Position - HR Workforce Specialist Duration - Sept 2026 until Nov 2026Location - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Job Summary We are seeking a highly analytical and commercially focused Senior HR Workforce Planning Specialist to support large-scale international sporting events and tournaments. The role is responsible for developing scalable workforce plans, optimising workforce structures, managing stakeholder expectations, and ensuring cost-effective staffing solutions aligned with operational delivery requirements. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in workforce forecasting, budgeting, workforce analytics, and large-scale event staffing, with the ability to balance operational readiness with commercial efficiency in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. This role requires a strong event workforce mindset, where temporary workforce deployment, agility, and cost optimisation are critical to success.
Key Responsibilities Workforce Planning & Forecasting Translate business and operational requirements into scalable workforce plans aligned with event timelines, milestones, and venue readiness. Develop workforce forecasts based on event size, attendance expectations, functional requirements, and operational complexity. Build structured manpower plans covering all operational areas including venue operations, hospitality, security coordination, accreditation, logistics, and guest services. Continuously adjust workforce plans based on changing operational needs and real-time event dynamics.
Stakeholder Management Partner closely with functional heads to understand workforce requirements and challenge inputs where necessary to ensure commercial and operational alignment. Provide data-driven workforce recommendations that balance service quality, cost efficiency, and operational feasibility. Influence senior stakeholders on workforce decisions through structured analysis and evidence-based insights. Manage competing workforce demands across multiple departments and venues.
Workforce Analytics & Reporting Develop and maintain workforce dashboards tracking hiring progress, headcount, deployment readiness, and workforce utilisation. Utilise advanced Excel skills (XLOOKUP, VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, formulas, dashboards) to analyse workforce data and support decision-making. Monitor workforce KPIs including hiring velocity, vacancy rates, deployment readiness, and cost per resource. Provide regular reporting and insights to leadership teams on workforce status and risks.
Budget & Commercial Management Understand and manage workforce budgets in alignment with project and event financial constraints. Track workforce-related costs including salaries, accommodation, transportation, air tickets, per diems, allowances, medical insurance, and statutory contributions (e.g., GOSI). Identify opportunities to optimise workforce costs without compromising operational effectiveness. Support financial planning and workforce cost forecasting for tournaments and large-scale events.
Workforce Optimisation & Structure Design Assess workforce structures and recommend optimal staffing models based on operational requirements. Ensure the right mix of Senior Managers, Managers, Specialists, Supervisors, and Coordinators is deployed based on need rather than hierarchy. Drive efficient workforce allocation across venues and functional areas. Support workforce mobilisation strategies to maximise utilisation and minimise idle capacity.
Cost Optimisation Strategy Identify and implement workforce cost-saving initiatives through:Optimised workforce grading structures Local hiring strategies Efficient shift and resource allocation Reduction of unnecessary agency dependency Continuously evaluate workforce models to improve cost efficiency and operational value. Provide recommendations to improve return on workforce investment.
Operational Decision Making Balance operational readiness, workforce quality, service delivery, and budget constraints when developing workforce plans. Support real-time decision-making during live event operations. Proactively identify workforce risks and implement mitigation strategies.
Event Workforce Operations Support workforce mobilisation and deployment for large-scale sporting events and tournaments. Ensure workforce readiness across multiple venues and functional areas. Manage workforce adjustments during live operations, including last-minute changes and contingency staffing. Understand the unique nature of event-based workforce planning versus traditional corporate HR environments.
Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field.5–8 years of experience in HR workforce planning, resource management, or HR operations. Strong experience in sports events, mega events, exhibitions, or large-scale project environments. Proven exposure to workforce budgeting and cost optimisation initiatives.