General Manager

at  SEA Ventures

ABOUT SEA INNOVATION:

SEA Innovation (formerly SEA Ventures) is a leading business accelerator and incubator driving the growth of Saudi Arabia’s dynamic startup ecosystem. As a key operator for government sector, national scale entrepreneurship programs, focused on enabling entrepreneurs and startups of all kind, serving many sector focused initiatives, we collaborate with government agencies, private sector leaders, and non-profit organizations to deliver national-scale projects and programs.
We are committed to empowering entrepreneurs and supporting their ventures across diverse sectors, contributing to greater economic growth and development in Saudi Arabia. To date, SEA Innovation has supported over [600] startups, created [3000] jobs, and attracted [SAR over 500 million] in investment. Our expertise in operating impactful programs, combined with our deep understanding of the local market, makes SEA Innovation the ideal partner for startups and stakeholders seeking to drive innovation and success.
Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced General Manager to lead SEA Innovation. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of the Saudi startup ecosystem, a passion for fostering entrepreneurship, and the leadership skills necessary to drive our organization’s success. The General Manager will play a crucial role in driving revenue growth by securing new business opportunities and developing strategic partnerships. They will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company operations, including sales, program development, operations, stakeholder management, financial performance, and project management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Essential:
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership role within the Saudi startup ecosystem (e.g., incubator, accelerator, venture capital, entrepreneurship support organization).
• Proven experience in sales and business development.
• Proven track record of success in developing and implementing incubation/acceleration programs.
• Strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing startups in Saudi Arabia.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Fluency in Arabic and English.
• Desirable:
• MBA or Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Experience working with government agencies and funding organizations.
• Existing network of contacts within the Saudi startup ecosystem.
• Deep understanding of specific industry sectors relevant to SEA Innovation’s programs (e.g., technology, healthcare, tourism, culture, education, industrial, agriculture).
  Additional Information

• Strategic Leadership:
• Develop and implement the strategic plan and direction for SEA Innovation, aligning with the SEA Ventures Group’s overall goals and objectives.
• Conduct thorough market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging trends and opportunities within the Saudi startup ecosystem.
• Identify key trends and opportunities within the Saudi startup ecosystem to inform strategic decision-making.
• Oversee the design and execution of projects such as incubation and acceleration programs, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of startup and client beneficiaries.
• Effectively communicate the strategic vision and goals of SEA Innovation to internal and external stakeholders.
• Operational Management:
• Manage the day-to-day operations of SEA Innovation, including facilities, resources, and staff.
• Develop and maintain efficient operational processes and procedures to ensure smooth program delivery.
• Oversee the selection and onboarding of startups into the program.
• Continuously evaluate and improve program effectiveness through data analysis, feedback collection, and best practice implementation.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks to program delivery and operational efficiency.
• Stakeholder Management:
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, investors, mentors, and industry partners.
• Develop and implement a stakeholder engagement plan to cultivate strong relationships with key partners, including government agencies, investors, and industry leaders.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and workshops.
• Act as an advocate for the Saudi startup ecosystem, representing SEA Innovation at industry events and promoting its contribution to economic development.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive environment for startups in the programs.
• Financial Performance:
• Develop and manage the incubator/accelerator’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability.
• Proactively identify and pursue new business opportunities, including sponsorships, partnerships, and client engagements for project operations.
• Explore and secure business opportunities through sponsorships, and partnerships, and clients engagements for projects operations.
• Develop and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and financial reports, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Team Leadership:
• Lead, mentor, and motivate a high-performing team.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing team, providing opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement.
• Implement a performance management system to set clear expectations, provide regular feedback, and recognize employee contributions.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
  Qualifications