Associate Director - HR (KSA)

Job Description The HR Lead for Saudi Arabia will lead Country HR strategy and execution and will represent HR on the Country Leadership Team. Working as part of a multi\-national HR team, the HR Lead is responsible for advising business leaders on the organization’s people strategies, executing HR programs and by providing effective HR solutions and services. **Primary responsibilities:** * Represent HR on the Saudi Country Leadership Team. * Understand key business strategies and environment, HR implications and develop and implement HR plans accordingly. * As part of a multi\-national team guide business leaders on building and driving implementation of HR strategy in the areas of talent management, employee development, culture employee engagement, diversity, equity and inclusion, total compensation management, performance management. * Execute global divisional organizational, talent and divisional strategies * Support the company in being seen as an employer of choice in our markets and support initiatives to attract key talent to the company. * Ensure effective compliance with employment legislation, and supporting effective employee relations * Drive continued transformation in HR Operating model; identifying opportunities to improve and streamline HR processes and tools. * Collaborate effectively within the HR model with all HR CoEs, operations and divisional colleagues, as well as other support functions to ensure effective support of the businesses. * Develop and maintain strong relationships with key external stakeholders and the Levant HR community. Qualifications and Skills * Degree level qualification or equivalent in Human Resource Management, Business or similar * More than 5 years of experience working in in the area of Human Resources management, as HRBP, HR Manager/ HR Lead * Successful track record as an advisor and counsellor to business leaders and ability to influence employees at all levels, to design and implement HR solutions for local requirements and drive cultural transformation * Experience working in international organizations and working with matrix organizations. * Proven track record of introducing and implementing human resources policies that are pragmatic and effective. * Solid foundation in core HR processes (talent management, engagement, compensation benefits, performance management, recruitment). * Strong knowledge of Saudi Arabia labor market and regulations * Excellent leadership and influencing skills, including the ability to coach and counsel senior leaders * Excellent written and oral communication skills. Proficiency in English and Arabic essential * Strong prioritization, resilience and change agent mindset * Strong teamwork and collaboration * Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural awareness, ability to create engaging and positive environment **Required Skills:** Change Management, Confidential Data Handling, Diversity and Inclusion (DI), Employee Development, Headcount Forecasting, Human Resources (HR) Technology, Human Resources Analytics, Localization for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Succession Planning, Talent Strategy, Workforce Planning **Preferred Skills:** Current Employees applyHERE Current Contingent Workers applyHERE Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully Merck Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre\-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. **Employee Status:** Regular **Relocation:** **VISA Sponsorship:** **Travel Requirements:** **Flexible Work Arrangements:** Hybrid **Shift:** **Valid Driving License:** **Hazardous Material(s):** **Job Posting End Date:** 08/31/2026\*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the dayBEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the dayBEFORE the job posting end date. **Requisition ID:** R412344