HR Director at AstraZeneca – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

AstraZeneca, the global biopharmaceutical leader, is actively recruiting for an HR Director to be based in its Riyadh, Saudi Arabia office. This is a prominent leadership opportunity to join one of the world's most innovative and impactful pharmaceutical companies, contributing directly to its mission of improving the lives of millions through pioneering treatments.

Job Overview

The HR Director will hold a key leadership position within the Human Resources function for the Saudi market, a strategic and growing region for AstraZeneca. The role is responsible for leading and executing comprehensive HR strategies that align with the broader business objectives of AstraZeneca in the Kingdom. This position operates in a dynamic, fast-paced healthcare environment, requiring a deep understanding of local context and Saudi labor regulations, coupled with knowledge of the company's global standards.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Strategic HR Leadership: Develop and lead the local HR plan and strategy that supports business goals and growth ambitions in Saudi Arabia.
• Business Partnership: Act as a strategic partner to local managers and leadership to understand business needs and translate them into effective HR initiatives in areas such as talent acquisition, development, and performance management.
• Talent Acquisition & Retention: Lead recruitment efforts to attract top talent in the Saudi market, while ensuring an exceptional employee experience that fosters retention and engagement.
• Learning & Development: Design and implement leadership and talent development programs to build strong succession pipelines and ensure workforce readiness for future demands.
• Culture & Values: Champion AstraZeneca's culture of innovation, integrity, and patient-focus, ensuring company values are embedded in daily practices.
• Performance & Reward Management: Oversee performance management systems and review compensation and reward structures to ensure they are competitive and fair within the local market.
• Compliance & Industrial Relations: Ensure full compliance with all Saudi labor laws and regulations, and manage industrial relations effectively.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Education: A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field. A Master's degree (e.g., MBA or MSc in HR) is a significant advantage.
• Experience: Proven track record of 10-12 years in Human Resources, with at least 5 years in a leadership role (e.g., HR Manager or Senior HR Manager) within a multinational corporation. Experience in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, or biotech sector is highly desired and often a prerequisite.
• Local Expertise: In-depth understanding of the Saudi labor market, employment laws, and cultural business practices.
• Leadership Skills: Exceptional leadership and influencing abilities, with excellent communication skills in both English and Arabic.
• Strategic Orientation: Ability to connect HR strategies to business outcomes, with strong strategic thinking and complex problem-solving skills.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong familiarity with HR Information Systems (HRIS) and modern HR analytics tools.

Why Join AstraZeneca?

Joining AstraZeneca means working for an organization that places scientific innovation and patient well-being at the heart of its mission. The company offers a stimulating work environment that supports professional growth and personal development. Employees work on projects with real impact on public health in a strategically priority region like Saudi Arabia.

How to Apply

Applications for this position are processed through the specialized online platform Naukrigulf. Please search for the job listing under "HR Director - AstraZeneca - Riyadh" or via the direct link if available. Ensure you prepare an updated, clear English CV that highlights your leadership experience in HR within the healthcare sector, quantifying achievements where possible. Your cover letter (if applicable) should reflect your understanding of the pharmaceutical sector's role in Saudi Vision 2030 and how you can contribute to AstraZeneca's local success.

Location: Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Job Type: Full-time.