Governance Manager

Saudi Pro League (SPL); Riyadh; On-site; SAR 120,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Governance and Regulatory Compliance Manager to lead the development and execution of a robust governance framework. This role involves collaborating with senior leadership to enhance governance structures, ensuring compliance with local laws and international best practices. The ideal candidate will possess a Master's degree and over 10 years of experience in corporate governance, demonstrating strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills. Join a dynamic team focused on promoting transparency and accountability across the organization and its member clubs, making a significant impact in the sports governance landscape.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in corporate governance or regulatory affairs.
• Deep understanding of Saudi governance laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of SPL's governance framework and ensure compliance.
• Support governance activities and assist in Board-related initiatives.

Skills

Stakeholder Engagement

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Written Communication

Verbal Communication

Education

Master's degree in Law

Master's degree in Governance

Master's degree in Business Administration

Tools

GRC Certification

Job description

• Lead the development and execution of SPL's governance framework, ensuring alignment with business objectives, local laws, and international best practices.
• Collaborate with the GRC Director, Board members, and senior leadership to enhance SPL's governance structures and regulatory frameworks.
• Support governance activities related to Statutes amendments, review of the Governance Strategy, establishment and composition of Board committees, induction of new Board or Committee members, and assisting any Board-related initiative.
• Ensure governance structures promote transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership across SPL and its member clubs.

Regulatory Liaison & External Engagement

• Serve as SPL's point of contact with member clubs on governance matters, offering guidance on compliance with regulatory obligations.
• Provide expert opinions on key sports governance issues, including multi-club ownership, club privatization, and financial sustainability regulations.
• Act as a liaison with SAFF and the Ministry of Sport (MoS) on governance-related matters, ensuring alignment with national and international regulatory standards.
• Represent SPL in high-level discussions on governance policy improvements, regulatory amendments, and compliance enforcement strategies.
• Develop company-wide governance policies, ensuring they provide a structured framework for operations.
• Maintain and oversee the organization’s manual of policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with best practices.
• Ensure policies are clearly communicated and work closely with department heads to ensure governance policies are effectively integrated into day-to-day processes.
• Conduct periodic reviews and updates of governance policies, ensuring their relevance to SPL's evolving regulatory environment and strategic objectives, while supporting transparency, accountability, and regulatory alignment.

Statutes, Regulatory & Governance Reform

• Assist the GRC Director in developing and amending SPL's statutes, overseeing Competition or Commercial-related regulatory changes, and internal governance frameworks.
• Ensure SPL's governance documents comply with Saudi laws, SAFF regulations, and international best practices, including FIFA and AFC governance models.
• Provide legal and strategic advice on proposed governance changes, ensuring stakeholder alignment before implementation.

Board & General Assembly (GA) Support

• Support the GRC Director in preparing Board and Committees materials, including governance reports and regulatory updates.
• Assist in drafting Board and Committees minutes, resolutions, and annual reports.
• Provide policy-level insights and recommendations to senior management and the Board on governance matters.

Governance Training & Awareness

• Develop educational programs for club executives and internal stakeholders, ensuring governance principles are well understood.
• Promote a strong culture of compliance and governance awareness across SPL and member clubs.
• Provide strategic guidance on governance best practices, financial controls, and regulatory compliance within football operations.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Master's degree in Law, Governance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in corporate governance, legal compliance, or regulatory affairs.
• GRC certification (e.g., CGEIT, CCEP, or equivalent).
• Deep understanding of Saudi governance laws and regulations (e.g., Ministry of Sport, SAFF).
• Proven experience in developing and drafting governance policies and frameworks, and providing regulatory advisory.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence senior management and external bodies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Expertise in risk mitigation strategies related to governance.
• Experience in sports law and governance is preferred.
• Experience in financial regulations or corporate law is an advantage.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.