Associate Director - HR (KSA)

Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 500,000 - 750,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme in Riyadh is seeking an HR Lead for Saudi Arabia to shape country HR strategy and partner with the leadership team on people initiatives.

You will counsel business leaders, drive talent development, DEI, compensation, and performance programs, and ensure regulatory compliance while transforming HR operating models in a cross‑functional, multinational setting. Hybrid work arrangement offered.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification or equivalent in Human Resource Management, Business or similar.
• More than 5 years of experience in HR management, as HRBP, HR Manager/HR Lead.
• Successful advisor to business leaders with ability to influence and design HR solutions.
• Experience in international organizations and matrix structures.
• Proven track record of implementing HR policies that are pragmatic and effective.
• Solid foundation in core HR processes: talent management, engagement, compensation & benefits, performance, recruitment.
• Strong knowledge of Saudi Arabia labour market and regulations.
• Excellent leadership and influencing skills, including coaching senior leaders.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; English and Arabic essential.
• Strong prioritization, resilience and change agent mindset.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural awareness.

Responsibilities

• Represent HR on the Saudi Country Leadership Team.
• Understand business strategies, HR implications, and implement HR plans.
• Guide leaders on talent management, engagement, DEI, total compensation, and performance.
• Execute global divisional organizational, talent and divisional strategies.
• Support employer branding and talent attraction initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and employee relations.
• Drive transformation of the HR operating model and streamline processes.
• Collaborate with HR CoEs, operations, divisions and other functions.
• Develop relationships with external stakeholders and Levant HR community.

Skills

Change Management

Confidential Data Handling

Diversity & Inclusion

Employee Development

Headcount Forecasting

HR Technology

HR Analytics

Localization for KSA

Succession Planning

Talent Strategy

Workforce Planning

Education

Degree in HR/Business

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

Preferred Skills:

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

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID:

R412344