Senior Specialist, HR Operations

Role overview

This position is responsible for overseeing and enhancing HR operations so that employee services are delivered accurately, on time, and in line with applicable rules and internal standards. The role covers employee lifecycle administration, HR transactions, onboarding and exit processes, HR data quality, HR systems support, payroll and benefits coordination, and implementation of HR policies. It works closely with HR Business Partners, payroll, IT, and other stakeholders to improve efficiency, maintain strong service levels, and support reporting for business decisions.

Azad Properties & RED Malls are seeking an experienced, detail-focused Senior Specialist, HR Operations to strengthen the HR function.

Reporting to the HR Director, the selected candidate will take ownership of operational HR processes and drive continuous improvement across the function.

The scope includes employee records management, Saudi government HR platforms, HR systems, payroll coordination, benefits administration, employee data governance, Saudization support, reporting, and process enhancement.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee the complete employee journey, covering joining, transfers, promotions, secondments, contract extensions, and exit processing.
• Deliver a well-structured onboarding process by arranging employment paperwork, medical checks, induction, system access, ID cards, equipment, and other required items.
• Process employee movements and updates through Qiwa, GOSI, Muqeem, and other relevant Saudi government systems.
• Administer contracts, transfers, profession changes, work permits, Iqama renewals, exit/re-entry visas, and final departure formalities.
• Keep personnel files accurate, complete, secure, and confidential.
• Carry out HR data governance activities, including routine audits, discrepancy checks, and updates across HR platforms.
• Support and administer HR systems, especially SAP SuccessFactors, including Employee Central transactions, workflow handling, reporting, end-user support, testing, and data maintenance.
• Work with Payroll to ensure correct and timely processing of salaries, allowances, deductions, overtime, leave, statutory deductions, and final settlements.
• Review and resolve payroll inconsistencies and employee payroll questions.
• Manage employee benefits, medical insurance, leave, and attendance administration, including enrollments, removals, and benefit changes.
• Coordinate business travel across the organisation, including flight reservations, ticket changes, cancellations, and dealings with travel agencies.
• Track Saudization and Nitaqat performance, identify ways to improve localisation rates, and maintain compliance with official requirements.
• Support applications for HRDF and other government employment/localisation support schemes and help the organisation maximise available benefits.
• Ensure adherence to the Saudi Labour Law, government regulations, internal controls, company procedures, and audit expectations.
• Create, update, and maintain HR policies, SOPs, workflows, and process documents.
• Prepare HR reports and dashboards on headcount, turnover, joiners, leavers, Saudization, movement trends, absence, and data-quality measures.
• Lead initiatives focused on process improvement, digitisation, and automation to raise efficiency, service quality, and cost effectiveness.
• Contribute to HR projects, system rollouts, process redesign work, and organisational change initiatives.
• Offer first-level support to employees and managers on HR policies, systems, benefits, and procedures.
• Oversee HR service vendors such as medical insurance providers, medical centres, background-check providers, and travel agencies.
• Assist with internal and external HR audits and ensure employee records are complete, accurate, and retained appropriately.
• Guide and support junior HR Operations team members and contribute to knowledge transfer and capability building.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• At least 5–7 years of experience in HR Operations, HR Administration, HRIS, or HR shared services, including senior or specialist-level responsibility.
• Practical experience with Qiwa, GOSI, and Muqeem.
• Strong working knowledge of the Saudi Labour Law, Nitaqat, Saudization rules, and government employment regulations.
• Demonstrated success in monitoring and improving Saudization levels and using localisation or employment support programmes.
• Hands-on exposure to SAP SuccessFactors, preferably Employee Central, workflows, employee data handling, and reporting.
• Solid experience in payroll coordination, employee benefits, medical insurance, leave, and attendance administration.
• Advanced Excel ability and experience building HR dashboards, workforce reports, and data analyses.
• Strong spoken and written communication skills in both Arabic and English.
• High standards of confidentiality, accuracy, integrity, and professional judgement.

Preferred qualifications

• Background in real estate, retail, or a multi-site business environment.
• Experience in HR process automation, digital transformation, and HRIS integrations.
• Exposure to HR system implementations, testing, and process improvements.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and stakeholder management skills.

Personal attributes

• Focused on service quality and committed to a positive employee experience.
• Well organised and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proactive, practical, and comfortable operating in a changing environment.
• Team-oriented, accountable, and able to build effective working relationships at all levels.
• Dedicated to ongoing improvement and professional growth.

Equal opportunity statement

Azad Properties & Red Malls are equal opportunity employers and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates.