Director – Strategic Planning and Financial Advisory

OVERVIEW                                                                                                          

NEOM is an accelerator of human progress and a vision of what a new future might look like. A region in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea, NEOM is being built from the ground up to include hyperconnected, cognitive cities, ports, next-generation infrastructure and industries, enterprise zones, research centers, sports and entertainment venues and tourist destinations.

As a destination, it will be a home for people who dream big and want to be part of building a new model for exceptional livability, creating thriving businesses and reinventing environmental conservation.

As a workplace, it is a place for people who share our core values of care, curiosity, diversity, passion, respect, and becoming a catalyst for change.

Are you ready to help NEOM find solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges? Are you prepared to create a lasting legacy that benefits generations to come? Then we want to hear from you!

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Director of Strategic Planning & Financial Advisory is responsible for leading financial strategic planning, driving the Finance Group Strategy, and providing internal management advisory to senior leadership. This role ensures that strategic planning, resource allocation, and strategic initiatives align with the organization’s long-term growth objectives.

The Director will develop and execute financial frameworks, collaborate with key stakeholders across functions, and serve as a trusted advisor in investment decisions, financial governance, and business performance improvement.

ROLE COMPETENCIES & ACTIVITIES

The Director of Strategic Planning & Financial Advisory responsibilities will include, but not be limited to: Strategic Financial Planning & Advisory

• Lead the development and execution of financial strategic planning frameworks, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.
• Drive the Finance Group Strategy, ensuring financial planning, investment strategies, and resource allocation support sustainable growth.
• Provide internal financial advisory to C-level executives, offering data-driven insights for strategic decision-making, investment prioritization, and cost optimization.
• Define, track, and communicate key financial performance indicators (KPIs), evaluating business performance against strategic goals.
• Oversee the development of business models and financial strategies to support expansion, partnerships, and new business ventures.
• Collaborate with corporate finance, investment, and business unit leaders to integrate financial planning into overall business strategy.

Risk Management & Contingency Planning

• Develop and implement risk assessments, business impact analyses, and financial contingency planning to safeguard business continuity.
• Lead the design and execution of financial governance policies, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and corporate financial best practices.
• Conduct financial scenario planning and stress testing to evaluate potential business risks and financial sustainability.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with senior leadership and department heads (including Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain, Legal, and Operations) to align financial strategy across functions.
• Partner with external investment firms, advisory firms, and regulatory authorities to shape and execute strategic financial initiatives.
• Lead strategy and finance committee meetings, ensuring that financial insights inform high-level decision-making.
• Manage, mentor, and develop the Strategic Planning and Financial Advisory team, fostering a culture of performance and innovation.

Executive Reporting & Data-Driven Decision Making

• Produce and present consolidated executive reports, offering strategic recommendations based on financial models, risk assessments, and market analysis.
• Implement a data-driven approach to financial decision-making, ensuring business cases are backed by strong research and feasibility studies.
• Collaborate with corporate finance and treasury teams to align financial planning with funding strategies and capital allocation decisions.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• 12+ years of experience in corporate strategy, financial planning, or strategic advisory roles, preferably within a large organization – real estate or construction industry.
• Strong expertise in financial modeling, scenario analysis, and business case development.
• Knowledge of accounting principles (through studies or work experience) with the ability to interpret financial statements and performance metrics.
• Proven ability to lead strategic financial planning teams and influence C-level executives and stakeholders.
• Experience in large-scale real estate development, infrastructure, or mega-project financing is a plus.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills, with experience managing cross-functional teams.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and financial planning tools; familiarity with data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau, etc.) is a plus.
• Ability to remain flexible, agile, and proactive in a fast-changing environment.

Culture and Values

• Embrace NEOM’s culture and Values https://www.neom.com/en-us/about
• Act with honesty and integrity by following best practices, and upholding the robust standards and expectations set out in NEOM’s Code of Conduct.
• Maintain fair, ethical and professional work practices in accordance with NEOM’s Values and Code of Conduct.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A Master’s degree (MBA, MSc in Finance, or Strategy) is highly desirable.
• Relevant professional qualifications such as CFA, CPA, ACA, ACCA, or equivalent are strongly preferred.