General Manager (Regional Head Quarters, KSA)

Job Summary

The General Manager (GM) serves as the most senior executive of the company's Saudi Arabian Regional Headquarters (RHQ). The GM is accountable for the strategic direction, governance, compliance, budgeting and management oversight of the company's subsidiaries, branches, and affiliates across the MENA region.

Operating strictly within the non-commercial mandate of the RHQ licence, the GM will lead the regional administrative and strategic hub while working in close coordination with separately-licensed operational affiliates to enable business growth, market development, and revenue performance across Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region.

Role Description

1. Business Development & Market Expansion Focus:

• Formulate, own, and monitor the multi-year regional strategy aligned with Group objectives and Saudi Vision 2030 priorities.
• Set strategic objectives for MENA subsidiaries and affiliates; ensure coherent execution across markets.
• Coordinate strategic alignment among all regional entities on product, market entry, and investment priorities.
• Evaluate and provide RHQ-level recommendations on proposed M&A, joint ventures, and divestments in the MENA region.
• Embed the Group's products and services across regional markets through strategic partnerships coordinated via operating affiliates

2. Revenue Growth Enablement (via Operating Affiliates):

• Drive regional revenue growth targets by setting direction and performance expectations for operating affiliates in Saudi Arabia and MENA.
• Champion the Saudi Arabia market: identify high-value opportunities in Vision 2030 mega-projects (NEOM, Red Sea, Diriyah, Expo 2030) and direct affiliated commercial entities to pursue them.
• Oversee the Group's eligibility and positioning for Saudi government procurement; ensure affiliated entities maintain active commercial registrations required for government tenders.
• Develop and approve the regional commercial strategy including market prioritisation, pricing philosophy, and key account strategy for execution by affiliated operational companies.
• Track consolidated regional revenue performance, KPIs, and growth metrics; report to Global HQ with data-driven insights and recommendations.
• Lead senior-level relationships with key clients, government bodies, and strategic partners in Saudi Arabia, facilitating introductions and opportunities to affiliated operational teams.

3. Business Planning & Financial Oversight:

• Lead the annual regional business planning and budgeting cycle for the MENA portfolio.
• Aggregate and review consolidated financial performance across regional entities; report to the Board and Global HQ.
• Monitor profitability, cost discipline, and risk management across subsidiaries; recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain a rolling financial dashboard of MENA entities feeding into RHQ management reviews.
• Ensure the RHQ maintains adequate operational expenditure and meets economic substance requirements under KSA tax law.

4. Governance, Compliance & Regulatory Affairs:

• Chair or co-chair the RHQ Board / Regional Executive Committee; ensure board meetings are convened physically in Riyadh at least quarterly in accordance with Economic Substance Requirements.
• Ensure continuous compliance with MISA RHQ Programme rules, including mandatory and elected optional activities.
• Maintain all required records financial, operational, employment — for review by MISA and the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA).
• Ensure strict separation between the RHQ's permitted administrative activities and the commercial activities of operating affiliates.
• Oversee localization program requirements and compliance for affiliated entities and manage the 10-year RHQ localization exemption responsibly.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with MISA, RCRC, and relevant Saudi government authorities on regulatory and licensing matters.

5. Talent & Organisational Leadership:

• Build, lead, and develop the RHQ team; ensure the entity meets the minimum of 15 full-time employees (including 3 C-level executives) within the required timeframe.
• Define the organisational structure of the RHQ and regional management layer; establish clear accountability frameworks.
• Champion talent development, succession planning, and leadership pipeline across the MENA region.
• Foster an inclusive, high-performance culture that attracts international and Saudi national talent.
• Oversee HR policies and practices that comply with Saudi Labour Law (Royal Decree M/51) and related regulations.

6. Market Intelligence & Business Coordination:

• Continuously monitor the regional competitive landscape, market dynamics, and regulatory developments across MENA.
• Identify new market opportunities and business adjacencies; present investment recommendations to Global HQ.
• Develop and approve the regional marketing plan; coordinate brand consistency and positioning across markets.
• Represent the Group at senior forums, trade bodies, government advisory councils, and industry events in Saudi Arabia.

Qualifications & Experience:

Essential:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Economics, or related field; MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification strongly preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior regional or country GM role.
• Demonstrated experience managing P&L accountability through affiliate/subsidiary oversight structures.
• Prior experience operating in Saudi Arabia or the GCC, with a strong understanding of the Vision 2030 economic agenda.
• Proven track record of enabling revenue growth and market development in the MENA region.
• Deep familiarity with corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and multi-entity management structures.

Prefered:

• Direct experience establishing or managing a Saudi RHQ or similar regional hub structure.
• Existing senior-level relationships with Saudi government ministries, MISA, RCRC, or Vision 2030 delivery bodies.
• Experience with Saudi government procurement processes and tendering (post-January 2024 RHQ requirement).
• Familiarity with Saudi Labour Law, Nitaqat, and ZATCA regulations.

Disclaimer: The above job description serves as an informative reference for the tasks you may be required to perform. However, it does not constitute an integral component of your employment agreement and is subject to periodic modifications to align with evolving circumstances.

Please Note : We appreciate the accuracy and authenticity of the information you provide, as it plays a key role in your candidacy. As part of the Background Verification Process, we may verify your employment, education, and other details. Please ensure all information is factual and submitted on time. For any assistance, your recruiter is available to support you.