General Manager

Our client is a globally recognised provider of smart city and urban technology solutions, delivering integrated systems that support mobility, utilities, infrastructure, and public safety. Their capabilities are underpinned by advanced expertise in digital connectivity, data analytics, artificial intelligence, robotics, and intelligent monitoring technologies.

With a strong international footprint, the organisation has successfully delivered hundreds of smart city initiatives across more than 150 cities worldwide. They are among a select group of companies capable of providing end-to-end metro and rail technology solutions, covering areas such as transport control centres, integrated operational platforms, enterprise asset management, fare and payment systems, passenger information platforms, cybersecurity for rail networks, and platform screen door technologies.

In addition, the business is recognised for its expertise in intelligent transportation systems, including urban traffic management, tolling and congestion charging, fleet management, smart parking, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and rapid transit technologies. Their smart infrastructure solutions also extend to large-scale deployments of connected sensors supporting smart lighting, utility monitoring, and water management across major cities globally.

About the Role

This position plays a key leadership role in directing business operations and shaping market strategy within the Kingdom through the Riyadh office. The successful individual will be responsible for driving business growth, overseeing day-to-day operational performance, and ensuring delivery excellence across the organisation.

Working closely with regional leadership, the role will focus on developing and implementing expansion strategies to strengthen the company’s footprint within the smart city ecosystem. The individual will serve as the senior in-country representative, building strong relationships with both public and private sector stakeholders while supporting long-term commercial success.

The role carries responsibility for financial performance, operational governance, sales growth, project execution, and regulatory compliance. It also includes oversight of strategic planning, programme delivery, and organisational development to ensure sustainable growth within the local market.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the senior country representative for the smart cities business, providing leadership and market direction.
• Partner with regional leadership to define and execute growth strategies aligned to commercial objectives.
• Assess emerging market opportunities and identify short- and medium-term areas for expansion.
• Lead business planning initiatives and establish sales strategies that drive market penetration and revenue generation.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships to strengthen local market positioning.
• Develop relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, industry partners, and government entities.
• Foster strong engagement with national and municipal authorities to support business development across relevant sectors.
• Promote awareness of the organisation’s capabilities through collaboration with industry participants.
• Own country-level financial performance, including budgeting, revenue generation, cash flow oversight, and profitability.
• Review operational performance to improve efficiency, competitiveness, and productivity.
• Manage supplier and partner relationships to ensure cost-effective delivery and high service standards.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of programme and project delivery, from planning and execution through to governance, risk management, and close-out.
• Support local manufacturing or delivery operations where required.
• Direct all in-country business functions, including operations, finance, HR, logistics, customer support, and administration.
• Build scalable organisational structures to support long-term business growth.
• Ensure compliance with local laws, employment regulations, and industry standards.
• Recruit, mentor, and lead high-performing teams while promoting engagement, development, and retention.
• Represent the organisation at conferences, networking forums, and industry events to enhance market presence.
• Drive a culture focused on innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Candidate Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Significant experience in senior leadership roles, ideally within technology, infrastructure, transport, or smart city sectors.
• Strong understanding of the Saudi Arabian market, particularly across transport, aviation, or utility authorities.
• Commercially minded with strong strategic planning and business development capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into execution while delivering large-scale programmes.
• Proven track record of successfully managing multiple high-value projects with strong commercial outcomes.
• Operationally focused with the ability to oversee complex business functions effectively.
• Financially literate with experience managing budgets, forecasting, reporting, and P&L responsibility.
• Strong leadership and people management capabilities with experience developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication skills in English; Arabic language skills would be advantageous.
• High levels of professionalism, integrity, and leadership presence.

Salt is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.