Head of HR (KSA Branch)

Job Purpose

The Head of HR (KSA Branch) plays a pivotal role in aligning the Human Resources and Administration functions with the strategic objectives of the branch and the broader organizational goals. This senior leadership position is responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of HR policies and procedures while providing expert guidance to senior management on all HR-related matters. The role demands a strategic mindset, operational excellence, and a deep understanding of global best practices in human resource management to drive employee engagement, organizational growth, and regulatory compliance.

Strategic Responsibilities

In this capacity, the Head of HR (KSA Branch) will develop and execute HR strategies that support the branch’s annual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and align with the Group HR and bank-wide strategic plans. The role requires a proactive approach to researching and integrating global HR best practices to enhance organizational performance and employee satisfaction. The incumbent will maintain a comprehensive reporting dashboard covering all critical HR metrics, which will be shared regularly with Group HR to ensure transparency and alignment with corporate objectives.

Compliance with regulatory requirements is a cornerstone of this role. The Head of HR will ensure strict adherence to the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) regulations when hiring, transferring, or offboarding employees, while also managing all reporting obligations to SAMA and addressing any observations promptly. Additionally, the role involves recommending and implementing HR initiatives aimed at boosting employee morale, well-being, and organizational values, thereby attracting top talent and retaining existing employees.

The Head of HR will also oversee the efficient management of the HR budget to meet business requirements, develop robust succession plans, and drive talent acquisition strategies to ensure business continuity. Providing expert consultation on sensitive employment issues, including disciplinary actions and terminations, as well as engaging legal counsel when necessary, will be a key part of the role.

Compensation & Benefits

The Head of HR will prepare and propose the annual staff cost budget for the branch, securing approvals and tracking expenditures to ensure adherence to the approved budget. This includes overseeing compensation and benefits structures, proposing changes as needed, and designing competitive compensation packages in line with industry best practices and organizational strategy.

HR Operations

The Head of HR will oversee all HR operational activities to ensure data quality, accuracy, and timely execution. This encompasses payroll processing, final settlements, end-of-service accruals, medical insurance schemes, staff loans, end-of-year reports, expatriate work permits, family visas, contract renewals, and social insurance formalities. The role also involves establishing and managing HR systems that comply with statutory laws while delivering high-quality, cost-effective services to the organization.

Furthermore, the Head of HR will be responsible for establishing and regularly reviewing HR internal controls, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with audit and regulatory requirements, thereby mitigating risks and enhancing operational efficiency.

Policy, Processes & Procedures

The Head of HR will develop, review, propose, and benchmark amendments to HR policies, processes, and procedures in a timely manner to align with external stakeholders’ requirements, including regulators and applicable labor laws. This ensures the organization remains agile and responsive to evolving regulatory and business needs.

Performance & Rewards

The Head of HR will ensure that HR key performance indicators are met in support of the organization’s broader KPI framework. This includes managing the effective communication and implementation of the performance management system at the branch to meet performance cycle requirements. The role also involves aligning individual KPIs with branch KPIs to support the achievement of HR strategy and demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of reward management to ensure the standard application of its elements across the branch.

Learning & Development

The Head of HR will identify all learning and development requirements for branch employees in coordination with HR Head Office. This includes forecasting and allocating the required budget to bridge skill gaps, meet regulatory requirements, and enhance employee awareness. The role also supports the establishment of training plans to develop talent, enhance succession readiness, and ensure career progression, thereby fostering long-term organizational growth.