R&D Portfolio Advisor

First National Human Resources Company; Jeddah; On-site; SAR 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

First National Human Resources Company is seeking a Senior R&D Portfolio Manager to lead and optimize the organization’s research portfolio in aviation/high-tech sectors. You will align strategy, govern portfolios, drive commercialization, and manage risk across global partners.

You'll collaborate with operations, finance, and regulatory teams to ensure ROI, long-term growth, and successful technology transfer.

Qualifications

• Minimum 9 years in R&D Portfolio Management, Program Governance, and Research Commercialization.
• Experience within aviation, aerospace, or high-tech industries.
• Experience leading large-scale research portfolios.
• Strong background in strategic planning, risk management, performance evaluation, and portfolio optimization.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve R&D portfolio governance frameworks.
• Oversee portfolio prioritization and investment evaluations.
• Guide executive decisions on continuation, acceleration, or termination of projects.
• Contribute to the technology division strategy, roadmap, and long-term vision.
• Ensure alignment with organizational business objectives.

Skills

R&D Portfolio Management

Strategic Planning

Stakeholder Management

Risk Management

Innovation Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Air Traffic Management

Business Administration

Innovation Management

Job description

Role Purpose

Lead and oversee the organization's Research & Development (R&D) Portfolio by ensuring strategic alignment, portfolio governance, investment prioritization, commercialization, and performance optimization. The role acts as the link between R&D executive leadership and external partners to maximize the technical, financial, and business value of research initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Governance

• Develop and improve R&D portfolio governance frameworks.
• Oversee portfolio prioritization and investment evaluations.
• Guide executive decisions on continuation, acceleration, or termination of projects.
• Contribute to the technology division strategy, roadmap, and long-term vision.
• Ensure alignment with organizational business objectives.

Portfolio Planning & Performance Management

• Develop portfolio performance monitoring frameworks.
• Measure project milestones and ROI.
• Balance short‑term operational initiatives with long‑term innovation.
• Evaluate overall portfolio health and strategic alignment.

Resource Strategy & Risk Optimization

• Advise on allocation of financial, technical, and human resources.
• Identify and mitigate portfolio‑level risks.
• Optimize resource utilization and delivery capacity.
• Improve resilience across R&D programs.

Research Integration & Commercialization

• Drive commercialization of R&D outcomes.
• Work with the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) to support intellectual property protection and monetization.
• Develop commercialization strategies and market partnerships.
• Enable operational adoption of research outputs.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as senior liaison with internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate with operations, finance, regulatory bodies, and R&D teams.
• Represent the organization in industry forums, funding discussions, and collaborative programs.

Portfolio Strategy & Innovation

• Conduct technology foresight and market analysis.
• Identify emerging technologies and innovation opportunities.
• Recommend diversification of the R&D portfolio.
• Lead long‑range planning and scenario analysis.

Internal Stakeholders

• MEDAT, MES, DIT, Cybersecurity, Corporate Communication, Finance, Corporate Strategy teams.

External Stakeholders

• Universities, vendors, NERA partners.

Required Experience

• Minimum 9 years in R&D Portfolio Management, Program Governance, and Research Commercialization.
• Experience within aviation, aerospace, or high‑tech industries.
• Experience leading large‑scale research portfolios.
• Strong background in strategic planning, risk management, performance evaluation, and portfolio optimization.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Air Traffic Management, Business Administration, or Innovation Management.

Preferred Certifications

• ModP (Management of Portfolios) or PgMP/MMP.
• Master's Degree (preferred).

Candidate Profile

• Senior R&D Portfolio Manager or Advisor with deep aviation, aerospace, or high‑tech industry experience.
• Experienced in commercialization and technology transfer.
• Excellent strategic planning and executive stakeholder management skills.
• Knowledge of innovation management and research governance.
• Proven ability to lead enterprise‑level R&D portfolios and drive long‑term strategic initiatives.