Head of Talent - Aajil

Own the function that defines our future: bringing world-class talent to Saudi Arabia's most ambitious fintech startup.

We're Aajil, and we're transforming how businesses and consumers access capital through next-generation BNPL and lending products. Our ML teams are building the intelligence layer, our product teams are crafting experiences that don't exist yet, and our growth teams are bringing it to millions across MENA. To pull this off, we need someone who understands that great companies are built by great people — and knows how to find them.

As Head of Talent, you'll have complete ownership of how we build our team. No inherited processes, no bureaucratic approvals, no "recruitment best practices" from 2010. Just you, a clear mission, and the freedom to execute however you see fit.

What You'll Actually Do

You'll build teams across the entire company. Yes, that means finding ML engineers and data scientists who can ship at scale. But it also means recruiting the growth marketers who'll make BNPL a household name in Saudi, the sales leaders who'll sign enterprise partnerships, and the product designers who'll make financial services feel magical.

Your mission is simple: Find and close the best talent in the world, regardless of where they're currently sitting.

Some specifics:

• Build our talent function from first principles — the tools, processes, and partnerships that actually work
• Create the employer brand that attracts both technical wizards and commercial superstars
• Design interview processes that respect candidates' time while maintaining an incredibly high bar
• Figure out how to make Riyadh attractive to international talent (spoiler: it's easier than you think)
• Partner with leadership to plan ahead — who we need, when we need them, and how to get them

Why You Might Love This

Full Ownership: You're not inheriting someone else's playbook. Build the talent function you've always wanted to create.

Direct Impact: Every hire directly affects our trajectory. You'll see the immediate impact of bringing in exceptional people.

Interesting Challenge: Convince world-class AI/ML talent to join a Saudi startup. It's a unique puzzle that requires creativity.

Work with the Best: Our technical bar is extremely high. You'll be partnering with founders and engineers who've built systems at scale.

What Makes You Right For This

You've been in talent/recruiting for a while and you're ready for something different. Maybe you're tired of:

• Fighting with 17 stakeholders to get approval for obvious hires
• Using ATS systems designed in 2008
• Watching great candidates slip away because of slow processes
• Being treated as a service function instead of a strategic partner

You know what great talent looks like across different functions. You can evaluate an ML engineer's technical depth, spot a sales leader who can build from zero, and recognize a marketer who actually understands growth. You understand that the best people aren't looking for jobs — they're looking for missions.

Most importantly, you want to build something. Not maintain, not optimize, but actually create a world-class talent function from scratch.

What's Different About Aajil

• We move fast. Offers within a week, not months.
• We trust you. No micromanagement, just clear goals and support.
• We're building something that matters. Making BNPL and credit accessible to millions across MENA.
• We're backed by top regional VCs and have the runway to build properly.
• We care more about potential than pedigree.

Ready to Build Something?

We're looking for someone who sees this role and thinks "finally, a company that gets it." Someone who has opinions on what's broken in recruiting and ideas on how to fix it.

P.S. We're not looking for someone who can run a standard recruiting function. We're looking for someone who can build a talent magnet. If that's you, we should talk.

Start Date: As soon as you're ready to build something new