Startup Program Manager

About the Role

Tahaluf is seeking a Startup Program Manager to join the Investor & Startup Programs team in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This full-time role requires an experienced professional capable of independently managing startup programs across multiple concurrent events. The position involves both strategic planning and hands-on delivery, with a focus on execution quality and attention to detail.

Program Management and Curation

The Startup Program Manager will be responsible for leading the startup program team and overseeing all program features and targets. This includes developing startup pipelines for assigned events and managing the application process from outreach to final selection. The role requires tailoring curation approaches for each event and supporting marketing efforts.

• Manage the startup program team and own program features and targets.
• Lead the creation of startup pipelines across all assigned events, from form setup and outreach to final selection.
• Review inbound applications against event-specific criteria and coordinate with startup and competition teams.
• Drive proactive outreach to relevant startup communities, accelerators, and partner networks to maximize application quality and volume.
• Tailor the curation approach per event, support marketing, and develop ideas for social promotion.
• Own the startup onboarding process, ensuring timely and accurate information, documentation, and logistical guidance.
• Oversee pre-event training sessions, matchmaking briefings, and sector-specific preparation tailored to each event's audience.
• Build and maintain startup communication sequences and onboarding materials for each event.
• Coordinate startup zone allocations and pre-event logistics with Operations and Production teams.

On-Ground Event Delivery

This role involves on-site presence at events to manage startup zone operations and coordinate special programs. The manager will also serve as a point of contact for real-time issue resolution.

• Be present on-site for events and manage startup zone operations, including matchmaking concierge support and startup-facing troubleshooting.
• Coordinate any on-site startup-related special programs.
• Liaise in real-time with Operations, Production, and program leads on any on-ground issues.

Data Management and Post-Event Analysis

The manager will maintain comprehensive startup records and conduct post-event analysis to assess program impact and identify areas for improvement.

• Maintain complete and up-to-date startup records across internal management tools throughout the program lifecycle for each event.
• Collect and analyze post-event feedback from startups, including NPS, meeting quality, and investment interest generated.
• Contribute event-specific startup data to the broader program impact report.
• Conduct post-event reviews and share learnings and improvement recommendations.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates should possess 5-10 years of experience in program management, with a proven ability to manage complex projects across diverse contexts. The role requires a strong execution mindset and close attention to quality and detail.

• 5-10 years of experience in program management.
• Ability to manage programs across multiple concurrent events with distinct audiences, content themes, and commercial structures.
• Capability to move between sector contexts and manage parallel workstreams.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver consistently high-quality startup experiences.
• Strong execution mindset with close attention to quality and detail.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, within the Investor & Startup Programs team at Tahaluf. The role involves both strategic planning and direct operational responsibilities.