Manager, Strategy and Planning

Date: Dec ‎29, ‎2022
Location: Saudi Arabia
Company: King Abdullah University of Science & Technology
Manager Strategy and Planning SNA

Job Purpose
Reporting to the Vice President, a Strategy and Planning Manager is a critical
leadership and management role within the department. The incumbent is
expected to understand the university's strategic direction and act as an
organizational expert for a range of strategic initiatives led by the Vice
President, ensuring alignment between these initiatives and national priories.
In this position, a Strategy and planning manager is required to maintain
knowledge of emerging trends in the kingdom and utilize this knowledge to
educate the department on opportunities to develop strategic initiatives that
support and drive business results.
The incumbent is responsible for overseeing and managing all Strategy and
Planning Office aspects. Primary responsibilities include managing cross-
sector partnerships, designing, and implementing improved strategic and
operational planning processes. These processes should enable progress against
strategic and operational objectives to be measured, evaluated and effectively
communicated to internal and external stakeholders, and used as the evidence
base to develop further plans.
Major Accountabilities
Strategy and Planning
Define, plan and implement robust short- and long-term strategies for SNA
programs and operations to align with new business and organizational strategy
and objectives. Design and implement University-wide tools and platforms which
facilitate increased In-Kingdom engagement and promote a structured and
measured approach to national and global alignment Design and implement
improved performance monitoring processes, evaluation, and reporting against
strategic and operational plans that enable SNA to scrutinize, provide
evidence for impact and effectiveness, and ensure its strategic decision-
making is informed by evidence. Align monitoring and evaluation processes with
ongoing organizational and national initiatives. Supporting VP SNA and
departmental staff to build robust, measurable work plans through which
delivery can be managed and achieved.
Advise relevant stakeholders on opportunities pertinent to the department's
goals and operations; provide recommendations and innovative solutions that
contribute to SNA goals, address business needs, and further its mission.
Work with teams across the department to identify gaps and improvement
opportunities.
Establish the necessary project management processes and tools for achieving
operational plans.
Provide SNA with project management expertise to support the department with
implementing
performance monitoring tools, process changes, and other projects.
Strategic Relations and Development
Work with Senior Management to align outreach and engagement strategies with
business objectives.
Establish, develop, and foster strategic contacts and associations with
relevant partners and follow up proactively on engagement ideas. Scan the
environment for relevant partnership opportunities and determine how
partnerships will meet strategic goals.
Create a systemic, process-driven approach to partner outreach and
relationship management. Design and organize events to further relations and
collaborations with stakeholders and partners. Identify and pursue other
relevant opportunities to promote KAUST and SNA programs within the Kingdom.
Oversight and Performance Evaluation
Monitor timelines and progress of activities to ensure efficient, on-time
delivery of work within the
approved budget.
Ensure all activities conducted support SNA's mission and strategic priorities
and foster continuous improvement and innovation.
Monitor and report on outcomes of projects and initiatives
Assess and address any issues or concerns that may impact the success of
Strategic Initiatives.
Provide transparent and timely reporting to all stakeholders and ensure they
are regularly engaged
for directives, consultation, and input.
Any other responsibilities required by Senior Management.
Person Requirements
Competencies
Strong skills in short- and long-range planning, program and project
management, facilitation and
collaboration. Sound strategic thinking and consulting skills in guiding the
department toward workable strategies and solutions.
Excellent organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to
initiate and drive improvements,
while working under pressure and under strict deadlines.
Proven ability to execute on strategy and make clear-eyed assessments
Excellent managerial and interpersonal skills with ability to supervise,
motivate, support, and
collaborate with different teams.
Excellent ability to delegate responsibilities while maintaining
organizational control.
Excellent budget, time management, and oversight skills.
Flexibility to manage constantly changing priorities and timelines and adept
at working cross functionally to implement programs and outreach.
Excellent strategic, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability
to foster clear and goal oriented exchanges with various audiences.
Ability to understand complex environments and work effectively in both
informal and highly formal
settings.
Demonstrated political acumen and ability to work with the highest levels of
leadership.
Experience exercising judgment and discretion when dealing with sensitive
information.
Strong attention to detail and result-oriented.
Fluency in English (oral and written); Arabic desirable.
Qualifications
BSc/BA in Business Administration, Information Technology, Marketing, Finance
or a related field;
MSc/MA/MBA is a plus with a preference for Ph.D.
Experience
Minimum of ‎8-‎10 years of relevant experience in the sector of Corporate
Strategic Planning,
Management Consultancy or related field.
Progressive experience in strategic relations and partnerships