People & Culture Assistant Manager (Saudi Only)

About the Role / About the Job
The company is seeking an experienced, proactive, and people-focused People & Culture Assistant Manager to join our pre-opening leadership team. This position is designed for an accomplished hospitality Human Resources professional with strong operational knowledge, leadership capabilities, and the ability to independently manage key People & Culture functions. Reporting directly to the People & Culture Manager, the successful candidate will serve as the department's second-in-command, overseeing daily HR operations, supporting strategic People & Culture initiatives, and ensuring full compliance with Saudi Labor Law, the company policies, and brand standards. As part of the resort's pre-opening team, the People & Culture Assistant Manager will play a critical role in establishing HR operations, implementing systems and procedures, coordinating workforce mobilization, and developing a strong Heartist culture.

Key Responsibilities
People & Culture Leadership & Operations

• Act as the second-in-command of the People & Culture department, supporting the People & Culture Manager in managing all departmental functions.
• Independently oversee daily HR operations, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Provide professional HR guidance and operational support to department heads and management.
• Supervise assigned People & Culture team members, ensuring accountability and effective task execution.
• Represent the People & Culture department in operational meetings when delegated.
• Support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of HR policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Identify operational challenges and recommend effective solutions to enhance HR service delivery.
• Ensure a professional, confidential, and service-oriented approach across all People & Culture activities.

Pre-Opening People & Culture Management

• Support the execution of the resort's People & Culture pre-opening critical path and manpower mobilization plan.
• Coordinate the establishment of HR operational systems, processes, documentation, and reporting structures.
• Oversee pre-opening recruitment coordination, employee onboarding, and joining formalities.
• Work closely with department heads to ensure staffing requirements are fulfilled in accordance with approved manpower plans.
• Support the implementation of the company and brand People & Culture standards and brand requirements.
• Coordinate the preparation of employee facilities, orientation programs, and HR operational readiness.
• Monitor pre-opening milestones, identify potential delays, and recommend corrective actions.
• Support the development of departmental SOPs, HR forms, employee handbooks, and internal policies.

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning

• Oversee recruitment activities, including vacancy advertisements, candidate screening, interviews, reference checks, and employment offers.
• Coordinate recruitment activities through SmartRecruiters and other approved platforms.
• Monitor recruitment progress, hiring timelines, and manpower requirements.
• Partner with department heads to identify recruitment priorities and workforce needs.
• Review employment offers, contracts, and joining documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain recruitment reports and provide regular hiring updates to the People & Culture Manager.
• Support workforce planning, internal mobility, and talent development initiatives.

Employee Relations & Labor Law Compliance

• Provide guidance on employee relations matters, workplace policies, and Saudi Labor Law requirements.
• Support grievance handling, disciplinary procedures, workplace investigations, and conflict resolution.
• Ensure employee relations processes are conducted fairly, consistently, and in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Advise department heads on appropriate HR procedures and employee management practices.
• Monitor employment contract compliance, probation periods, resignations, and termination procedures.
• Coordinate with Government Relations on employment-related regulatory requirements.
• Support Saudization monitoring and compliance with applicable workforce localization requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation of employee relations matters and compliance activities.

Payroll, Compensation & Benefits

• Oversee the preparation and verification of monthly payroll inputs in coordination with Finance.
• Review attendance records, overtime, leave balances, allowances, deductions, and payroll adjustments.
• Ensure accuracy of employee data within HR and payroll systems.
• Coordinate employee benefits administration, medical insurance, and employment-related entitlements.
• Review end-of-service benefit calculations, final settlements, and separation documentation.
• Ensure payroll administration and employee entitlements comply with applicable Saudi Labor Law requirements.
• Identify payroll discrepancies and coordinate timely corrective actions.

Performance Management & Heartist Development

• Support the implementation of performance management processes, probation reviews, and annual appraisals.
• Guide department heads on performance documentation and employee development procedures.
• Coordinate with the Training Supervisor on onboarding, mandatory training, and development initiatives.
• Support talent identification, succession planning, and career development programs.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional development.

Heartist Engagement & Workplace Culture

• Promote the company's Heartist philosophy and foster a positive, inclusive, and engaging workplace environment.
• Support employee engagement, recognition, welfare, and well-being initiatives.
• Coordinate internal communication activities and employee events.
• Act as a trusted point of contact for Heartists seeking HR guidance and support.
• Monitor employee feedback and recommend initiatives to improve engagement and retention.
• Support a workplace culture that reflects the resort's luxury hospitality values.

HR Systems, Reporting & Compliance

• Oversee the accuracy and maintenance of employee records within HR information systems.
• Prepare and review HR reports covering headcount, turnover, recruitment, attendance, leave balances, and Saudization.
• Ensure employee personnel files, employment contracts, and regulatory documentation are complete and updated.
• Support HR audits, compliance reviews, and internal reporting requirements.
• Monitor HR-related deadlines and ensure timely completion of required actions.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and compliance with applicable data protection requirements.
• Perform additional People & Culture management responsibilities as assigned by the People & Culture Manager.

Qualifications
Education & Professional Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 3–4 years of progressive Human Resources experience, preferably within the hotel or hospitality industry.
• Previous experience within luxury hotels, resorts, or internationally recognized hospitality brands is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to independently manage daily HR operations and provide professional guidance to department heads.
• Strong practical knowledge of Saudi Labor Law, employment regulations, and Saudization requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in employee relations, recruitment, payroll coordination, performance management, and HR administration.
• Previous hotel or resort pre-opening experience is a strong advantage.
• Hands-on familiarity with Saudi government platforms, including Qiwa, GOSI, and Mudad.
• Experience using HRIS, payroll systems, and recruitment platforms.
• Familiarity with the company's People & Culture systems and SmartRecruiters is an advantage.
• Professional HR certifications such as CIPD, SHRM, or equivalent are desirable.

Leadership & Professional Competencies

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities with the confidence to manage HR operations independently.
• Strong understanding of hospitality HR operations and employee relations.
• Excellent knowledge of Saudi Labor Law and employment compliance.
• Excellent command of English and Arabic, both written and spoken.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to advise department heads and handle sensitive HR matters professionally.
• Strong analytical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professional judgment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Ability to supervise, coach, and support junior HR team members.
• Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and initiative.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced pre-opening environment.
• Passion for people development, employee engagement, and luxury hospitality.

Additional Information
Why Join the company?
Joining the company means becoming part of an exciting pre-opening journey and contributing to the creation of a distinctive luxury hospitality destination in Riyadh.
As part of the company and the global family, you will have the opportunity to:

• Be part of a dynamic and passionate pre-opening team.
• Lead the establishment and development of restaurant and bar operations within a new luxury eco-resort.
• Contribute to creating distinctive dining concepts and personalized guest experiences.
• Play an important role in shaping Food & Beverage service standards and operational excellence.
• Develop and lead a high-performing restaurant and bar team.
• Support innovative and sustainable dining and beverage initiatives.
• Grow professionally within an internationally recognized hospitality group.
• Experience a collaborative, inclusive, and people-focused working environment.
• Access learning and development opportunities within the company.
• Enjoy applicable ALL Heartists employee benefits and recognition programs.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
At the company, we believe in creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued. We are committed to equal opportunities and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Join us and be part of the journey!
Job-Category: Talent & Culture
Job Type: Permanent
Job Schedule: Full-Time