Payroll Manager, Raffles & Fairmont The Red Sea

Company Overview

Raffles & Fairmont The Red Sea is part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Red Sea Project and will welcome guests to two environmentally focused resorts. The destination includes 361 rooms, 11 unique dining experiences, an overwater restaurant overlooking the Red Sea and mangroves, and a spa.

Raffles The Red Sea is designed as a haven of understated elegance and lasting luxury, set within the remarkable Red Sea destination. It combines Raffles’ signature warm service and attention to detail with the natural landscape and sustainability vision of Red Sea Global to create a refined retreat for discerning travelers.

Role Summary

This position is for a meticulous and well-organized Payroll Manager to join the finance function at Raffles & Fairmont The Red Sea in Umluj, Saudi Arabia. The role is responsible for managing payroll across luxury hospitality properties, ensuring payments are processed accurately and on schedule, while also maintaining full adherence to Saudi labor regulations. The role also involves leading payroll initiatives, supervising a team, and acting as an important point of coordination between Human Resources, Finance, and operational teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Run the complete payroll cycle for employees across multiple properties, making sure every payroll is accurate and processed on time.
• Ensure payroll practices comply with Saudi labor legislation, related regulations, and internal company policies.
• Guide, support, train, and review the payroll team’s performance.
• Keep employee payroll records and supporting documents complete, current, and accurate.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and quickly identify and resolve differences or errors.
• Compile payroll summaries, analysis, and variance reports for leadership review.
• Work closely with Human Resources and Finance to address payroll matters and close issues efficiently.
• Handle salary payments and oversee payroll tax responsibilities.
• Respond to employee payroll questions and resolve issues professionally and discreetly.
• Keep up to date with changes in labor laws, tax rules, and payroll best practices.
• Develop and maintain payroll controls and audit processes.
• Use payroll software and HRIS platforms to improve efficiency and streamline operations.

Qualifications and Requirements

• At least 3 years of payroll management experience in a multi-property or similarly complex organization.
• Strong working knowledge of Saudi Arabia labor laws, compliance rules, and payroll regulations.
• Hands-on experience with payroll processing tools and systems.
• Excellent analytical and numeracy skills with a sharp eye for detail.
• Advanced Excel skills and the ability to analyze data effectively.
• Prior experience leading and developing payroll teams.
• Familiarity with HRIS platforms.
• Strong planning, organization, and time management abilities.
• Clear communication and strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information responsibly.
• Preferred experience in the hospitality sector.
• Preferred experience handling payroll for multinational or multicultural teams.
• Preferred knowledge of international payroll processes.
• Experience in pre-opening operations is required.
• Applicants should be proactive, take ownership, and demonstrate strong accountability.
• Professional grooming and presentation must align with luxury standards.
• Understanding of ultra-luxury guest expectations and brand alignment is important.
• Experience in project coordination, scheduling, and document control during pre-opening stages is expected.

Additional Information

The role calls for someone who can work in a high-standard luxury environment and support the property through its pre-opening phase with strong coordination, planning, and attention to detail.