Office Operations Lead- Saudi Arabia

Job Description

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a high-impact opportunity for an ambitious, high-potential professional to become a trusted right-hand partner to the Managing Director, driving business operations across Our Company in Saudi Arabia and leading the day-to-day operations Of Our Company’s offices in Riyadh and Jeddah.

The role combines executive support to the Managing Director with direct accountability for coordinating business operations, including key business reviews, talent reviews, risk reviews and coordination with external parties, as well as for all elements of office management in Riyadh and Jeddah. Sitting at the heart of the organization, it helps senior leadership, particularly the Managing Director, turn priorities into action.

As a member of the leadership team of Our Company in Saudi Arabia Regional Headquarters (RHQ), you will help shape its ongoing development and evolution.

You will join a warm, inclusive and purpose-driven culture, gain broad exposure to senior leaders and global colleagues, and build a strong platform for career growth while contributing to work that improves and saves lives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Trusted partner to the Managing Director

• Act as a trusted extension of the Managing Director, anticipating needs, protecting focus and ensuring priorities move forward with pace and discretion.
• Manage the Managing Director’s calendar, leadership rhythm, meetings and correspondence, and drive follow-through on key actions and decisions; coordinate domestic and international travel, visas, itineraries and expenses to create seamless executive experience.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with sound judgment, professionalism and absolute discretion.
• Connect the Managing Director’s office with local, regional and global teams, building trusted relationships and enabling clear, timely communication.

Business operations and communication

• Full accountability for shaping and executing key business activities and meetings including commercial and business reviews, governance forums, risk management forums and external sessions.
• Prepare and coordinate leadership meetings, business reviews, visits and special projects; track commitments and help convert decisions into action.
• Own the monitoring and reporting of quarterly scorecards, maintaining visibility on key business priorities and proactively engaging relevant teams to track progress and highlight areas requiring attention.
• Support selected cross-functional business initiatives, coordinating stakeholders, timelines and deliverables to keep priorities moving forward.

Office operations and employee experience

• Lead the day-to-day operation of Our Company’s Saudi Arabia offices in Riyadh and Jeddah, including facilities, workplace services, vendors, records and budgets.
• Shape a welcoming, efficient and engaging workplace that reflects Our Company’s warm, collaborative and inclusive culture.
• Plan leadership visits, town halls, employee events and team activities with exceptional hospitality and attention to detail.
• Guide administrative colleagues and service partners, reinforcing consistent standards, teamwork and a customer-focused mindset.

Continuous improvement and growth

• Take full responsibility for simplifying processes and introducing practical improvements that make the operations of the Our Company’s offices easier, faster and more effective.
• Take ownership, speak up, contribute ideas and step into new challenges as the business evolves.
• Proactively identify your development aspirations and build a plan with the Managing Director to learn, grow and achieve your career goals.
• Take on expanding business responsibilities and projects over time, based on organizational needs and individual development, while consistently delivering to a high standard.

Skills:

• Typically 3-5+ years of relevant experience in executive support, business operations, project coordination, office management, administration, workplace services or a similarly fast-paced coordination role.
• Strong organization, judgment and follow-through, with the ability to manage competing priorities and anticipate what is needed next.
• Strong business curiosity and an interest in developing broader capabilities in business operations, project management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with confidence working across cultures, functions and levels of seniority.
• A positive, service-minded and collaborative approach that helps others succeed and strengthens team culture.
• High integrity, emotional intelligence, discretion and resilience.
• Strong digital capability, including Microsoft 365 tools, and curiosity about smarter ways of working.
• Bachelor’s degree with full professional fluency in Arabic and English.
• Experience in a dynamic environment, vendor management, events or workplace operations is valued but not essential.

WHY JOIN OUR COMPANY’S?

Our Company offers meaningful responsibility, direct learning from senior leaders and an inclusive culture that values kindness, curiosity, courage and diverse perspectives.

For the right person, this role can be a launchpad into business operations, project management, corporate affairs, people leadership or another path aligned with individual strengths and aspirations. If you are ready to work at the center of the business and grow with Our Company in Saudi Arabia, we would love to hear from you.

Additional location(s) Compensation Information:

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status:

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID:R425415