menu

HR Executive Search Saudi Arabia

Senior search for the HR leaders building the people function behind the Kingdom’s transformation.

Vision 2030 is rebuilding the Saudi economy, and every part of it runs on people. That puts the HR function at the centre, yet the senior leaders to run it are in short supply.

Hanson Search leads HR executive search in Saudi Arabia through our Hanson Corporate practice, with searches run by our MENA team. We place the CHROs and HR directors who turn workforce strategy into results.

We have placed senior leaders for government bodies, giga-projects, family groups and global firms in the Kingdom. So we know who can build a people function here, not just maintain one.

The Senior HR Roles We Recruit in Saudi Arabia

HR leadership in the Kingdom covers far more than hiring. We place Chief Human Resources Officers, Chief People Officers and HR Directors, alongside Heads of Talent, Reward and Organisational Development.

We also recruit Saudization and nationalisation leads, Heads of Learning and Development, and the HR business partners who support fast-growing teams.

The brief is consistent. Clients want a leader who can shape culture, build capability and deliver against national workforce targets.

Why HR Recruitment in Saudi Arabia Is So Demanding

Demand has raced ahead of the senior talent available, and the reasons are specific to the Kingdom.

Vision 2030 created thousands of new organisations almost at once. Giga-projects, new authorities and relocating multinationals all need a people function built from scratch. That has stretched the pool of proven HR leaders thin.

Saudization adds another layer. Employers must hit rising nationalisation targets while still bringing in specialist skills. Few HR leaders have balanced both at pace, so those who have are in high demand.

The strongest candidates rarely apply. They are busy building teams for someone else and must be approached directly. For this reason, demand keeps outrunning supply.

Why Businesses Choose Hanson Search for HR Executive Search Saudi Arabia

Most HR agencies in the Kingdom work on volume. We do the opposite. We focus on the senior appointments that decide whether a people function works, and we run each as a proper search.

Our MENA team leads every mandate, with a senior consultant from first brief to signed offer. We map the market here and abroad, then test candidates on what they have actually built before we shortlist.

We build diverse shortlists and support Saudization goals on every search. As a B Corp past its twentieth year, responsible hiring is part of how we work.

Hire HR Leaders in Saudi Arabia

If you are building or strengthening your HR leadership in Riyadh, NEOM or across the Kingdom, we can help. Start with a short, confidential conversation with our MENA team.

Latest jobs

View all
  • 17.07.2026

    AI and Digital Innovation Manager, Sustainability, Abu Dhabi

    • Location: Abu Dhabi
    • Type: Permanent
    • Salary: Competitive
    • Specialism: AI, Digital
    A high-profile global sustainability initiative is seeking an AI and Digital Innovation Manager to lead the development of its next generation of AI-enabled platforms, data systems and digital tools. This is a newly created role within an ambitious organisation entering a major phase of growth. It offers the opportunity to build something from the ground up and use AI to transform how a globally recognised initiative identifi...
    View job & apply
  • 17.07.2026

    Digital Communications Manager, Sustainability, Abu Dhabi

    • Location: Abu Dhabi
    • Type: Permanent
    • Salary: Competitive
    • Specialism: Digital, Sustainability and ESG, PR & Comms
    A high-profile global sustainability initiative is seeking an experienced Digital Communications Manager to lead its digital strategy, platforms and campaigns. This is an exciting opportunity to join a purpose-led organisation as it builds a new marketing and communications function. The successful candidate will help expand its global reach, strengthen audience engagement and use digital channels to share the stories of sust...
    View job & apply
  • 17.07.2026

    Head of Marketing and Events, Sustainability, Abu Dhabi

    • Location: Abu Dhabi
    • Type: Permanent
    • Salary: competitive
    • Specialism: Marketing, Sustainability and ESG, Events
    A high-profile global sustainability initiative is seeking an experienced Head of Marketing and Events to lead its brand, campaigns and international events programme. This is an exciting opportunity to join a purpose-led organisation at a significant stage of growth. The successful candidate will help strengthen its global reputation, attract new audiences and bring the stories of sustainability innovators to life through im...
    View job & apply
  • 17.07.2026

    Account Director, Strategic Communications Consultancy, London

    • Location: London
    • Salary: Competitive
    • Specialism: Strategic Communications
    An award-winning reputation, risk and crisis advisory firm is looking for an Account Director to join its growing team. Over 15 years, the firm has built deep expertise advising clients through complex and high-stakes situations — including multi-fatality events, criminal proceedings and regulatory scrutiny — across sectors spanning education, finance, charities & faith institutions and the public sector. The Account Director Role This client-facing role will suit someone with ...
    View job & apply
  • 17.07.2026

