Startup Program Manager

Job Description

Role Overview

An exciting opportunity has opened within the Investor & Startup Programs team for a Startup Program Manager on a contractor basis. This role is ideal for an experienced programme professional who can independently manage the startup programme across multiple concurrent events, each with distinct audiences, content themes, and commercial structures. The role requires someone who can move between sector contexts, manage parallel workstreams, and deliver consistently high-quality startup experiences. This is both a hands-on delivery role and a strategy role, requiring a strong execution mindset with close attention to quality and detail.

Key Responsibilities

Team Management & Program Curation

• Manage the startup programme team and own the startup program features and targets.
• Lead on creating startup pipeline across all assigned events, overseeing processes from form setup and outreach through to final selection.
• Review inbound applications against event-specific criteria and coordinate with the startup and competition teams.
• Drive proactive outreach to relevant startup communities, accelerators, and partner networks to maximise application quality and volume.
• Tailor the curation approach per event, support marketing efforts, and develop ideas for social promotion.
• Own the startup onboarding process ensuring all selected startups receive timely and accurate information, documentation and logistical guidance.
• Oversee pre-event training sessions, matchmaking briefings and sector-specific preparation tailored to each event's audience.
• Build and maintain startup communication sequences and onboarding materials for each event.
• Coordinate startup zone allocations and pre-event logistics with Operations and Production teams.

On-Ground Delivery

• Be present on-site for events and manage startup zone operations including matchmaking concierge support and startup-facing troubleshooting
• Coordinate any onsite startup related special programs
• Liaise in real time with Operations, Production and program lead on any on-ground issues.

Data, Reporting & Post-Event

• Maintain complete and up-to-date startup records across internal management tools throughout the programme lifecycle for each event.
• Collect and analyse post-event feedback from startups- NPS, meeting quality, investment interest generated.
• Contribute event-specific startup data to the broader program impact report.
• Conduct post-event reviews and share learnings and improvement recommendations

Qualifications

• 5-6 years of experience in startup programme management, event programming or ecosystem delivery with a track record of managing multi-event or multi-market portfolios.
• Sector knowledge in fintech, cybersecurity or gaming is strongly preferred; candidates with experience in at least one of these sectors will be prioritised.
• Strong project management skills. Able to manage parallel workstreams across multiple events with different timelines.
• Excellent written and spoken English; Arabic is an advantage.
• Experience with event management platforms or CRM tools
• Highly organised, detail-oriented and comfortable working across internal and external stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
• Prior experience working in the MENA region is preferred.

Additional Information

What you will bring

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Significant experience in a Project Management role supporting mid-to-large scale trade exhibitions, conferences, sports events, or FMCG launches and events.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deliverables at different stages of the project life cycle.
• Exposure to evaluating and managing inter-departmental processes and milestones.
• Proficient in MS Office/Office 365 suite of software, Smart Sheets, and Airtable.
• Speaks and writes clearly and fluently in English and Arabic to both individuals and groups.
• Strong interpersonal and customer-facing skills with cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and capable of managing risk and mitigation planning

Additional information

What you will get

• BUPA Medical Insurance for you and your family  
• Annual leave – 25 days
• Remote working on Sundays  
• Working anywhere – 1 month every year
• Wellbeing Benefits  
• Family visa costs (up to a max of three children) 
• Individual annual flight allowance for expats

International Relocation Package*

• Paid flight to Riyadh – for you and your family (up to a max of three children) 
• 60 days of accommodation or a suitable serviced apartment from your arrival date, or a one-off payment of SAR 5,000 
• Up to SAR 2,500 reimbursement of shipping goods/excess baggage costs
• Individual paid flight home and an end-of-service gratuity payment when leaving the company*

Local Relocation Package*

• Paid flight to Riyadh – individual and family (up to a max of three children) 
• 30 days accommodation or a suitable serviced apartment from your arrival date, or a one-off payment of SAR 5,000 
• Up to SAR 2,500 reimbursement of shipping goods/excess baggage costs

*If eligible