Financial Strategy Manager

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 Financial Strategy Manager is responsible for supporting the Director and Executive Director in executing projects development and leading aspects of the financial development life cycle. This includes acquiring resources, internal and external stakeholder management and coordinating the efforts of team members and third-party contractors or and consultants, and overseeing the preparation, review, and delivery of business cases (Strategic, Economic, Financial, Implementation, and Commercial) to ensure alignment with the NEOM Plan of Work.

REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

• Knowledge of data analysis and reporting tools.
• Capability to identify inefficiencies and areas of improvement in existing processes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• High attention to details to ensure the processes are optimized.
• Ability to build and sustain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Competence in negotiating with stakeholders to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Flexibility to adjust engagement strategies based on changing circumstances or feedback.
• Ability to lead and influence others to achieve desired outcomes.
• Uphold ethical standards in all stakeholder interactions and communications.

ROLE COMPETENCIES & ACTIVITIES

The Financial Strategy Manager’s responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

Strategic Planning, Implementation & Partnerships

• Support the Executive Director in implementing financial strategies and align development execution with objectives, including financial, investment strategies and market entry plans and business case preparation and modeling for various stages Strategic, Outline and Full Business Case (SBC, OBC, FBC).
• Foster strong relationships with internal stakeholders like senior management, finance teams, NEOM sectors (i.e. Hotels, Environment, Projects), contractors and operational specialists including secondees and consultants, ensuring alignment with overall company goals.
• Build and manage crucial ties with external stakeholders like NEOM sectors, government agencies and potential brand partners to ensure business case development is supported and approved.
• If required, explore diversification opportunities like new brand extensions, market-entry strategies, and partnerships, ensuring they align with NEOM’s broader strategic vision.

Financial Acumen & Performance Monitoring

• Monitor project performance with various team leads, analyzing key metrics (KPI’s) and reporting on deviations, risks, and potential adjustments to both internal and external stakeholders. This includes ensuring that financial assessments of the business case (financial projections, ROI, IRR, etc.) are on track..
• Reassess and review the competitive benchmarks, financial projections and business case assumptions to align with proponent vision and NEOM’s overall development strategy.
• Review third party feasibility reports and perform red flag analysis to support required ROI and refine the business case.
• Support the review, reporting and business plan documents for submission for budgets and concept approvals to the Board or NTC approvals for specific projects during the development lifecycle.
• Identify and analyze potential hospitality development opportunities within the masterplan and synergies, conducting comprehensive market research, feasibility studies, and financial projections.
• Contribute to the preparation of strategic, economic, financial, and commercial assessments as part of the Business Case Development Process, ensuring alignment with NEOM’s Vision 2030 and the NEOM Plan of Work
• Ensure continuous monitoring of business case metrics (financial, strategic, and operational) throughout the development process, adjusting the plan as necessary to address evolving market conditions, stakeholder needs, and project performance.
• Conduct ongoing market research to ensure business case assumptions are based on accurate and up-to-date data, ensuring the proposed developments are aligned with market trends and maintain a competitive edge
   

Project Management

• If required also, support the project life cycle from conception to completion, tracking critical stages like design, construction, and pre-opening ensuring the business case is updated and reflected at each stage.         
• Integrate learnings from other NEOM projects to incorporate best practices and risk mitigation strategies.
• Support the Director and Executive Director with special projects to resolve critical issues and provide global best practices for optimal returns (in line with targeted KPI’s).
• Support engagement with the NEOM projects and contractors i.e. NESMA, BEC to align development, cost and quality of construction with proponent vision and timelines.
• Anticipate and address challenges/risks, devising solutions to mitigate risks and adhere to go live date.

       Leadership

• Along with the Director and Executive Director, foster a collaborative and results-oriented team environment, motivating and empowering team members.
• Provide development opportunities, and training to the junior members within the team.

Stakeholder Management

• Develop and implement effective communication strategies to inform and engage internal and external stakeholders throughout the development process, particularly around business case progression and approvals.
• Address stakeholder concerns proactively and transparently, building trust and confidence in the development initiatives.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively across the proponent teams, NEOM sectors and project teams, including architects, engineers, contractors and consultants.

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.
• Adhere to NEOM’s Policies, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance with rules. 

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• 7+ years of proven experience in hospitality development, hospitality financial strategy ideally with a renowned brand or prominent developer.
• Financial acumen and analytical skills, with expertise in business case models, revenue strategy, IRR, feasibility studies and risk assessment.
• Adept negotiation and communication skills, fostering partnerships and influencing diverse stakeholders across complex projects.
• Experience with international development projects is a significant advantage.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities, inspiring and motivating teams.
• Excellent delegation and project management skills, ensuring clarity, accountability, and efficient execution.
• Proven ability to manage and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to tailor messages to different audiences.
• Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Understanding of necessary legal and regulatory documents.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Real Estate, Hospitality Management, or a related field required.
• Master’s degree preferred