Human Resources Director / Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

Confidential; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution seeks a strategic and people-focused CHRO / HR Director to shape and execute HR strategy. This role requires extensive HR experience, specifically in educational environments, to oversee talent strategy, culture, and compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in organizational development and change management, equipped with excellent leadership skills. This full-time position is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12–15 years of HR experience, with at least 5–7 years in a senior leadership or director-level role.
• Prior experience within educational institutions or academic environments is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Saudi labor law and education sector regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive HR strategy aligned with the organization’s educational mission.
• Oversee recruitment strategies for academic and leadership roles.
• Drive HR transformation initiatives to support institutional growth.

Skills

Organizational development

Change management

Talent strategy

Stakeholder management

Data-driven mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Education Management

Master’s degree

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a strategic and people-focused CHRO / HR Director to lead the human resources function for a confidential educational organization. The role is responsible for shaping and executing the HR strategy in alignment with academic excellence, institutional growth, and regulatory compliance. The CHRO will act as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, overseeing talent strategy, organizational development, culture, and HR governance across the institution.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive HR strategy aligned with the organization’s educational mission and long-term objectives.
• Serve as a strategic partner to executive leadership on workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, and culture.
• Lead HR transformation initiatives to support institutional growth and operational excellence.

Talent Management & Workforce Planning

• Oversee recruitment strategies for academic, administrative, and leadership roles.
• Lead succession planning, leadership development, and performance management frameworks.
• Ensure effective onboarding, retention, and employee engagement programs.

Organizational Development & Culture

• Design and implement organizational structures that support academic delivery and operational efficiency.
• Drive organizational development initiatives, change management, and capability building.
• Promote a values-driven culture focused on collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Compensation, Benefits & Performance

• Develop and oversee competitive compensation and benefits frameworks aligned with market benchmarks.
• Ensure effective performance management systems that support accountability and development.
• Oversee reward, recognition, and incentive programs.

Employee Relations & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Saudi labor law, Ministry of Education regulations, and internal policies.
• Manage employee relations, disciplinary matters, and grievance processes.
• Oversee HR policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.

HR Operations & Systems

• Oversee HR operations, payroll coordination, HR systems, and data reporting.
• Drive HR analytics and dashboards to support data-driven decision-making.
• Ensure confidentiality, data integrity, and HR process efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Education Management, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 12–15 years of HR experience, with at least 5–7 years in a senior leadership or director-level role.
• Prior experience within educational institutions or academic environments is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Saudi labor law and education sector regulations.
• Proven experience in organizational development, change management, and talent strategy.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic HR leadership and advisory capability.
• Organizational design and change management expertise.
• Strong judgment, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive cultural alignment.
• Data-driven mindset with strong people analytics capability.

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Human Resources

Industries

• Higher Education, Education, and Primary and Secondary Education