Position - HR Workforce Specialist
Duration - December 2026 until February 2026
Location - Khobar/Dammam, 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, optimizing 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 optimization 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 utilization.
- Utilize advanced Excel skills (XLOOKUP, VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, formulas, dashboards) to analyze 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 optimize workforce costs without compromising operational effectiveness.
- Support financial planning and workforce cost forecasting for tournaments and large-scale events.
Workforce Optimization & 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 mobilization strategies to maximize utilisation and minimise idle capacity.
Cost Optimization Strategy
- Identify and implement workforce cost-saving initiatives through:
- Optimized 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 mobilization 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 optimization initiatives.
