Head of HR & Compliance

About the British International School Jeddah

The British International School Jeddah (BISJ) is a leading co-educational, not-for-profit international school located in Jeddah, Makkah. It provides an educational experience for over 1,340 students aged 2 to 18, fostering an environment where students are supported to flourish as lifelong learners. The school is recognized for its distinctive culture, strong reputation, and commitment to excellence across academic, artistic, sporting, and cultural activities.

The Role of Head of HR & Compliance

This full-time senior leadership position involves providing strategic direction and operational oversight for the full employee lifecycle at BISJ. The Head of HR & Compliance ensures the school maintains high standards in employment practices, regulatory compliance, safeguarding, and people management. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this role works closely with the School Director, Leadership Team, and Line Managers to cultivate a positive, inclusive, and high-performing organizational culture, aligning HR and Compliance with the school’s strategic priorities.

A key focus for this role is to strengthen the existing department by building on prior work to further develop a structured, policy-driven, and compliant HR and Compliance function. This includes leading digital transformation initiatives, optimizing HR systems such as HRIS, payroll integration, and employee self-service tools. The Head of HR & Compliance will also ensure that school policies and governance frameworks are current and reflect the latest Ministry legal guidelines, while maintaining a human-centered approach to systems and processes. The role involves leading, mentoring, and empowering the HR & Compliance team, fostering a culture of service excellence, continuous professional development, and mutual support. Adopting a consultative HR Business Partnering approach, the Head of HR & Compliance will collaborate with academic leaders, operations, and staff to build trust, support staff wellbeing, ensure safer recruitment practices, and position BISJ as an employer of choice in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the School’s HR & Compliance strategy and ensure alignment with organizational priorities.
• Provide strategic HR advice to the School Director, Leadership Team, and Line Managers.
• Lead recruitment, safer recruitment, onboarding, retention, and workforce planning.
• Oversee employee relations, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, attendance, and complex employment matters.
• Lead the development and implementation of HR policies, procedures, and frameworks.
• Oversee performance management, people development, succession planning, and staff wellbeing initiatives.
• Oversee remuneration, benefits, HR systems, payroll-related processes, and workforce data.
• Ensure compliance with Saudi Labour Law, MOE requirements, safeguarding standards, and relevant employment regulations.
• Lead the Regulatory Affairs function in collaboration with the Government Relations team, including immigration, labour, and regulatory processes.
• Drive continuous improvement, digital transformation, and operational efficiency across HR & Compliance.
• Lead, support, and develop the HR & Compliance team, promoting accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in Human Resources and Compliance.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic HR leadership and operational oversight.
• Proven ability to lead digital transformation initiatives and optimize HR systems.
• Strong understanding of Saudi Labour Law, MOE requirements, and international safeguarding standards.
• Experience in leading and developing HR and Compliance teams.

Safer Recruitment Commitment

BISJ is committed to safer recruitment and child safeguarding, adhering to UK Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE), recommendations from The International Task Force On Child Protection, and other international standards. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. Successful applicants will undergo thorough background checks, including written and verbal references, qualification verification, identity and police checks (including overseas checks), and online screening. Applicants must highlight and explain any employment gaps and provide three professional referees, including their most recent line manager, Head Teacher, or Principal. References will be requested for shortlisted candidates prior to interviews, in line with BISJ’s safer recruitment procedures. The school reserves the right to make an earlier appointment if a suitable candidate is identified.