Manager - Human Resources (Saudi National)

Air Arabia; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading airline is seeking an HR Manager for their new hub in Saudi Arabia. The candidate should have at least 10 years of HR experience, with a strong focus on leadership, compliance with local labor laws, and excellent communication skills in both Arabic and English. Responsibilities include managing HR functions, recruitment strategies, and performance management initiatives. This role emphasizes fostering a high-performance culture and promoting diversity within the workforce.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years of progressive HR experience with 5 years in a managerial role.
• Strong knowledge of Saudi labor law and regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience in HR strategies implementation.
• High proficiency in Excel and HR analytics.
• Excellent communication skills in English & Arabic.

Responsibilities

• Lead all HR activities in support of the airline hub's business objectives.
• Develop and execute recruitment strategies for talent acquisition.
• Drive annual performance management cycle and HR projects.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks and HR best practices.
• Champion inclusion, respect, and teamwork within the organization.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

HR analytics

Communication in Arabic

Communication in English

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human resources/business administration

MBA

CIPD/SHRM/CHRP

Tools

SAP SuccessFactors

Oracle

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Purpose

The HR Manager is responsible for leading and managing all HR function for the new airline hub in Saudi Arabia. The role ensures that all HR activities including Recruitment, Talent Management, Employee Services, Payroll, Regulatory Compliances, Performance Management, and Employee Relations are effectively executed in alignment with the Central HR team and company’s strategic objectives and labour regulations.

As a key member of the HR team, the HR Manager acts as a trusted advisor to business heads and line managers, fosters a high-performance culture, drives employee engagement, and supports organizational growth.

Key Result Responsibilities

• Act as the HR focal point for the airline hub, ensuring HR strategy supports overall business growth and operational excellence.
• Partner with senior management to forecast manpower requirements, develop workforce plans, and ensure timely talent availability.
• Drive HR projects, policies, and initiatives in line with company objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and execute recruitment strategies to attract, assess, and onboard top talent (Saudi Nationals and expatriates).
• Build partnerships with universities, aviation academies, and recruitment agencies to develop a strong talent pipeline.
• Ensure effective implementation of Saudization/Nitaqat requirements and workforce localization initiatives.
• Serve as the first point of contact for employee relations issues, ensuring fair, transparent, and legally compliant resolution.
• Oversee HR operations including contracts, onboarding, offboarding, HR records, Payroll process and staff documentation in line with KSA labour law.

Performance Management & Organizational Development

• Drive the annual performance management cycle, ensuring consistency, fairness, and alignment with business objectives.
• Work with the Central team on Strategic HR initiatives related to Organization development initiatives, Learning & Development, Compensation, Budgeting, HR Systems /Automation and implementing best practices.
• Oversee payroll processing in line with Mudad/WPS requirements, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Benchmark compensation and benefits against regional airlines to remain competitive.
• Manage allowances, incentives, and reward schemes to retain critical talent. Identify skills gaps and training needs to support operational readiness and business growth.

• Collaborate with the Air Arabia Academy/other institutes for training, certification, and leadership development programs. Implement career development and succession planning frameworks.

• Ensure HR practices comply with Saudi Labor Law, GOSI, Qiwa, Mudad, and other regulatory frameworks.
• Maintain strong relationships with external government authorities, auditors, and legal bodies.
• Monitor HR metrics and prepare reports for senior leadership, ensuring data-driven decision-making.

• Champion the airline’s values and culture, promoting inclusion, respect, and teamwork.
• Implement employee recognition programs and internal communication initiatives.
• Promote diversity and support women’s participation in the aviation workforce.

Qualifications (Academic, training, languages)

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources /business administration or Similar qualification. MBA is preferred.
• CIPD/SHRM/CHRP or equivalent preferred. Knowledge of HR systems (SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle or similar) is an advantage.

Work Experience

• Minimum 10+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 5 years in a managerial role leading a team with multiple HR function responsibilities. Airline/aviation industry experience is highly desirable but not a mandatory.
• Strong knowledge of Saudi labor law and regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing HR strategies in a multinational/regional setting.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office and HR systems; advanced Excel and HR analytics skills required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in English & Arabic is a must
• Strategic thinker with strong execution capability.
• Culturally aware and able to balance corporate standards with local practices.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and decision-making skills.
• Result-oriented, agile, and able to handle a fast-paced aviation environment.