Consulting Manager, Innovation

Manar Rass; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 337,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm is seeking a highly skilled Consulting Manager, Innovation to lead strategic innovation engagements in Riyadh. You will guide government and private entities in adopting emerging technologies, ensuring alignment with national digital transformation frameworks, particularly Qiyas. Ideal candidates will have 7-12 years of experience in consulting and a strong understanding of innovation methodologies. Excellent communication skills in Arabic and English and hands-on experience with Saudi government entities are essential.

Qualifications

• 7-12 years of experience in consulting firms, innovation, digital transformation, or emerging technologies.
• Prior experience working with Saudi government entities is strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience implementing DGA compliance and Qiyas Maturity Index assessments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovation frameworks aligned with Digital Government Authority standards.
• Lead the setup of client Innovation and Emerging Technologies Practices.
• Manage end-to-end consulting projects in digital transformation and AI.

Skills

Strong consulting experience

Deep knowledge of innovation models

Hands-on expertise with Saudi government entities

Excellent communication abilities in Arabic and English

Leadership skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Innovation Management, Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or Digital Transformation

Tools

Project Management certifications (PMP, PRINCE2, Agile/Scrum)

AI-related certifications (e.g., Applied AI, Data Governance)

ISO Innovation Management certifications (ISO 56000 series)

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled Consulting Manager, Innovationto lead strategic innovation engagements, guide government, and private entities in adopting emerging technologies, and ensure alignment with national digital transformation frameworks especiallyQiyas

The ideal candidate will have strong consulting experience, deep knowledge of innovation models, and hands-on expertise working with Saudi government entities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovation frameworksaligned with:
• Digital Government Authority (DGA) standards
• Qiyas Maturity Index
• Emerging Technologies Requirements
• Design comprehensive toolkits, methodologies, and templates to help organizations establish innovation practices.

2. Building Innovation Practices for Clients

• Lead the setup of Innovation and Emerging Technologies Practiceswithin client entities, including:
• Governance and policies
• Mandates, roles, and responsibilities
• Capability-building and training programs
• Innovation KPIs and performance frameworks
• Guide entities in launching AI use cases, digital experimentation, and PoC/PoV programs.

3. Awards, Recognition & Compliance

• Prepare entities for DGA Innovation Awards, digital transformation recognitions, and other national maturity assessments.
• Lead gap assessments, readiness reviews, and compliance roadmaps for clients targeting high scores in national indices.

4. Consulting & Digital Transformation Engagements

• Manage end-to-end consulting projects in:
• Digital transformation
• Innovation strategy
• AI and emerging technologies
• Data governance
• Service innovation and customer experience
• Deliver executive-quality reports, presentations, and strategic recommendations.
• Conduct research on global and local innovation trends, including:
• Global innovation standards (ISO 56000 series, OECD, NIST, WIPO)
• Saudi innovation and digital government standards
• Leading emerging technology domains (AI, IoT, Digital Twins, Blockchain, XR, Robotics, Generative AI)
• Translate global best practices into implementable recommendations for Saudi organizations.

6. Stakeholder & Client Management

• Work directly with government officials, C-level executives, and transformation leaders.
• Facilitate workshops, design sprints, and innovation lab activities with cross-functional teams.

7. Capability Building & Knowledge Transfer

• Develop and deliver training programs on innovation, AI, and emerging technologies.
• Establish sustainable knowledge transfer plans to embed innovation culture within client organizations.
• Mentor junior consultants and contribute to internal practice development.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Innovation Management, Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Digital Transformation, or related fields.

Certifications (Required / Preferred)

• GINI – Global Innovation Institute (CInP, CInS, CInO)
• DGA or SDAIA certifications (preferred)
• Project Management (PMP, PRINCE2, Agile/Scrum)
• AI-related certifications (e.g., Applied AI, Generative AI, Data Governance)
• ISO Innovation Management certifications (ISO 56000 series) — preferred.

Experience

• 7–12 years of experience in consulting firms, innovation, digital transformation, or emerging technologies.
• Prior experience working with Saudi government entities is strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience implementing:
• DGA compliance
• Qiyas Maturity Index assessments
• AI governance frameworks
• Demonstrated success in building innovation units, labs, or digital innovation programs.
• Strong understanding of innovation methodologies (Design Thinking, Lean Startup, Open Innovation).
• Excellent knowledge of AI governance, data ethics, GenAI, and modern emerging technologies.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities (Arabic & English).
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects with tight deadlines.
• Leadership skills to mentor teams and manage client engagements.