Company Overview
NEOM is an accelerator of human progress and a vision of what a new future might look like. A region in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea, NEOM is being built from the ground up to include hyperconnected, cognitive cities, ports, next-generation infrastructure and industries, enterprise zones, research centers, sports and entertainment venues and tourist destinations.
As a destination, it will be a home for people who dream big and want to be part of building a new model for exceptional livability, creating thriving businesses and reinventing environmental conservation.
As a workplace, it is a place for people who share our core values of care, curiosity, diversity, passion, respect, and becoming a catalyst for change.
Are you ready to help NEOM find solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges? Are you prepared to create a lasting legacy that benefits generations to come? Then we want to hear from you!
Role Overview
The Agriculture Manager will oversee and manage agricultural policy and regulation to ensuring the efficient production and quality of Agriculture/aquaculture activities while adhering to sustainable practices. This role requires strong leadership skills, an understanding of agricultural best practices, Biotechnology, and the ability to analyze and optimize production processes.
Requirements Summary
- Develop and implement agricultural strategies while leading and mentoring a team to maximize production and efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with local and international regulations, monitoring changes and updating policies as needed.
- Identify and mitigate risks in agriculture and aquaculture, overseeing audits and inspections for compliance.
- Manage data collection and reporting, providing insights to senior leadership through dashboards and performance reports.
- Design and implement training programs on regulations and best practices, while engaging with stakeholders and community partners.
ROLE COMPETENCIES & ACTIVITIES
The Agriculture Manager responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:
Leadership and Strategy
- Develop and implement comprehensive Agriculture strategies aligned with the department goals.
- Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Agriculture and Aquaculture professionals, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
- Develop and implement agricultural plans and strategies to maximize production and efficiency.
- Prepare and manage budgets, including forecasting expenses and revenues related to agricultural
Regulatory Oversight
- Ensure adherence to local, and international Agriculture and Aquaculture regulations and standards.
- Monitor changes in Agriculture and Aquaculture laws and regulations, providing guidance to the organization on necessary adjustments to policies and practices.
- Coordinate with NEOM concerns department for developing, update and finalizing Policies, Regulations, Rules and Standards.
- Provide expert content and collaborate with other departments to address interdependencies.
- Assist in defining and acquiring the human capital needs and assets for efficient optimization and achievement of the function’s mandate.
- Stay updated on technologies, Biotechnology, and best practices to enhance productivity and sustainability.
- Oversight and management in NGT, GMO, precision breeding, and new agriculture technology.
Systems and Risk Management
- Identify and assess Agriculture and Aquaculture risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
- Oversee Agriculture and Aquaculture audits, inspections, and assessments to ensure compliance, and identify areas for improvement.
- Develop effective working processes and procedures for the Department.
- Design a risk categorization framework to facilitate risk-based and evidence-based inspections.
- Review and recommend refinements to Department regulatory oversight, as necessary.
- Monitor Agriculture / Aquaculture health and implement pest management and disease control strategies.
Data Management and Reporting
- Oversee the collection, analysis, and reporting of Agriculture / Aquaculture data to inform decision-making processes.
- Prepare and present reports – including dashboards and scorecards – to senior leadership and regulatory bodies on Agriculture / Aquaculture performance and compliance status.
Training and Development
- Design and implement training programs for stakeholders and businesses related to Agriculture / Aquaculture regulations and best practices.
- Stay current on industry trends and advancements in Biotechnology to ensure the NEOM Authority remains at the forefront of compliance and innovation.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborate with government agencies, industry partners, and community organizations.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for Agriculture / Aquaculture -related inquiries and concerns from the public and industry stakeholders.
Develop and Implement a Plan to Transition to End-State for All department Functions
- Ensure there is a phased transition plan for department activity to reach the desired end-state, using NEOM Vision principals: lean, efficient, and tech-enabled.
- Track and communicate progress to senior management.
- Ensure Agriculture/ Aquaculture risk analysis requirements are clearly identified and articulated.
- Anticipate and prevent Agriculture/ Aquaculture risks before they occur whenever possible.
- Communicate regularly, and develop strong relationships with NEOM personnel and other stakeholders.
Experience & Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Experience with NGT and GMO desirable.
- Experience in precision breeding desirable.
- Experience in new agriculture technology desirable.
- Strong initiative, communication & interpersonal skills
- At least 10 years’ experience in the field of agriculture, with a strong focus on regulatory compliance and policy development.
- Fully understands NEOM’s vison as an Accelerator of Human Progress and is excited and motivated to help deliver this vision
- Aligned to NEOM values
- A Dreamer and a Doer – capable of implementing plans to make dreams a reality
- Purpose-driven and pioneering mindset – drives change and introduces innovative solutions
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related discipline (Master’s degree preferred).