HR Business Partner – Retail Corporate

Al Futtaim Group; Riyadh Region; On-site; SAR 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the Gulf region is seeking an experienced HR Business Partner to join their Retail HR team in Saudi Arabia. The role involves strategic HR management, ensuring compliance with local laws, and supporting business expansion. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in retail HR and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of generalist HR experience within the retail sector.
• Extensive HR operations experience in Saudi Arabia.
• Knowledge of the Arabic language is essential.

Responsibilities

• Ensure HR function complies with local legislation.
• Provide consultative advice on HR matters.
• Collaborate with Finance and Expansion teams for new store proposals.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Conflict Resolution

Commercial Acumen

Education

CIPD Qualification

Tertiary Qualification

Job description

Al-Futtaim's Retail Division holds a stable of world-class brands operating in buoyant markets with huge growth prospects. Some of our brands are Marks & Spencer, Toys R Us, IKEA, and Robinsons, along with smaller brands selected for their appeal to the markets we serve. We currently operate retail outlets across the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

We now have an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR Business Partner to join our Retail HR team in Saudi Arabia.

In this role, you will be responsible for all retail operations in KSA, providing a strategic overview of business development to ensure readiness for expansion and that new stores have the necessary competence to deliver. You will design, develop, and implement HR strategies and practices aligned with best retail practices and Group HR policies.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Ensuring the HR function complies with local legislation in the country.
2. Providing consultative advice to managers and staff on HR matters, including discipline, grievances, and performance management.
3. Collaborating with Finance and the Expansion team to plan, prepare, and present new store structures and headcount proposals.
4. Ensuring the Service Office is fully staffed and resourced to support existing business continuity and expansion plans.
5. Working with AF Recruitment and Country HR Heads to ensure new stores adhere to local labor laws and company policies.
6. Creating, obtaining approval for, and managing the HR Department budget to support opening plans and logistics.
7. Working with the Director of HR - Retail to ensure the People agenda aligns with overall business strategy and annual plans.
8. Acting as a trusted business partner and coach to country managers.

Candidate requirements:

1. Preferably tertiary or CIPD qualified.
2. Minimum of five years of generalist HR experience within the retail sector, ideally in Saudi Arabia.
3. Extensive HR operations experience in Saudi Arabia.
4. Knowledge of the Arabic language is essential.
5. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to influence stakeholders.
6. Energetic, solutions-focused individual.
7. Excellent consultancy and conflict resolution skills.
8. Strong commercial acumen.

About The Company

Founded in the 1930s, Al-Futtaim started as a trading enterprise and has grown into a leading business group in the Gulf region, operating over 40 companies across various sectors including retail, automotive, and real estate. The Group emphasizes a business approach that values integrity, service, social responsibility, and decentralization, enabling operational flexibility and a strong work culture.