Business and Operations Manager

Job Description

OVERVIEW

Position

Business and Operations Manager

Job Code

Reports to

Executive Director, ERI Foundation (pending appointment of the Director, Hydrogen and e-Fuels Applied Research Institute)

Direct Reports

Division

Hydrogen and e-Fuels Applied Research Institute, ERI Foundation

Sector

ERI

Role Purpose

In partnership with ENOWA (NEOM’s energy and water company), the NEOM Education, Research, and Innovation (ERI) Foundation has established the Hydrogen and e-fuels Applied Research Institute (HEFARI). HEFARI will drive innovative low technology-readiness-level (TRL) technologies up the hydrogen value chain, leveraging pilot and commercial hydrogen projects in NEOM, including ENOWA’s Hydrogen Innovation and Development Center ( HIDC ), and the NEOM Green Hydrogen Company . The creation of HEFARI will help fast-track KSA’s transition to clean energy by serving as a research and innovation hub for end-to-end technology development and deployment, bridging fundamental and applied research, innovation, and development.

The business and operations manager will oversee all HEFARI business development and operational activities, reporting to the Director of the Institute. They will direct and manage the HEFARI teams delivering the institute’s operations, administration, and laboratory management. The role further provides operational support to the Director, manages the delivery of strategic projects and acts as a liaison with NEOM and other stakeholders. This includes financial, procurement, service contract, capital project, and grant funding activities. The role provides strategic advice on, and support to, the institute’s workforce planning, and assists the Director and principal investigators with hiring and contracts. In addition, the appointee will support the initial procurement and installation of all equipment, procuring consumables, and addressing manpower needs for the institute’s laboratories, and ensure their smooth operation once built.

The business and operations manager will also work with other business managers in the ERI Foundation team to support wider operational needs and ensure continuity of other Applied Research Institute operations where required.

Pending appointment of the Director of HEFARI, the business and operations manager, will in the interim, report to the Executive Director of the ERI Foundation.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & ACTIVITIES

• Plans all administrative, financial, and operational activities for HEFARI in conjunction with the HEFARI Director, and directs and executes said plans, reporting to the ERI Foundation.
• Effective decision-making by identifying and utilizing the best practices to accommodate and facilitate HEFARI operations in accordance with NEOM policies and procedures.
• Takes responsibility, working with the ERI Sector assets team, for project design, management and deliverables for all stages of the extension / modification of HEFARI research facilities.
• Advises HEFARI Director and leadership team on key planning issues and makes recommendations on important financial, contractual, and operational decisions related to both internal and external partners and stakeholders.
• Manages, working with the ERI Sector team, all contracts, including those for manpower and services, associated with the operation of HEFARI.
• Manages, working with the ERI Foundation and NEOM Health, Safety, and Environment teams, an effective HSE program including the implementation of HEFARI HSE training, processes, and initiatives, and all other aspects of safety.
• Educates HEFARI students and researchers on safety and safe operation of equipment and experiments.
• Responsible for resolving all issues relating to HEFARI laboratory safety and asset management.
• Directs and manages the efforts of the HEFARI administrative and laboratory staff to ensure smooth operations.
• Ensures HEFARI laboratories are fully resourced, including ordering and maintaining adequate levels of all gases, fuels, and chemicals – in a safe manner, in line with NEOM regulations.
• Manages ordering, installation and commissioning for HEFARI of all new equipment including laboratory modifications.
• Participates in hiring HEFARI staff, including shortlisting and interviewing.
• Collates and presents information for the HEFARI business and operations manager Director to facilitate efficient decision making on critical financial, contractual, and HR related issues.
• Prepares and manages the annual budget cycle for HEFARI in collaboration with the institute Director and ERI Foundation teams.
• Creates, develops, and implements, in conjunction with the Director, short-term and long-term plans and budgets based upon HEFARI goals and objectives.
• Reports financial information to HEFARI Director, as needed.
• Leads monthly financial and budgeting update meetings with all HEFARI Principal Investigators.

BACKGROUND, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Leadership skills.
• Networking and Negotiation skills.
• Budgeting, financial, and planning skills.
• Strategic planning and project management.
• Performance management systems.
• Data analysis & performance metrics.
• Decision making and problem solving.
• Knowledge of Saudi & International law appertaining to research and innovation an asset.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel when necessary.
• Ability to analyse and resolve complex issues, both technical and interpersonal.

Qualifications

• Bachelor and/or higher degree in Business, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience leading diverse business unit operations.