    Research and Analysis Manager, Abu Dhabi

    • Location: Abu Dhabi
    • Type: Permanent
    • Salary: 45,000 AED a month plus benefit
    • Specialism: Market research and Insights, Sponsorship, Sustainability and ESG
    A high-profile global sustainability initiative is seeking a Research and Analysis Manager to support its strategy, research, planning and international partnerships. Working as part of a growing communications and marketing team, the successful candidate will provide high-quality research and insight to support senior decision-making, identify emerging opportunities and help shape strategic initiatives.
    View job & apply
  • 17.07.2026

    Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Abu Dhabi

    • Location: Abu Dhabi
    • Type: Permanent
    • Salary: Competitive
    • Specialism: Corporate Communications, Marketing
    A high-profile global sustainability initiative is seeking a Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications to lead its international brand, marketing, digital and communications strategy. This is a senior leadership opportunity within a growing, purpose-led organisation. The successful candidate will strengthen its global reputation, expand its digital reach and raise the profile of sustainability innovators and changemakers worldwide. The role is in Abu Dhabi and ...
    View job & apply
  • 16.07.2026

    Brand Marketing Manager, B2B, Telecommunications, Berkshire

    • Location: Berkshire
    • Type: Permanent / Hybrid
    • Salary: Competitive
    • Specialism: Technology Communications
    Build the brand that drives our client's next phase of growth For almost two decades, our client's infrastructure has quietly supported the UK's mobile networks. Whilst they continue to strengthen that foundation and extend its reach, they're in an exciting period of acceleration and product development that will see them enable more connectivity and compute to more communities and industries across the UK. As they accelerate into new products, new markets, and new opportunities,...
    View job & apply
  • 16.07.2026

    Growth Director, Global Creative Digital Agency, Dubai

    • Location: Dubai
    • Type: Permanent / Hybrid
    • Salary: AED 50,000–60,000 per month, plus performance-related commission
    • Specialism: Digital, Marketing, Sales & Commercial
    Growth Director, Dubai A leading global creative digital agency is looking for an experienced Growth Director to drive new business across the Middle East. Based in Dubai, the role will initially focus on opportunities across the UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, while supporting the agency’s continued growth across the wider GCC. This is an exciting opp...
    View job & apply
  • 16.07.2026

    Corporate Affairs Manager, Abu Dhabi, UAE

    • Location: Abu Dhabi
    • Type: Permanent
    • Salary: Competitive Package
    • Specialism: Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, Government Relations & Policy, Corporate Affairs
    Corporate Affairs Manager, Abu Dhabi We are recruiting a Corporate Affairs Manager in Abu Dhabi for a dynamic, growing organisation with a prominent international outlook. As part of the in-house team, you will play a key role in supporting strategic relationships and executive communications, helping to strengthen the organisation's profile and partnerships while supporting the company's continued growth and success. Corporate Affairs Manager Abu Dhabi – Overview As Corp...
    View job & apply
  • 15.07.2026

    Head of Office, Luxury PR and Communications, Zurich

    • Location: Zurich
    • Salary: Competitive
    A Dubai-headquartered luxury communications agency is looking for an entrepreneurial senior PR leader to build and run its first Swiss office, from a blank page, in Zurich. The Agency has built a strong reputation across the UAE and wider Gulf region, working with prestige brands across luxury fashion, hospitality, F&B, aesthetics and wellness, and lifestyle. Having established a firm footing in Dubai, it is now opening its first office outside the region, a deliberate move to place it...
    View job & apply

Get in touch










    Introducing
    Our Recruitment Experts

    Our team possesses a unique blend of industry expertise, advanced recruitment acumen, and professional assessment skills on a global scale. With an in-depth understanding of the market, we are perfectly positioned to help you hire the best talent that you need

    Meet the team

    • Global CEO, Regional Head of MENA

      Alice Weightman

      Alice Weightman: CEO, Global Executive Search Leader, and UAE Market Expert: Alice Weightman is the Founder and CEO of Hanson...

    • UK & Europe Managing Partner, Global Head of Public Affairs

      Janie Emmerson

      Janie Emmerson: Janie leads our UK and European teams and offices from our London base, guiding and supporting their work across...

    • Managing Partner, Global Head of Corporate Affairs

      Katie Simpson

      Katie Simpson: Katie specialises in senior, global executive search across Corporate Affairs and Communications, with particular depth in the UK...

    • Managing Partner, Global Head of Healthcare & Communications

      Amy Hayer

      Amy Hayer: Amy is an executive search professional with over 15 years of experience building and scaling high-performing teams across...

    • Partner, European Head of Public Affairs and Communications

      Barbara Ozanon

      Barbara Ozanon: With over a decade of experience in recruitment, executive search, and headhunting, Barbara Ozanon leads Hanson Search’s European...

    • Principal consultant, Sales & Marketing

      Nils Gerardin

      Nils Gerardin: Nils brings almost ten years of search experience and talent management consulting in France and cross-border for start-ups...

    • Search Director, MENA

      Amanda Dowie

      Amanda Dowie : MENA Search Director Amanda Dowie is an accomplished executive search specialist with over 20 years of global...

