The British Embassy Riyadh is part of a worldwide network that represents the UK’s political, economic, security, and consular interests overseas. We are currently recruiting for a full-time Head of Corporate Services (HCS) for Policy, Finance, HR and Compliance on a fixed-term contract of two (2) years.

The HCS (Policy, Finance, HR and Compliance) is responsible for the KSA Network’s corporate handling of policy and service standards, finance, human resources, and compliance, ensuring these are managed in line with central policy requirements. The jobholder will be required to provide strategic direction to Corporate Services, leading an efficient, cost effective, and professional team to deliver all services to the Partners on platform.

As a leader in corporate delivery, the jobholder will require excellent management, interpersonal and communication skills, tact, discretion, and an ability to deliver consistently across a broad range of responsibilities. The jobholder will be required to show an understanding for sensitivity in handling Embassy and host government requirements.

In particular, we are looking for a skilled manager able to bring the best out of his/ her staff and able to organise the work and team to ensure delivery whilst adhering to Embassy protocol and standards. 

Duties and responsibilities:

– Corporate Services Communications, Policy, and Standards (50%)

• Work with Deputy Director of Corporate Services to agree and deliver Corporate Services strategy across the Network, setting and monitoring service level agreements/ the local corporate services charter with key performance indicators.
• Actively build and deepen relationships with key stakeholders internally, within regional and global hubs, and with external partners (at other diplomatic missions, government departments, and suppliers) to maintain informed and corporate knowledge.
• Ensure that Corporate Services has full use of self-service access, including for regionalised services
• Lead and manage CS reports to deliver quality customer service to internal stakeholders.
• Instil a continuous improvement mentality within the team, leading on corporate projects and change management.
• Lead and deliver Corporate Services communication strategy, agreeing and disseminating key messages on corporate services within KSA Network, engaging senior managers and One HMG partners.
• Provide advice to senior managers and One HMG partners on complex corporate issues.
• Engage, analyse, and report on developments in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Corporate Services policy, highlighting opportunities to the Deputy Director of Corporate Services.
• Research and draft local policies to ensure they are aligned to global and local requirements and are adopted by all Partners on platform.

– Finance and compliance (25%)

• Oversee the local delegated budget (c£4m) in accordance with corporate policies/ Corporate Services Finance to ensure on-budget expenditure and value for money.
• Develop and implement finance improvement plans.
• Monitor MAP compliance risks, ensure action is taken where needed, and report on progress and remaining risks to the Deputy Director of Corporate Services.
• Lead on opportunities for savings across the Network, submitting recommendations and proposals to the Deputy Director of Corporate Services.
• Oversee and seek to optimise Post’s revenue raising activity, including on VAT refunds and income from Estate assets (e.g., Residence gardens).
• Manage post engagement on internal audit under the leadership of Deputy Director of Corporate Services and ensure that internal audit recommendations are addressed in a timely way.
• Ensure Post compliance with data protection requests.
• Ensure that KSA Network handles Country Based Staff (CBS) payroll in a timely way, highlighting anomalies and accurately maintaining audit information.
• Lead on all Corporate Services procurement and tendering provisions above £10,000.
• Work with the Deputy Director of Corporate Services and Head of Corporate Services – Estates and Transport to plan and establish resource and development needs.
• Review and refine the financial elements of business cases drafted by the team to support Network priorities, and lead on securing financial approval from the relevant teams in FCDO HQ.

– Human resources (15%)

• Maintain an updated KSA network offer for Country Based Staff (CBS), including on terms and conditions of service, pay and benefits, and performance management, in compliance with local labour law.
• Provide guidance and act as an escalation point on sensitive staff matters for diplomatic and Country Based Staff, including management issues and dispute resolution, engaging with the Regional HR Hub in Abu Dhabi where necessary.
• Champion and embed a collaborative and inclusive work culture
• Lead on resolving complex employee sponsorship cases with Government Relations Team and Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Act as first direct liaison point for staff associations and committees and participate in People Committee.

– Other local requirement (10%)

• Act as member of Crisis Team, undergoing training and standing ready for duty in the case of any crises at Post.
• Develop, coach, and mentor the team, effectively allocating and prioritising their work and managing their performance in line with FCDO requirements. The jobholder will manage six (6) direct reports and have oversight of 19 staff members.
• Ensure wellbeing and engagement are maintained within the Corporate Services Team, seeking regular feedback.
• Provide cover for the Deputy Director of Corporate Services when required.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible as specific responsibilities could change in the future, and this would be at the discretion of the line manager and Senior Management. The job description may be reviewed to meet changes in business needs. The jobholder may also take on other ad hoc tasks as and when required.

Key behaviours required:

• Managing a Quality Service – Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise, and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.
• Making Effective Decisions – Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications, and risks of decisions.
• Seeing the Big Picture – Understand how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives. Recognise the wider Civil Service priorities and ensure work is in the national interest.
• Communicating and Influencing – Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity, and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses, and opinions of others.
• Changing and Improving – Seek out opportunities to create effective change and suggest innovative ideas for improvement. Review ways of working, including seeking and providing feedback.

Eligibility:

• The successful candidate must be able to secure a local residence and work permit in Saudi (iqama) OR already have the right to work and reside in Saudi.
• The British Embassy provides visa sponsorship. The successful candidate will be required to transfer their visa under the Embassy’s sponsorship.

• Middle management experience, ideally for at least 6-10 years, and preferably with direct involvement in HR and/ or finance policy and implementation.
• Experience in managing cross-functional teams, ideally for at least 6-10 years.
• Budget management experience, ideally for at least 6-10 years.
• Experience in managing suppliers and outsource delivery.
• Holds at least a bachelor’s degree in finance, management, HR, or a related field.
• A confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to engage at all levels internally and with external stakeholders. Ability to challenge and influence senior stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and spoken. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication.
• Strong customer service skills to manage competing priorities. Demonstrates courtesy and consideration in dealing with all stakeholders. Able to show discretion in handling any sensitive matters, with the trust of all involved.
• Good interpersonal skills and team player with willingness to work across boundaries. Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with contacts and colleagues.
• Excellent team management skills. Resilient, and flexible, and demonstrates a ‘can do’ attitude.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills and resourcefulness in solving problems. Ability to anticipate and take initiative to avoid problems or fix them, and to use information and experience to solve problems effectively. Able to work independently and react calmly to situations that may arise, without constant supervision.
• Strong organisational skills and keen attention to detail. Ability to effectively work under tight deadlines and in a fast-paced environment and adapting to changing aims without compromising the quality of the work.
• Strong IT skills and proficiency in MS Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).