Media Tech & Innovation Senior Manager

ROLE PURPOSE

As Senior Manager Media Tech & Innovation you push the boundaries of what NEOM has to offer to production companies. You ensure NEOM Media tech infrastructure is state-of-the-art. Besides managing existing filming equipment and other tech assets together with your team, you drive technological innovation e.g. in the area of virtual production or broadcasting.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & ACTIVITIES

Strategy & Commercial

• Define, plan, implement and continuously review NEOM Media’s technology and innovation strategy, in line with overall Sector strategy and OKRs
• In defining and executing the tech and innovation strategy (e.g. in make-vs-buy decisions), apply a commercial mindset and assume P&L responsibility for NEOM Media’s technology offering to production companies and other clients (e.g. rental of equipment)
• Identify and build up new tech-rooted business areas, e.g. in virtual production, broadcasting or VFX
• Stay abreast of latest tech developments and trends in the industry globally, and act as internal thought leader on cutting-edge technology and how it can be leveraged to further strengthen NEOM Media’s competitive position
• Ensure Tech & Innovation team continuously builds up profound tech know-how and capabilities to engage at eye level with tech vendors, clients and other stakeholders, and ultimately to ensure that NEOM Media tech assets are optimally utilized
• Subject to internal approval & requirements, attend key industry and tech events
• Pro-actively build up a network of key partners, clients as well as other stakeholders
• Look for non-organic growth opportunities to partner, JV, acquire other businesses

Operations

• Oversee operations of all tech-based commercial activities (rental of filming equipment, heavy machinery, virtual production assets etc.), ensuring high client satisfaction and minimizing key risks (commercial, operational, health/ safety/ security etc.)
• Set priorities for procurement of tech assets in line with strategy and oversee procurement processes end-to-end, keeping CAPEX in check
• Be actively involved in the tech procurement process to ensure best purchasing practices are adopted and most suitable suppliers sourced
• Drive impeccable inventory management and appropriate maintenance of all tech assets
• Document the operating procedures and best practices

People Management

• Lead and support team members to succeed in their roles and deliver on their objectives, fostering personal growth
• Set performance objectives for team members and ensure alignment with tech and innovation strategy as well as overall NEOM Media strategy
• Promote a high-performance and resilient work environment that delivers quality and remains flexible to changing priorities, without compromising on morale and team happiness
• Plan and execute sustainable headcount growth to ensure team is adequately staffed to build new businesses as per tech and innovation strategy
• Actively participate in learning & development planning

BACKGROUND, SKILLS, & QUALIFICATIONS

• 12+ years experience in a technology and/ or innovation leadership position within the media industry
• Track record of successful end-to-end delivery of event projects and programs, from briefing and conceptualization through to onsite management, execution, and evaluation.
• Proven ability to develop strategies for businesses/ departments with 8-digit USD budgets, get buy-in of key stakeholders and drive execution
• Understanding of general finance and budgeting, including profit and loss, balance sheet and cash-flow management
• Ability to lead and manage teams
• Presence, credibility and proven record in developing relationships, negotiating with stakeholders, partners, vendors and clients to ensure strategic priorities can be met
• Self-starting can-do attitude, problem-solver character
• Excellent communication skills in English
• Experience of working in Saudi Arabia or the Middle East is preferable
• Bachelor’s degree Relevant industry qualifications