Innovation Program Manager ( or Consultation)📣 Job Ad

About *****

***** is a Saudi consulting firm that specializes in providing soft landing and market entry solutions for international companies. The firm operates as a knowledge house, driven by technology, and focuses on delivering operational excellence while enhancing service standards within its sector in KSA. ***** aims to facilitate the incorporation and operational processes for foreign companies efficiently and cost-effectively.

The Role: Innovation Program Manager

***** is seeking an Innovation Program Manager to join its team in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a part-time position. This role involves leading the design and execution of incubation, acceleration, and venture building programs. The manager will guide startups through their journey from idea validation to market entry, focusing on building and managing the entrepreneurship ecosystem by connecting founders with essential mentors, partners, and investors. The primary objective is to ensure the successful delivery, growth, and impact of innovation programs aligned with strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and continuously improve incubation, acceleration, and venture building programs covering the full innovation lifecycle.
• Identify and attract high-potential startups and entrepreneurs both locally and internationally.
• Guide startups through key stages including problem validation, solution design, MVP development, product-market fit, and scaling.
• Oversee startup progress within programs and support founders in developing clear business models, value propositions, and go-to-market strategies.
• Attract and manage relationships with investors, venture capital firms, angel networks, and other funding entities.
• Facilitate investor readiness for startups through pitch coaching, financial modeling guidance, and preparation of investment materials.
• Organize demo days, investor meetings, and networking events to connect startups with funding opportunities.
• Build strategic partnerships with corporates, government entities, and ecosystem players to support program objectives.
• Establish a strong network of mentors, advisors, and industry experts to provide relevant support for startups.
• Monitor market trends, emerging technologies, and innovation practices to continuously enhance program offerings.
• Manage program operations, including planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and reporting.

Required Qualifications

• 8 years of experience in innovation management, entrepreneurship, and startup ecosystems.
• Proven experience in designing and managing incubation, acceleration, and venture building programs.
• Strong hands-on experience across the full startup lifecycle, from idea stage to scaling and go-to-market.
• Deep understanding of the Saudi market and its entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem.
• Experience in attracting and managing funding partners, investors, or venture capital relationships.
• Solid experience in stakeholder management across founders, investors, mentors, corporates, and government entities.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Fluency in both Arabic and English.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of emerging technologies and innovation trends (*, AI, fintech, sustainability).
• Proficiency in using work management tools (*, Notion, Asana).

Location and Work Type

This is a part-time position based in Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The role operates within a team focused on developing solutions that impact the industry and support foreign companies in establishing and growing their operations.