Ecosystem Partner Manager M/W

PASQAL designs and develops Quantum Processing Units and dedicated software tools. These innovative processors address applications which are out of the reach of the most powerful existing supercomputers, encompassing real-world challenges as well as fundamental science. As they are very low energy intensive, they will significantly contribute to reduce the carbon footprint of the computing industry.

PASQAL has partnerships with key users in the fields of energy, IT, finance, drug and chemical design, automotive. The maturity and potential of our technology and the quality of our scientific team has been rewarded several times at French, European and global levels.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly driven Ecosystem Partner Manager / Director to build, structure, and scale our strategic ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. Based in Riyadh, this role will lead engagement with key academic institutions and national entities, contributing directly to Saudi Vision 2030 and future development in Quantum technology.

The successful candidate will act as a bridge between industry, academia, and government, creating long‑term partnerships that support R&D programs, innovation projects, grants, talent development, and commercialization initiatives.

Responsabilities:

Ecosystem & Strategic Partnerships

• Define and execute the Saudi ecosystem partnership strategy, aligned with company global objectives.
• Build and manage high-level relationships with academic institutions, including:

o KACST

o KFUPM

o KAUST

o Leading Saudi universities and research centers

• Engage with governmental and regulatory bodies, including:

o MCIT (Ministry of Communications and Information Technology)

o CST (Communications, Space & Technology Commission)

o NTDP, RDIA, SDAIA, and other relevant national programs

Academia & Research Collaboration

• Structure joint research programs, MoUs, and long-term cooperation frameworks.
• Support creation of:

o Research chairs

o PhD / post-doc programs

o Collaboration agreements

Grants, Programs & National Initiatives

• Identify and contribute to national funding opportunities, innovation programs, and sandbox initiatives.
• Coordinate with internal teams on:

o Grant strategy and submissions

o Technical positioning for Saudi programs

• Represent the company in Saudi innovation ecosystems, forums, and working groups.
• The role requires periodic engagement with corporate stakeholders, including providing support and conducting on‑site visits as needed.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as a trusted interface between internal teams (R&D, sales, legal, grants, leadership) and Saudi stakeholders.
• Ensure alignment with local compliance, regulatory frameworks, and cultural expectations.
• Maintain senior-level relationships and ensure executive-level communication when required.

Market Intelligence & Thought Leadership

• Monitor Saudi ecosystem trends in deep tech, AI, quantum, and advanced digital technologies.
• Provide strategic insights on national priorities, roadmap evolution, and institutional strategies.
• Position the company as a long-term strategic partner in the Kingdom.

This list of tasks is non exhaustiv.

About you

• 3–5+ years (Manager) of experience in:

  • Ecosystem partnerships

  • Government relations

  • Research & innovation programs

  • Technology or deep‑tech environments

• Strong experience working with Saudi public institutions and academia.

• Proven track record managing MoUs, strategic partnerships, and multi‑stakeholder programs.

• Deep understanding of:

  • Saudi innovation ecosystem

  • Public funding and institutional decision‑making

Preferred

• Background in deep tech, AI, quantum, HPC, or advanced digital infrastructure.

• Experience working with international technology companies or research organizations.

• Exposure to technology commercialization and national innovation programs.

PASQAL is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, as inclusion and diversity are essential to achieving our mission. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, music preference, ethnicity, age, religion or sexual orientation.