General Manager Middle East - Edge AI - Semiconductor

Edison Smart; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading semiconductor innovator seeks a General Manager for its Middle East operations. The role involves strategic leadership, market development, and government engagement, ideal for a tech-driven leader with extensive experience in the region. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of AI and digital innovation in Saudi Arabia.

Qualifications

• 10-15+ years experience in executive leadership within semiconductor or AI sectors.
• Proven success in launching or scaling business units in the Middle East.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead KSA operations aligning with global roadmap.
• Identify and grow commercial opportunities in smart infrastructure and AI.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Communication

Education

Engineering or Computer Science Degree

MBA or Equivalent

Job description

Position: General Manager Middle East Location: Saudi Arabia (Or UAE with frequent travel) Industry: Semiconductors / Artificial Intelligence / Edge Computing About the Company

A leading U.S based semiconductor innovator is entering a new phase of strategic expansion into the Middle East.

Specializing in high-performance, low-power AI accelerators for edge computing, the company's patented architecture powers intelligent systems in transportation, industrial automation, smart cities, and more. Backed by top-tier global investors, it has operational hubs in North America, Asia, and now seeks to establish a cornerstone presence in Saudi Arabia.

The company has recently formalized partnerships with national innovation hubs and investment authorities in the Kingdom, reinforcing its alignment with Vision 2030's drive for technological leadership, digital infrastructure, and sovereign semiconductor capabilities. Role Overview The General Manager (KSA) will be the founding executive responsible for building, leading, and scaling regional operations in Saudi Arabia.

This role is ideal for a technology-driven business leader with a track record of navigating high-tech markets in the GCC and forging public-private partnerships. Reporting directly to global leadership, the GM will serve as both a market evangelist and operational strategistbridging global expertise with local execution.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: Build and lead KSA operations, ensuring alignment with the company's global roadmap and local market dynamics.
Market Development: Identify and grow commercial opportunities in sectors such as smart infrastructure, industrial automation, public sector AI, and advanced manufacturing.
Government & Ecosystem Engagement: Represent the company with key stakeholders including regulatory bodies, R&D hubs, and Vision 2030 programs (e.g. NEOM, National Semiconductor Hub).
Operational Execution: Oversee local compliance, partner development, recruitment, and budgeting.
Cross-functional Collaboration: Interface with R&D, sales, and executive teams across U.S, Taiwan, and India to ensure seamless integration and delivery

Ideal Candidate Profile

1015+ years experience in executive leadership within the semiconductor, AI, or advanced technology sectors.
Proven success launching or scaling business units or subsidiaries in the Middle East.
Deep understanding of KSA's national development agenda, particularly Vision 2030, and its implications for digital and industrial innovation.
Strong local network across government, academia, and industry.
Engineering, computer science, or related technical degree; MBA or equivalent is a plus.
Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and cross-cultural leadership skills.

Why This Role Matters This is a rare opportunity to lead the regional operations of a breakthrough AI semiconductor company at a time when the Middle East is investing aggressively in digital sovereignty and frontier technologies. The chosen candidate will not only build a businessthey'll help define a future.

About Edison Smart

Edison Smart is a global provider of specialized recruitment solutions, supporting the technology industry's most innovative companies. Headquartered in the UK, we connect talent with opportunity, driving the Industry 4.0 revolution. With over 30 years of experience, Edison Smart partners with forward-thinking organizations to help achieve their strategic growth goals while fostering groundbreaking technological advancements.