensuring HR practices are legally compliant, consistent and aligned with local labour laws
• Delivering end-to-end recruitment support across the region
• Overseeing contracts, offers and agreements to ensure jurisdictional compliance
• Advising on salaries, rewards and benefits in line with market benchmarks and F+P policy
• Managing regional and international mobility, including visas, work permits and right-to-work compliance
• Leading onboarding and induction processes across GCC locations
• Supporting learning, development and performance management initiatives
• Managing employee relations matters, including absence, disciplinaries, grievances and reorganisations
• Implementing HR policies and procedures across the region
• Managing leavers, final settlements and exit processes
• Preparing HR documentation, reports, analytics and maintaining HR systems
• Championing Equity, Diversity & Inclusion across all GCC offices
• Supporting and escalating issues appropriately to the Head of HR

What you’ll bring

• CIPD qualification or equivalent HR certification
• Strong working knowledge of GCC labour laws (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait in particular)
• Proven experience operating in a regional or multi-jurisdictional HR role
• Excellent written and spoken English; Arabic highly desirable
• Strong organisational skills and exceptional attention to detail
• Confident, professional approach to employee relations and sensitive matters
• Ability to build credibility and trusted relationships at all levels
• Proactive, solutions-focused mindset with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills; HR systems experience an advantage
• A collaborative, adaptable approach suited to a fast-paced, international environment

What’s in it for you?

At Foster + Partners, you’ll be part of a globally respected practice with a strong, inclusive culture and an ambitious outlook. In this role, you’ll gain regional exposure, strategic influence, and the opportunity to help shape HR delivery across the Gulf — supporting people who design some of the most high-profile projects in the world.

This is an opportunity to grow your career in a role with real responsibility, regional scope and long-term impact — at a practice where people, innovation and excellence sit at the heart of everything we do.