OVERVIEW

Position/ Title

Innovation Programmes Delivery Lead

Job Code

Reports to

Head of Innovation Operations

Direct Reports

No

Division/Section

International Manufacturing and Investments

Department

Accelerator

Sector

Oxagon

Job Family

Role Purpose

To deliver innovation programmes (e.g. accelerator, and other) as a part of Accelerator & Innovation Programme team internally in NEOM / Oxagon and externally with investors and partners

To build innovation programmes delivery approaches to ensure that innovative technologies and products are developed with and for Oxagon BUs and NEOM sectors and (or) with external partners.

To continually support business development activities (with external focus, but also internally) and search for external partners, sponsors and clients to ensure continuity and impact of innovation activities for Oxagon, incl. support of revenue generation efforts.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & ACTIVITIES

Develop the strategy & business plan

• Develop, continuously refine and execute a robust accelerator and innovation programme(s) strategy
• Identify and contract a diverse mix of innovation programme partners and providers (if required)
• Identify and scout for high-potential startups to join the accelerator or other programmes locally and internationally
• Run high-impact initiatives within Oxagon and wider innovation ecosystem
• Conduct research on the innovation ecosystem and existing offerings to increase attractiveness of the innovation programmes.
• Build alliances with influencers in the ecosystem, partner with government entities, stakeholders, industry experts, VCs, investors and corporates to improve the quality, scope, and delivery of programmes

Manage and coordinate innovation programmes

• Identify the critical needs of participating startups and set action plans to ensure achieving those objectives during the programme.
• Manage the participating startups' due diligence, selection, and onboarding together with other team members
• Deliver the Accelerator & Innovation programmes alongside other team members, quality assurance of mentorship, pilots approach development and delivery.
• Plan, supervise (of junior team members, if allocated), and deliver the Innovation programme's development and execution.
• Manage the Accelerator's programming schedule, which will include mentorship sessions, networking activities, pitch sessions, and weekly/monthly meetings, pilots’ preparation and delivery.
• Monitor startups' progress and define their fit for Oxagon, NEOM and external partners.
• Work closely with NEOM, Oxagon-wide and external stakeholders (e.g. McLaren), incl. Oxagon BUs, NIF, Innovation sector, Legal, NEOM sectors, and others to ensure attractiveness and collaborative nature of innovation programmes

Coordinate marketing and logistics enablement of the innovation Programmes

• Ensure logistical and operational support and oversight to programme participants.
• Coordinate marketing messaging and branding of the Programmes, esp. working closely with Oxagon Marketing team
• Supervise and coordinate in-person programmes related events planning and delivery in collaboration with the selected vendors, engage with event management from Oxagon Marketing or external provider(s)
• Supervise surveys, feedback, and other assessment tools to capture and analyze data for programmes planning, decision-making, and reporting.

Team Contribution

• Contribute to shaping the overall team culture through own behaviors and supporting and coaching others
• Contribute to delivering against overall team targets and ensuring that the team is high performing
• If needed, recruit and develop direct reports

BACKGROUND, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• 5+ years of experience in innovation Programmes and (or) initiatives, epically focusing on incubation and acceleration of start-up and scale-up companies

• Excels at seeing the bigger picture while keeping the details in mind

• Understands entrepreneurial innovation ecosystems in Saudi Arabi and internationally and can manage multiple projects simultaneously

• High level of emotional intelligence combined with strong team building and team management capabilities

• Ability to work across difference and be a champion for inclusion

• Team oriented - able to develop young talent and drive a culture of trust, respect, and community centric

• Champion, resource, connector, and mentor for entrepreneurs, start- ups and other ecosystem builders

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability in building innovation ecosystems and collaborative communities

• Ability to work in a result- driven and agile way, within a fast- changing environment

• Willing to engage in a hands-on way to get things done

• Pragmatic problem-solver who is comfortable with ambiguous and dynamic environments

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree/ preferably a master’s from an accredited university in Business or related disciplines

COMMUNICATION - MAIN STAKEHOLDERS

Internal

External

• Oxagon team
• NEOM Sector teams
• Marketing team
• NEOM Innovation team
• NIF team
• Legal Department
• Finance Department

• External KSA and International private entities
• Service providers (Accelerators, Incubators, Venture studios)
• Tech clusters
• Innovators / entrepreneurs / Start-ups
• Investment funds, venture capital firms
• Government entities