Role Overview

Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is seeking a HR Operation Manager in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to lead the administrative and compliance functions for our refining and corporate workforce. This role ensures full adherence to Saudi Labor Law, GOSI regulations, and Nitaqat Saudization requirements while managing payroll inputs and government relations. The position supports the seamless operation of our refinery by maintaining accurate employee data and timely processing of all HR transactions.

The HR Operation Manager will report directly to the VP of HR and will play a key role in safeguarding the company against regulatory risk and operational disruption. This position requires a factual, process-driven leader who can manage complex government interactions and ensure payroll accuracy for a diverse industrial workforce.

Key Responsibilities

The HR Operation Manager will execute the following responsibilities to ensure operational excellence and compliance.

Regulatory Compliance Management

The role manages all interactions with MHRSD platforms including Qiwa, Mudad, and Muqeem to ensure full legal compliance for all employees.

Payroll Input Oversight

This position prepares and validates monthly payroll inputs, ensuring accurate calculation of shift differentials, overtime, and allowances for plant and lab staff.

Saudization Strategy Execution

The manager monitors Nitaqat ratios weekly and coordinates with recruitment to maintain the required Saudization tier for the mining sector.

Employee Lifecycle Administration

The role executes onboarding and offboarding processes, ensuring all legal contracts, exit settlements, and system updates are completed accurately.

HRIS Data Integrity

This position maintains the HRIS database through regular audits and corrections to ensure data accuracy for reporting and decision-making.

Government Relations Leadership

The manager oversees the renewal of work permits and Iqamas for expatriate staff to prevent legal penalties and operational delays.

Process Improvement Implementation

The role identifies and implements automation opportunities within HR operations to reduce manual effort and minimize transaction errors.

Team Supervision and Development

This position supervises the HR operations team, setting clear performance standards and providing technical training on regulatory changes.

Success Metrics

• Maintains a Green or Platinum Nitaqat rating for SGR throughout the employment period.
• Achieves less than 1% error rate in monthly payroll processing inputs.
• Completes 100% of employee file audits with no critical compliance findings.
• Ensures zero penalties from MHRSD or GOSI due to administrative or reporting errors.
• Reduces average time to process visa and work permit renewals by 15%.
• Implements automated workflows for at least three key HR operational processes.
• Delivers accurate monthly HR metrics reports to leadership by the fifth working day.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Saudi Gold Refinery welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Hiring decisions are made based on role requirements, skills, experience, and alignment with Saudization and Vision 2030 priorities.

Desired Candidate Profile

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in HR operations, with at least 3 years in a managerial role.
• Deep practical knowledge of Saudi Labor Law, GOSI regulations, and Nitaqat Saudization requirements.
• Proven expertise in managing Qiwa, Mudad, Muqeem, and GOSI online platforms.
• Experience managing payroll inputs for a mixed workforce of blue-collar and white-collar employees.
• Fluency in English and Arabic, both written and spoken, is essential for government relations.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret HR data and generate accurate reports.
• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential information with integrity and professionalism.

Preferred / Nice-to-have

• Experience in the mining, refining, or heavy industrial sector in Saudi Arabia.
• Master's degree in Human Resources Management or an MBA.
• Experience with SAP or Oracle ERP systems in an HR context.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or CIPD certification.