The Role
The Head of Strategic Growth will lead KAUST's business expansion and brand positioning across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This role is responsible for strengthening KAUST's presence in both government and private sectors, designing and delivering cutting-edge learning solutions, and supporting the Kingdom's workforce development aligned with Vision 2030.
You will work closely with KAUST's academic, research, and corporate collaboration teams to create comprehensive programs, including graduate development initiatives, corporate academies, professional certification tracks, and advanced technical training programs that address Saudi Arabia's evolving talent and innovation needs.
Responsibilities
Saudi Business Growth & Market Development
- Drive KAUST's expansion and visibility across all regions of Saudi Arabia.
- Build and manage strategic partnerships with ministries, government agencies, corporates, and industry leaders.
- Develop and implement business growth strategies that align with Saudi Vision 2030 priorities.
- Lead initiatives to expand technical program offerings in high-demand sectors such as science, technology, engineering, and sustainability.
Learning Program Development
- Collaborate with KAUST's academic departments, research centers, and executive education teams to design end-to-end learning programs.
- Oversee the launch of graduate programs, academies, certification pathways, and technical training initiatives tailored to industry and government needs.
- Ensure programs are relevant, future-focused, and aligned with KAUST's mission of advancing science, technology, and innovation.
- Provide strategic input into pricing, delivery models, and learning solutions to ensure scale, impact, and sustainability.
Stakeholder & Client Engagement
- Work as KAUST's representative with Saudi clients, stakeholders, and government bodies.
- Diagnose organizational talent and training needs and propose tailored KAUST solutions.
- Actively participate in national initiatives, forums, and industry events to position KAUST as a premier partner in workforce development.
- Build long-term, trust-based relationships with stakeholders across sectors.
Operational & Team Leadership
- Establish, lead, and mentor a high-performing business development and client engagement team within Saudi Arabia with a potential of yearly expansion.
- Coordinate with KAUST's cross-functional departments (academic affairs, research, executive education, marketing, operations) to ensure seamless program design and delivery.
- Monitor financial performance, program outcomes, and client satisfaction across Saudi initiatives.
Reporting & Performance Management
- Report directly to KAUST Executive Leadership on the academy business and training initiatives in Saudi Arabia.
- Deliver monthly, quarterly, and annual performance reports, covering revenue growth, partnerships, program launches, and regional expansion.
- Track and report KPIs, including:
- Growth of KAUST's presence across Saudi regions.
- Number of new learning programs and academies launched.
- Client acquisition and retention across government and private sectors.
- Contribution to Saudi Vision 2030 workforce and talent development initiatives.
- Provide insights and market intelligence to inform KAUST's long-term strategic planning.
Key Achievements Expected
- Establish KAUST as a national leader in training, workforce development, and applied learning.
- Deliver flagship programs such as graduate academies, sector-specific certification pathways, and technical training initiatives.
- Expand KAUST's technical program portfolio to support Saudi Arabia's strategic sectors (e.g., technology, sustainability, energy, innovation).
- Consistently achieve revenue, partnership, and program delivery targets across the Kingdom.
Competencies
- Strategic Business Development: Proven ability to drive regional business growth, spearhead market penetration strategies, and establish a strong presence in both public and private sectors across Saudi Arabia and the broader MEA region.
- Leadership and Team Development: Possesses strong skills in talent management, staff development, recruitment, and hiring.
- Educational Program Strategy: Experience overseeing the development of learning solutions, including strategizing launch plans, providing input on pricing, and supervising the design and delivery of training programs.
- Financial and Performance Acumen: Expertise in developing annual sales forecasts, setting budgets, driving yearly growth targets, and implementing strategic plans to ensure profitability.
- Market Alignment: Deep understanding of the Saudi market, with experience opening new markets from scratch and developing new products tailored to meet evolving client needs.
Qualifications
- Education: A Bachelor of Commerce or a related business field is required.
- Experience: 15+ years of progressive experience in senior business development and regional management roles.
