HR Business Partner – Retail Corporate

Al Futtaim Group; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the retail sector seeks an experienced HR Business Partner to oversee HR operations in Saudi Arabia. The role involves strategic planning for business expansions, compliance with labor laws, and ensuring effective HR practices in line with corporate policies. The ideal candidate should possess strong HR experience and Arabic language skills.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Providing strategic oversight of HR operations in retail.
• Ensuring compliance with local legislation.
• Collaborating on headcount proposals for new stores.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Consultancy skills

Conflict resolution skills

Commercial acumen

Solution-focused approach

Education

Tertiary or CIPD qualified

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 include 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 South East 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 strategic oversight of business development to ensure the existing business is prepared for expansion and new stores have the necessary competencies to deliver. You will design, develop, and implement relevant HR strategies and practices that align with best retail practices and comply with Group HR policies.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Ensuring the HR function of the brand complies with local legislation.
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 current operations 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 integrate the People agenda into overall business strategies and plans.
8. Acting as a trusted business partner and coach to the country management team.

Qualifications and experience required:

• Preferably tertiary or CIPD qualified.
• Minimum of five years of generalist HR experience within retail, ideally in Saudi Arabia.
• Extensive HR operations experience in Saudi Arabia.
• Knowledge of Arabic is essential.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to influence stakeholders.
• Energetic, solution-focused approach.
• Excellent consultancy and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong commercial acumen.

About The Company

Established in the 1930s, the Al-Futtaim Group began as a trading enterprise. Rapid development in the 1940s and 50s established it as a regional leader in commerce, industry, and services. Today, it operates over 40 companies across the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Egypt.

The Group consists of diverse subsidiaries and associate companies, structured to maintain flexibility and competitiveness in evolving markets. Its investment in world-class systems demonstrates its commitment to performance and service excellence.

The success of the Al-Futtaim Group stems from a business approach that combines adaptability with core values of integrity, service, and social responsibility. The Group emphasizes decentralization, granting operational autonomy to its leaders and fostering a culture of responsibility among employees.