HR Manager

About Uplift

Uplift is a dynamic agency specializing in global talent search, covering EMEA, LATAM, USA, and APAC. With successful placements in 59 countries, we combine speed and cutting-edge technology to source top executive and mid-senior talent across various functions. Our innovative approach integrates global networks, AI, and advanced recruitment tools. Beyond recruitment, we engage with our audience through our podcast, newsletter, and webinars, ensuring we stay at the forefront of talent acquisition and global HR trends.

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Industry: Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) / Food & Beverage
Work Model: On-site
Experience: Minimum 8–10 years
Travel Requirement: Approximately 25%

We are partnering with a leading, fast-growing regional Food & Beverage group to recruit an experienced HR Manager for its Saudi Arabia operations.

With an established presence across more than 60 locations in the Kingdom and ambitious expansion plans, our client is looking for a hands-on HR professional to lead day-to-day HR operations, strengthen people processes, and support continued business growth.

Reporting directly to the Chief People Officer, the successful candidate will oversee HR activities across multiple locations and manage a team of two direct reports.

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Key Responsibilities:HR Operations & Employee Lifecycle

• Oversee end-to-end HR operations, including onboarding, employee documentation, transfers, promotions, and offboarding.
• Manage payroll coordination, attendance, leave administration, employee benefits, and HRIS data accuracy.
• Ensure consistent and efficient HR service delivery across multiple locations.

Compliance & Government Relations

• Ensure compliance with Saudi labor laws, employment regulations, and statutory requirements.
• Lead Saudization initiatives, monitor Nitaqat compliance, and support nationalization targets.
• Oversee visa, work permit, and residency processes through the Government Relations team.
• Manage HR-related audits and proactively address compliance risks.

Recruitment & Workforce Planning

• Coordinate high-volume local and international recruitment in partnership with recruitment agencies.
• Support workforce planning, manpower budgeting, and headcount forecasting.
• Ensure effective employee mobilization and onboarding across operational locations.

Employee Relations & Business Partnering

• Partner closely with Operations and restaurant management teams on employee-related matters.
• Manage employee relations, disciplinary processes, conflict resolution, and workplace investigations.
• Implement initiatives to improve employee engagement, retention, and overall employee experience.
• Provide HR guidance to operational leaders in a fast-paced, multi-site environment.

HR Systems & Reporting

• Maintain accurate employee records and HRIS data.
• Monitor and report on key HR metrics, including headcount, attrition, absenteeism, and workforce costs.
• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, policies, and operational efficiency.

Candidate Requirements:

• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive HR experience, ideally within QSR, F&B, retail, or hospitality.
• Proven experience managing HR operations across multiple locations and a sizeable frontline workforce.
• Strong working knowledge of Saudi labor laws, Saudization, Nitaqat, payroll, and HR compliance.
• Hands-on experience in employee relations, HR administration, and workforce planning.
• Experience coordinating high-volume recruitment, overseas hiring, and employee mobilization.
• Previous experience managing Government Relations / PRO activities.
• Proficiency in HRIS platforms (ideally Zoho People) and strong Excel/reporting skills.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, operationally intensive environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related discipline. Professional HR certifications are an advantage.

Why Join?

• Take ownership of HR operations within a rapidly expanding, multi-location business.
• Work directly with senior leadership and influence people practices across the Kingdom.
• Play a key role in supporting business expansion and workforce development.
• Join a dynamic, growth-oriented organization with significant regional ambitions.

Additional Information: Saudi nationals are preferred for the HR Manager role.

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