    • Head of Interim Marketing and Management Recruitment Services

      Madeleine Weightman

      Madeleine Weightman: Madeleine is Head of Interim Marketing and Management Recruitment and co-Founder of The Work Crowd, the sister company...

    • Principal Consultant, Communications, Marketing & Digital Marketing

      Helena Ranger

      Helena Ranger: As Principal Consultant leading the Consumer division across PR and Brand Marketing, Helena has played a pivotal role...

    • UK Marketing Lead

      Daniela Mamica

      Daniela Mamica: Daniela is UK Marketing Lead, working across senior and leadership level roles. She brings a wealth of experience,...

    • Director, Hanson Capital MENA

      Alice Maltby

      Alice Maltby : Director, Investor Markets, UAE Alice Maltby is a Director at Hanson Search MENA, working within the firm’s...

    • Managing Consultant, Public Affairs & Policy, UK & USA

      Peter Ferguson

      Peter Ferguson: As a Managing Consultant in the Public Affairs Practice, Peter advises and supports industry leaders across highly regulated...

    • Head of Corporate and Financial

      Allyson Kurian

      Allyson Kurian: Originally from the US, Allyson specialises in corporate affairs and financial communications, working across both the US and...

    • Head of Corporate & Brand Communications, Europe

      Camille Chevallier

      Camille Chevallier: With over 20 years of senior communications experience across Europe, Camille has held leadership roles at agencies and...

    • Head of Interim Communications

      Ben Mitchell

      Ben Mitchell: Head of Interim Communications Ben is Head of Interim Communications and works across both Hanson Search and our...

    • Associate Director, MENA

      Lexi Smith-Muller

      Lexi Smith-Muller: Lexi is an executive search specialist with over 12 years of recruitment experience across the UK and Middle...

    • Senior Researcher

      Arlena Butt

      Arlena Butt: Arlena is a Senior Researcher at Hanson Search, with three years of experience supporting executive search across Public...

    • Researcher, MENA

      Nevena Ilievska

      Nevena Ilievska: With a degree in Psychology and nearly four years of experience in talent acquisition and research, Nevena has...

    • Researcher

      Fani Mateska

      Fani Mateska: With over four years’ experience in recruitment consultancy, Fani joined Hanson Search in July 2025, bringing expertise from...

    • Researcher

      Ivana Cilevska

      Ivana Cilevska Ivana Cilevska is a Researcher at Hanson Search, supporting the European team across client mandates and contributing to...

    • Marketing Content Executive

      Reg Wheeler

      Reg Wheeler: Reg is a Marketing Content Executive at Hanson Search, supporting a range of marketing and content initiatives across...

    • Associate Director of Operations & Inclusion

      Robyn Field

      Robyn Field: As Associate Director of Operations & Inclusion, Robyn is responsible for all business and administrative operations at Hanson...

    • Marketing Lead

      Sam White

      Sam White: Marketing Lead Sam White joined Hanson Search in 2016, initially working as an internal recruiter after gaining experience...

    • Business Support

      Mirjana R.Dejanovska

      Mirjana Dejanovska: Mirjana is Talent Strategist & Customer Success Manager at our sister company, The Work Crowd. Mirjana joined Hanson...

    • Business Support

      Ivana Stevanovska

      Ivana Stevanovska: Ivana is Community and Marketing Executive at our sister company, The Work Crowd. As well as being highly...

    • Advisor

      Nicholas Watkins

      Nicholas Watkins: Nicholas has over 30 years of business leadership experience that combines successful careers in the media, leisure and...

    • Advisor

      Michelle Milbourn

      Michelle Milbourn: Advisor Michelle is a seasoned executive search specialist with two decades of experience supporting founders and investors across...

    Trusted by World Leading Organisations

    Browse case studies

    What people say about us

    Hanson Search’s knowledge of the market is up to date and accurate, they understand day to day needs for their clients, but their real USP is the ability to introduce talent that enables ambition & growth.

    Talent Partner, Blakeney

    Hanson Search is a trusted and valued recruitment partner to MHP Group. They know the business and the teams they work across well and always strive to provide us with the most high-quality candidates.

    Talent Partner, MHP Group

    The Hanson Search team truly places quality over quantity and it’s refreshing. Their robust screening process means that you may only view a handful of candidates but each one of them has something to offer the role.

    Head of Campaigns, Third Bridge

    Hanson Search has been instrumental in identifying and recruiting senior executives for RAK Tourism. They deeply understood the nature of the roles and people we need and provided excellent candidates.

    CEO, RAK Tourism

    Hanson Search quickly ‘got’ us. They were proactive in their search and responsive in their service right from the outset. Very happy client.

    MD, firstlightPR, Paul Davies

    Hanson Search understands our business and is able to identify very strong candidates at all levels.

    Managing Partner, Brunswick Group - Gulf, Rupert Young

    I’ve worked with headhunters for the past 20 years, but I’ve found Hanson Search has a better understanding of how to attract and secure the right talent for our market.

    CEO, Hanover, Charles Lewington