Payroll and People Operations Specialist

Join AFRY’s Mission-Driven Team as a Payroll and People Operations Specialist in Saudi Arabia

At AFRY, we are committed to driving sustainable change and empowering our global workforce through innovative solutions in engineering, design, and advisory services. As an international leader with 19,000 dedicated experts, we are seeking a dynamic and meticulous Payroll and People Operations Specialist to join our growing team in Saudi Arabia. This pivotal role will ensure seamless payroll administration, compliance with local regulations, and exceptional HR operational support—directly contributing to the success of our employees and business operations.

In this strategic position, you will serve as the backbone of our payroll and HR processes, collaborating closely with employees, managers, finance teams, external payroll providers, and our broader EMEA People Operations team. Your expertise will be instrumental in maintaining accuracy, compliance, and operational excellence while fostering a positive employee experience.

Key Responsibilities

Your role will encompass a broad spectrum of payroll and HR operations, ensuring every aspect of the employee lifecycle is handled with precision and care. Key duties include:

• Payroll Administration:
• Lead and coordinate monthly payroll processing for all employees, leveraging external providers like Mawarit to ensure seamless execution.
• Validate and reconcile critical payroll inputs, including new hires, terminations, salary adjustments, bonuses, allowances, overtime, leave data, and final settlements.
• Process leave transactions and maintain meticulous records of leave balances to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Coordinate personnel expense reimbursements and guarantee timely payments for all payroll-related transactions.
• Review and approve payroll reports, resolving discrepancies and ensuring adherence to local regulations, including GOSI requirements.
• Act as the primary point of contact for payroll inquiries, providing timely and accurate resolutions to employees and managers.
• Monitor payroll deadlines and collaborate with finance and vendors to optimize processes and resolve invoicing discrepancies.
• People Operations:
• Oversee the entire employee lifecycle, from onboarding and contract management to promotions, transfers, and offboarding, ensuring alignment with Saudi labor law and company policies.
• Coordinate employee transfers and onboarding activities, including partnerships with external providers like Mawarit where applicable.
• Manage visa administration, including exit/re-entry visas, Iqama renewals, and other mobility requirements to support global talent.
• Maintain up-to-date employee records and HR systems, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
• Support compliance initiatives and contribute to continuous improvement in HR processes, driving operational excellence.
• Serve as a trusted advisor for employees and managers on all HR operational matters, fostering a culture of transparency and support.

Qualifications and Skills

To excel in this role, you must bring a blend of technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and a commitment to excellence. We are seeking candidates who meet the following criteria:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in Payroll Administration, People Operations, or a similar HR role, with a proven track record of accuracy and compliance.
• In-depth knowledge of Saudi labor law, payroll regulations, GOSI requirements, and employee administration processes.
• Experience working with external payroll providers and systems, including proficiency with HRIS platforms like SAP SuccessFactors.
• Exceptional attention to detail, analytical skills, and the ability to solve complex problems with efficiency.
• A strong commitment to confidentiality and professional discretion, ensuring sensitive employee data is handled with the utmost care.
• Professional proficiency in both English and Arabic, enabling effective communication across diverse teams.

This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to be part of a collaborative, impact-driven team that shapes the future of sustainable solutions. If you are passionate about operational excellence, compliance, and making a meaningful difference, we invite you to apply and contribute to AFRY’s vision of progress.