HR Operations & Recruiting Coordinator

About Cognition

Cognition is an applied AI lab focused on building software agents that can handle work end to end. The company created Devin, described as the first AI software engineer, and Windsurf, an AI-native IDE. Its long-term aim is to create collaborative AI teammates that help engineers spend more time on higher-value problems and support teams in tackling bigger ambitions.

The organisation is intentionally small but highly capable, with founders and leaders who have experience at companies and research groups such as Scale AI, Palantir, Cursor, Waymo, Tesla, Lunchclub, Modal, Google DeepMind, and Nuro.

This role is a contract position in Riyadh, with the possibility of becoming permanent after 6 months.

Role Overview

Cognition is looking for a highly organised HR and Recruiting Coordinator with international experience and strong attention to detail. The role supports recruiting and people operations across MENA and APAC, working closely with recruiters, hiring managers, and global People teams to ensure a smooth experience for candidates and employees.

This opportunity is especially suited to a Saudi national who wants to grow a career in international HR or talent operations within a fast-growing technology company.

Responsibilities

• Arrange and manage interviews across MENA, APAC, Europe, and the US, while handling multiple time zones accurately and promptly.
• Act as a main contact for candidates in international markets and maintain a strong candidate experience from first outreach to offer stage.
• Keep candidate records current in the ATS and ensure information is entered correctly and on time.
• Support recruiters with interview coordination, feedback gathering, and offer-related logistics for international hiring.
• Assist with onboarding for new employees across MENA and APAC in coordination with local partners and global People Ops teams.
• Help with offboarding and employee lifecycle updates across different regions.
• Maintain accurate employee information in HR systems for international teams.
• Support compliance monitoring with local advisers and internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to the implementation of global people policies while accounting for local market needs.
• Work with the International People team to improve and standardise recruiting and HR workflows.
• Support reporting on hiring activity, time to hire, and other operational measures.
• Spot gaps in processes across regions and help create scalable, repeatable solutions.
• Assist with cross-regional people initiatives as the company expands globally.

Requirements

• Saudi nationality is mandatory.
• A bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or a closely related field is required.
• 1 to 3 years of experience in recruiting coordination, HR operations, or international people support is preferred.
• Experience working across multiple regions or time zones is a strong advantage.
• Excellent organisational ability and a very strong eye for detail are essential.
• Comfort with ATS and HRIS tools such as Lever, Greenhouse, Workday, or similar systems is preferred.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills in both English and Arabic are required.
• The candidate should be professional, discreet, and comfortable handling confidential information.
• Adaptability, initiative, and the ability to work in a fast-moving global environment are important.

Why Join Cognition

• Gain exposure to recruiting and people operations across MENA and APAC.
• Work directly with global Talent and People leadership.
• Build a long-term international HR career from Riyadh.
• Take part in scaling a leading AI company worldwide.
• Enjoy strong potential for the role to grow as international operations expand.

Equal Opportunity

Cognition is an equal opportunity employer. Hiring decisions are made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under law. Reasonable accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities during the hiring process.