Talent /Human Resources Manager

The Talent /Human Resources Manager will manage HR operations and talent initiatives for the Saudi Arabian offices, playing a critical role in shaping the employee experience and supporting strategic business goals. The role-holder will thrive on ownership, autonomy, and execution.

This role is exclusively open for Saudi Nationals.

Fluent in both English and Arabic is essential.

Main responsibilities:

HR Operations:

• Ensure compliance with Saudi labour laws and leverage platforms like Qiwa to manage employment contracts, Saudization, and HR documentation in line with national regulations
• Manage day-to-day HR activities, including payroll (Gulf HR system), benefits, HRIS, and compliance with Saudi labour laws; the Firm uses Success Factors as its global HRIS system
• Ensure accurate HR data management and reporting to support business decisions
• Maintain and update HR policies and procedures in alignment with local regulations and global standards
• Handle employee relations, grievances, and disciplinary matters with professionalism and discretion
• Support internal audits and ensure operational excellence across all HR processes
• Work together with the Office Manager on office / HR initiatives

Talent Management:

• Partner with office and Practice Group leadership to identify talent needs and support workforce planning
• Work with the central recruitment team (based in London) on any legal and business services roles
• Drive onboarding and orientation programs to ensure a smooth integration of new hires
• Implement performance management processes and support career development initiatives in line with the global firm standards
• Support learning and development initiatives on a local level
• Work together with HR colleagues in the MENA region to implement regional people initiatives

Employee Engagement & Culture:

• Champion initiatives that promote employee engagement, well-being, and inclusion
• Conduct regular feedback sessions and support employee surveys
• Coordinate learning and development programs tailored to local and regional needs

Skills and experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s or HR certification preferred)
• Strong HR experience, ideally within professional services or multinational environments
• Strong knowledge of Saudi labour law and HR best practices
• Proven experience in HR operations and talent management (this can be at a more junior level)
• Highly organized, proactive, and comfortable working independently
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent written and spoken English and Arabic communication skills

Reports to: Director of Talent Management

Position type: In Market

Development framework: Manager

At Baker McKenzie we are different in the way we think, work and behave. With our team of 13,000 people, including over 6,500 locally admitted lawyers, in over 70 offices worldwide, we have a passionately collaborative community of 60 nationalities and are committed to world-class career development to everyone in every job at every level. Baker McKenzie can offer you both the uncompromising commitment to excellence expected of a top firm paired with a passionately global and genuinely collaborative working environment.

Baker McKenzie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for all. Our unique international culture is reflected in the drawing together of a worldwide family of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds in all of our offices. We encourage the best people to fulfil their professional aspirations with us. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates.