Head of Strategy

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.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Head of Strategy is a pivotal role working in close partnership with the Chief Projects Officer (CPO). This role is responsible for providing strategic advice, managing senior stakeholders, and overseeing the program. The role will drive towards operational excellence across various projects and act as a trusted partner to the CPO, offering insights on emerging opportunities, risks, and trends to enable accurate decision making.

REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

• Proven track record of successfully managing complex projects and driving strategic initiatives
• High attention to details and excellent communication with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Capability to identify inefficiencies and areas of improvement in existing processes.
• Experience with process management and process improvement methodologies.
• Experience in process mapping and process modelling tools.
• Flexibility to adjust engagement strategies based on changing circumstances or feedback Knowledge of data analysis and reporting tools.
• Has the ability to lead and inspire teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation
• Ability to build and sustain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Competence in negotiating with stakeholders to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Ability to lead and influence others to achieve desired outcomes.
• Uphold ethical standards in all stakeholder interactions and communications.

ROLE COMPETENCIES & ACTIVITIES

The responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute long-term strategies that align with organizational goals.
• Leadership: Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and guide teams towards achieving strategic objectives.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas and engage stakeholders effectively.
• Analytical Skills: Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation, with a focus on driving data-driven decision-making.
• Risk Management: Expertise in identifying and mitigating risks, ensuring compliance and governance across projects.
• Stakeholder Management: Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Operational Excellence: Commitment to optimizing processes and achieving operational efficiency.

Strategic Coordination

• Ensure alignment between individual project priorities and the enterprise-level strategic vision of NEOM, fostering integration and mitigating potential conflicts.
• Coordinate with various departments to ensure strategic objectives are achieved cohesively.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among project teams to ensure unified direction and purpose

Leadership and Advisory

• Prepare and deliver presentations, reports, and other communication materials.
• Advise senior leadership on strategic initiatives and long-term planning.
• Identify and implement tools to streamline operations, monitor projects, and foster innovation across the portfolio
• Ensure that all stakeholder engagement activities comply with the relevant regulations and ethical standards.
• Utilize data analytics to drive strategies and decisions.

Operational Excellence

• Monitor and optimize processes across project teams to meet key performance indicators, timelines, and budget constraints.
• Ensure that all operational activities align with the strategic goals of the organization.
• Implement and oversee best practices for operational efficiency and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Management

• Analyze stakeholders’ needs, interests, and influence to prioritize engagement strategies.
• Develop and implement stakeholder engagement plans tailored to different stakeholder groups.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication and meetings.
• Act as the primary point of contact for stakeholders, addressing their concerns and providing updates on relevant activities.
• Manage the dissemination of information, ensuring timely and accurate communication.
• Work closely with internal teams, including communications, project management, and legal, to ensure stakeholder interests are aligned with organizational objectives.
• Identify and address potential conflicts or issues with stakeholders proactively.
• Mediate disputes or misunderstandings, ensuring that resolutions are in the best interest of both the stakeholders and the organization on behalf of the CPO.

Change Management

• Stay informed about best practices in stakeholder management and apply them to enhance engagement strategies.
• Seek feedback from stakeholders to continuously improve the quality of engagement and communication.
• Promote transparency and accountability in all interactions with stakeholders.
• Identify potential risks associated with the change and develop strategies to mitigate them
• Develop a strategy that outlines the approach, resources and timelines for implementing the change.
   

Project Management

• Provide regular reports to senior management on stakeholder engagement status, risks, and opportunities.
• Use feedback and data to refine and improve stakeholder management strategies.
• Coordinate stakeholder involvement in projects, ensuring their feedback is integrated into planning and decision-making processes.