ROLE PURPOSE
As Senior Manager Media Tech & Innovation you push the boundaries of what NEOM has to offer to production companies. You ensure NEOM Media tech infrastructure is state-of-the-art. Besides managing existing filming equipment and other tech assets together with your team, you drive technological innovation e.g. in the area of virtual production or broadcasting.
Key Accountabilities & Activities
Strategy & Commercial
- Define, plan, implement and continuously review NEOM Media’s technology and innovation strategy, in line with overall Sector strategy and OKRs
- In defining and executing the tech and innovation strategy (e.g. in make-vs-buy decisions), apply a commercial mindset and assume P&L responsibility for NEOM Media’s technology offering to production companies and other clients (e.g. rental of equipment)
- Identify and build up new tech-rooted business areas, e.g. in virtual production, broadcasting or VFX
- Stay abreast of latest tech developments and trends in the industry globally, and act as internal thought leader on cutting-edge technology and how it can be leveraged to further strengthen NEOM Media’s competitive position
- Ensure Tech & Innovation team continuously builds up profound tech know-how and capabilities to engage at eye level with tech vendors, clients and other stakeholders, and ultimately to ensure that NEOM Media tech assets are optimally utilized
- Subject to internal approval & requirements, attend key industry and tech events
- Pro-actively build up a network of key partners, clients as well as other stakeholders
- Look for non-organic growth opportunities to partner, JV, acquire other businesses
Operations
- Oversee operations of all tech-based commercial activities (rental of filming equipment, heavy machinery, virtual production assets etc.), ensuring high client satisfaction and minimizing key risks (commercial, operational, health/ safety/ security etc.)
- Set priorities for procurement of tech assets in line with strategy and oversee procurement processes end-to-end, keeping CAPEX in check
- Be actively involved in the tech procurement process to ensure best purchasing practices are adopted and most suitable suppliers sourced
- Drive impeccable inventory management and appropriate maintenance of all tech assets
- Document the operating procedures and best practices
People Management
- Lead and support team members to succeed in their roles and deliver on their objectives, fostering personal growth
- Set performance objectives for team members and ensure alignment with tech and innovation strategy as well as overall NEOM Media strategy
- Promote a high-performance and resilient work environment that delivers quality and remains flexible to changing priorities, without compromising on morale and team happiness
- Plan and execute sustainable headcount growth to ensure team is adequately staffed to build new businesses as per tech and innovation strategy
- Actively participate in learning & development planning
Background, Skills, & Qualifications
- 12+ years experience in a technology and/ or innovation leadership position within the media industry
- Track record of successful end-to-end delivery of event projects and programs, from briefing and conceptualization through to onsite management, execution, and evaluation.
- Proven ability to develop strategies for businesses/ departments with 8-digit USD budgets, get buy-in of key stakeholders and drive execution
- Understanding of general finance and budgeting, including profit and loss, balance sheet and cash-flow management
- Ability to lead and manage teams
- Presence, credibility and proven record in developing relationships, negotiating with stakeholders, partners, vendors and clients to ensure strategic priorities can be met
- Self-starting can-do attitude, problem-solver character
- Excellent communication skills in English
- Experience of working in Saudi Arabia or the Middle East is preferable
- Bachelor’s degree Relevant industry qualifications