Assistant Manager - External Programs and Policies

Role Overview:

The organization is a flagship gigaproject under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, aiming to create a world-class entertainment, cultural and lifestyle destination. As a multibillion-dollar project, it will encompass vast infrastructure development, hospitality, retail and service sectors, requiring robust procurement compliance management.

The Manager – External Programs & Policies is responsible for supporting the implementation and oversight of external regulatory and strategic initiatives. This includes facilitating local content adoption, managing supplier development programs, ensuring compliance with regional requirements, and aligning with government mandates such as on ESG. The role requires collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to foster relationships, drive compliance, and support strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Initiative Support

· Support development and execution of strategies for adopting local content requirements, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, and supplier development programs in line with PIF, national, and organizational goals. This will include the identification of risk, areas of non-compliance, opportunities for improvement.

· Monitor changes in government policies and assess their potential impact, proactively adjusting strategies as necessary.

· Develop and maintain detailed reports on local content adoption, ESG, and compliance with other regulatory requirements.

· Update the existing suite of business templates to account for local content and ESG regulations.

· Support management of the internal training programme to ensure that Procurement Teams understand and comply with the latest government programmes and policies.

· Develop, implement and refine KPIs to monitor and drive continuous improvement in Qiddiya’s performance against LC and ESG criteria.

2. Supplier Development

· Support the design and implementation of supplier development programs and plans to enhance the capabilities and competitiveness of local suppliers.

· Collaborate with external stakeholders, including PIF and government agencies, to drive supplier development initiatives.

3. Stakeholder Liaison

· Collaborate with internal teams to implement local content and ESG requirements, prepare for audits and ensure compliance with mandates. ·       Support co-ordination activities between the organization and external entities, including government agencies, suppliers, and other regulatory bodies.

· Foster collaborative relationships with PIF and government bodies to support compliance and strategic objectives.

· Support the planning and execution of 2 x PIF audits per year. This will include the development and implementation of corrective action plans based on audit findings and tracking improvement over time.

· Managers are expected to spend time working in both Riyadh (Head Office) and on site at Qiddiya to encourage and drive the implementation of local content and ESG policies within the Business Units.

 · 10+ years of experience in policy governance, compliance, or supplier development roles, ideally in large-scale projects such as construction, real estate, or urban development.

· Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Public Policy, International Development, Business, or related fields. MBA and/or other advanced degrees preferred.

· Preferred: CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply), CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management), or CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional).

· Proven track record of working in cross-collaborative environments and ensuring differing goals and needs align with overarching organizational strategy.

· Fluency in English is required, with proficiency in Arabic highly desirable.

· Understanding of the local cultural and business landscape in Saudi Arabia through work experience in the region preferred.