Senior Manager, Strategic Workforce Planning and Localization - Saudi Arabia

Overview

This role involves leading strategic workforce planning and localization initiatives across Saudi Arabia. The position requires developing comprehensive workforce plans aligned with business growth and localization mandates, focusing on Saudi talent development and compliance with labor regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage comprehensive workforce strategies across Saudi Arabia to ensure alignment with business expansion, operational requirements, cost efficiencies, and Saudization priorities.
• Analyze workforce demand and supply across key departments and job levels, including critical and leadership roles affected by Saudization.
• Deliver actionable insights on workforce shortages, talent gaps, readiness issues, and localization compliance risks using data analytics, dashboards, headcount models, attrition patterns, productivity metrics, and scenario planning.
• Conduct detailed reviews of hotel talent, evaluating successor readiness, movement plans, and timelines, while ensuring follow-up on review outcomes.
• Design and implement a localization roadmap that complies with Saudi labor laws and supports the hotel pipeline development.
• Establish governance frameworks, standards, and tools to guide localization planning and measurement across all hotels.
• Monitor and identify compliance risks early, collaborating with HR and Operations teams to recommend risk mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate with Talent Acquisition to prioritize recruitment of Saudi nationals and embed these practices within hotel HR processes.
• Partner with Talent and Leadership divisions to emphasize the development of Saudi talent aligned with organizational objectives.
• Initiate and oversee local talent development programs, including Management Development, Women in Leadership, and Saudi Ambassador initiatives.
• Collaborate with Openings, Operations, and HR teams to anticipate staffing needs for upcoming hotel openings, particularly in secondary cities.
• Work with EMEA Talent and Leadership teams to integrate global/regional development programs and promote participation of Saudi talent.
• Ensure cohesive integration between local initiatives and regional/global programs to deliver scalable talent development solutions.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with relevant Saudi ministries, acting as the lead contact for national talent development, localization, and capability enhancement.
• Provide senior leadership with country-level talent analytics, progress tracking, and workforce insights in partnership with Talent and Leadership Development teams.
• Drive change management efforts by tracking program impact, adjusting initiatives as needed, and influencing stakeholders through data-driven recommendations.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in Human Resources and Talent Management, ideally 10+ years.
• Proven track record in creating talent pipelines, developing leaders, and executing comprehensive workforce planning initiatives.
• Data-oriented with the ability to transform analysis into actionable plans.
• Strong skills in influencing senior leadership within complex matrix organizations.
• Effective communicator and collaborator with diverse stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of Saudi labor market dynamics, localization policies, and government regulations.