Associate Director - HR (KSA)

MSD Malaysia; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 260,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD Malaysia is seeking an HR Lead for Saudi Arabia to steer country HR strategy and execution, representing HR on the Country Leadership Team and advising business leaders on people strategies. You will drive HR programs in talent management, development, culture and engagement, diversity and inclusion, total compensation, and performance management within a multinational, matrix environment.

Ensure compliance with Saudi labor laws, support employee relations, and collaborate with HR CoEs,

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in HRM, Business or similar.
• More than 5 years of HR management experience.
• Proven advisor to business leaders and ability to influence.
• Experience in international/matrix organizations.
• Proven HR policy implementation experience.
• Strong knowledge of Saudi labor market & regulations.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills; English & Arabic fluency.

Responsibilities

• Represent HR on the Saudi Country Leadership Team.
• Develop and implement HR plans aligned with business strategies.
• Guide leaders on talent management, engagement, culture, DEI, compensation and performance.
• Support employer branding and talent attraction initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and support employee relations.
• Drive HR process and tools transformation and improvement.
• Collaborate with HR CoEs, operations and other functions.
• Engage with external stakeholders and Levant HR community.

Skills

HR management experience

Advisor to leaders

International orgs

Matrix organizations

HR policies

Core HR processes

Saudi labor law

Leadership

English & Arabic

Change agent

Interpersonal skills

Cultural awareness

Communication skills

Teamwork

Talent management

Recruitment

Performance management

Education

Degree in Human Resource Management or Business

Tools

HR Technology

HR Analytics

Job description

Job Description The HR Lead for Saudi Arabia will lead Country HR strategy and execution and will represent HR on the Country Leadership Team. Working as part of a multi-national HR team, the HR Lead is responsible for advising business leaders on the organization’s people strategies, executing HR programs and by providing effective HR solutions and services.

Primary responsibilities

Represent HR on the Saudi Country Leadership Team. Understand key business strategies and environment, HR implications and develop and implement HR plans accordingly. As part of a multi-national team guide business leaders on building and driving implementation of HR strategy in the areas of talent management, employee development, culture & employee engagement, diversity, equity and inclusion, total compensation management, performance management. Execute global divisional organizational, talent and divisional strategies Support the company in being seen as an employer of choice in our markets and support initiatives to attract key talent to the company. Ensure effective compliance with employment legislation, and supporting effective employee relations Drive continued transformation in HR Operating model; identifying opportunities to improve and streamline HR processes and tools. Collaborate effectively within the HR model with all HR CoEs, operations and divisional colleagues, as well as other support functions to ensure effective support of the businesses. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key external stakeholders and the Levant HR community.

Qualifications and Skills

Degree level qualification or equivalent in Human Resource Management, Business or similar More than 5 years of experience working in in the area of Human Resources management, as HRBP, HR Manager/ HR Lead Successful track record as an advisor and counsellor to business leaders and ability to influence employees at all levels, to design and implement HR solutions for local requirements and drive cultural transformation Experience working in international organizations and working with matrix organizations. Proven track record of introducing and implementing human resources policies that are pragmatic and effective. Solid foundation in core HR processes (talent management, engagement, compensation & benefits, performance management, recruitment). Strong knowledge of Saudi Arabia labor market and regulations Excellent leadership and influencing skills, including the ability to coach and counsel senior leaders Excellent written and oral communication skills. Proficiency in English and Arabic essential Strong prioritization, resilience and change agent mindset Strong teamwork and collaboration Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural awareness, ability to create engaging and positive environment.

Required Skills

• Change Management
• Confidential Data Handling
• Diversity and Inclusion (D&I)
• Employee Development
• Headcount Forecasting
• Human Resources (HR) Technology
• Human Resources Analytics
• Localization for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Succession Planning
• Talent Strategy
• Workforce Planning

Employee Status: Regular Relocation: VISA Sponsorship: Travel Requirements: Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: Valid Driving License: Hazardous Material(s): Job Posting End Date: 08/31/2026

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.