Saudization Manager

Lead the Company-Wide Saudization Strategy

As the Saudization Manager, you will spearhead the company's Saudization strategy across a workforce of 9,000+ employees, ensuring compliance with Nitaqat requirements and maximizing utilization of government support programs. You will provide executive leadership with accurate, decision-ready reporting on Saudization performance, risks, and cost impact.

• Saudization Strategy & Nitaqat Compliance
• Develop and own the company's Saudization roadmap, aligning it with Nitaqat requirements, client contractual commitments, and business growth plans.
• Monitor and maintain a defined safety buffer above the required Nitaqat threshold.
• Model the Saudization impact of workforce decisions and advise leadership on the compliant path.
• Track regulatory changes and translate them into action plans.
• Localization & Replacement Planning
• Design role-level localization plans for Saudization-priority and nationalized professions.
• Build structured replacement programs, converting expat-held positions into Saudi-held roles.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition on Saudi sourcing strategy.
• Government Support Programs
• Own the full portfolio of government incentive programs and maximize financial recovery.
• Manage the company's standing and files with relevant government platforms.
• Workforce Cost & Outsourced Manpower Optimization
• Support the business case for reducing reliance on outsourced manpower by linking Saudization gains to the phased transfer of expat workers.
• Maintain a cost model comparing outsourced manpower total cost vs. direct sponsorship.
• Executive Reporting & Analytics
• Produce monthly Saudization reporting for executive leadership.
• Maintain Saudization dashboards with reliable, reconciled data.
• Provide project-level Saudization compliance reporting against client contractual commitments.
• Retention & Sustainability of Saudi Talent
• Analyze Saudi attrition drivers and lead retention initiatives.
• Develop career pathing and development frameworks for Saudi employees.
• Stakeholder Management
• Act as the company's focal point with relevant government bodies on nationalization matters.
• Advise project directors and bid/proposal teams on Saudization commitments in tenders and contracts.
• Coach hiring managers on Saudization-priority roles and compliant hiring practices.

Qualifications & Experience

• Saudi national (mandatory).
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; HR certification is an advantage.
• 8-10 years of progressive experience in Saudization/nationalization, workforce planning, or HR, with at least 3 years in a management role.