About the Principal HR Transformation Role

Mercer IMEA is seeking a Principal – HR Transformation to join its HR Transformation practice in Riyadh or Dubai. This full-time role involves working with leading organizations across the Middle East to redefine their HR functions, develop transformation strategies, and implement lasting changes. The Principal will collaborate with senior leaders and a network of consultants, applying Mercer’s established methodologies and insights to complex HR challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue HR transformation opportunities in the market, partnering with senior consultants and client leaders.
• Lead client discussions on Mercer’s HR Transformation offerings and value proposition.
• Prepare proposals and present Mercer’s capabilities to executive-level stakeholders.
• Support deal closure, including negotiation of engagement terms, Statements of Work (SOWs), and engagement letters.
• Lead end-to-end delivery of HR transformation engagements as a program manager and client advisor.
• Manage project economics, timelines, and budgets while ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Guide and mentor delivery teams, ensuring strong analysis, clear insights, and impactful recommendations.
• Oversee research, benchmarking, data analysis, and deliverables that support client decision-making.
• Contribute to Mercer’s thought leadership, methodology development, and sales pipeline.
• Serve as a mentor and role model for junior team members.
• Help strengthen Mercer’s presence and value proposition across the region.

Project Scope and Impact

This role involves leading strategic client conversations and driving major transformation programs. Projects will span various areas including HR strategy, operating model design, organizational design, shared services, process redesign, technology enablement, vendor selection, readiness assessments, and implementation support. The Principal will contribute to shaping operating models and helping clients build more agile, effective, and future-ready HR functions.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• 10+ years of consulting experience in HR transformation, acquired in either external consulting or internal advisory roles.
• At least 5 years of experience leading large-scale programs with multiple workstreams.
• Strong expertise in at least three of the following areas: HR strategy, HR technology, organizational design, operating models, process redesign, organizational effectiveness, or employee experience.
• Broad understanding of the full HR lifecycle, including talent, rewards, performance, and related disciplines.
• Strong knowledge of HR systems such as Workday, SAP, SuccessFactors, or Oracle.
• Experience with technologies supporting HR functions, including recruitment, time and attendance, payroll, rewards, learning, and talent management.
• Demonstrated ability to write persuasive proposals and present confidently to senior executives.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to design practical, innovative solutions for complex business challenges.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

Desired Skills and Attributes

• Experience working across multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to connect HR solutions to broader business outcomes.
• Excellent listening and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and influence senior stakeholders.

About Mercer IMEA

Mercer is committed to fostering collaboration, growth, inclusion, and innovation. As a business of Marsh (NYSE: MRSH), a global leader in risk, reinsurance, capital, people, investments, and management consulting, Mercer advises clients in 130 countries. Marsh operates with over 95,000 colleagues and supports a hybrid work model, which includes the flexibility of remote work alongside the benefits of in-office collaboration. All Marsh colleagues are expected to be in their local office or working onsite with clients at least three days per week, with office-based teams identifying at least one "anchor day" for in-person team presence.