Merak Capital is a leading Saudi-based investment firm, dedicated to empowering visionaries and fostering innovation across high-growth sectors. With a diverse portfolio spanning venture capital, private equity, credit, and an innovation platform, we drive transformative growth in the Kingdom and beyond.

Role Description:
We're looking for a People & Culture Director to support and strengthen Merak Capital’s people agenda, with a primary focus on learning & development, performance management, organizational development, and employee engagement & retention.

This role works closely with leadership and line managers to design, implement, and continuously improve people practices that enhance performance, build capability, and strengthen culture. The role reports directly to the CEO and acts as a trusted partner on day-to-day people matters, while also contributing to longer-term organizational initiatives. 

Responsibilities:

Performance Management:

• Support the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the performance management framework.
• Partner with managers on goal setting, ongoing feedback, performance reviews, and development planning.
• Monitor performance outcomes and trends, using data and insights to support talent and development decisions.
• Contribute to the alignment of performance management with rewards, development, and career progression.

Learning & Development:

• Identify organizational and individual learning needs in collaboration with leadership and managers.
• Design, coordinate, and deliver learning initiatives including onboarding, role-based training, leadership development, and upskilling programs.
• Support managers in developing their teams through coaching, feedback, and development planning.
• Track and evaluate the effectiveness of learning programs and recommend improvements.

OD & Culture:

• Support organizational development initiatives such as role clarity, capability frameworks, and ways of working.
• Drive initiatives that reinforce company values and promote a high-performance, collaborative culture.
• Partner with leadership to support change initiatives and organizational growth.
• Ensure people policies and practices align with cultural and organizational objectives.

Employee Engagement & Retention:

• Identify training needs and develop learning strategies that foster employee growth and organizational capability.
• Manage development programs including onboarding, leadership development, and upskilling initiatives.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and ensure alignment with business objectives.

Recruitment Oversight & Collaboration:

• Provide oversight and governance of recruitment activities in partnership with the recruitment team lead.
• Support workforce planning, role design, and hiring priorities in collaboration with leadership.
• Contribute to employer branding and onboarding initiatives to support engagement and early retention.

HR Operations & Compliance:

• Support the effective implementation of HR policies, processes, and systems (HRIS, ATS).
• Ensure compliance with KSA labor laws and relevant government regulations.
• Provide day-to-day HR guidance to managers and employees across the employee lifecycle.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field.
• Master's or professional certifications are highly desirable (SHRM, CIPD).
• 8+ years of progressive HR experience including in a management capacity.
• Hands-on experience with various HR functions, specifically L&D , OD, and HR Ops.
• Strong Experience with HRIS and ATS systems.
• Strong knowledge of KSA labor laws and other government regulations.
• Excellent communication, people, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in the investment or financial services industry is a big plus.
• Knowledge of CMA regulations is a big plus.