Strategic Partnership Manager

Strategic Partnership Manager – Saudi ArabiaStrategic Alliances & Institutional Development – Institute ItechFull-time positionOn-site (Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)Travel and meeting expenses will be reimbursed upon approvalAn NDA must be signedThis position may evolve into Head of Strategic Partnerships – MENA or Regional Director – Saudi Arabia, depending on performance and ability to secure high-value institutional partnerships.About Institute Itech:Institute Itech is a private research, development and technological innovation institute based in Italy with an international vision. It was created to transform scientific knowledge, advanced engineering and emerging technologies into concrete solutions for the environment, health, data intelligence, artificial intelligence, urban systems and technological infrastructure.The company is built on a multidisciplinary vision structured around six pillars: Education, Technology, Social, Nature, Research and Urban. Through these areas, Institute Itech develops high-impact projects capable of improving quality of life, making cities more sustainable and creating new models of scientific, industrial and social progress.Its flagship projects include:Memoria – AI-based neuroimaging and cognitive data intelligenceOxyleaf – environmental monitoring and air quality technologiesTerra – advanced soil and ecological remediation systemsPolaris – strategic data infrastructure and positioning systemsBalloon – high-altitude sensing and urban climate platformsBiocity – integrated biourban planning and smart city ecosystemsInstitute Itech is actively expanding its presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a strategic focus on building long-term institutional partnerships with the country’s most prominent corporate, cultural, and infrastructure entities — aligned with the ambitions and priorities of Vision 2030.

About the Role

Institute Itech is seeking a senior, well-connected, and strategically minded Strategic Partnership Manager to lead the development and management of high-level institutional partnerships across Saudi Arabia’s corporate and governmental ecosystem.The role is focused on building deep, durable relationships with the Kingdom’s most influential organizations and landmark initiatives — including major corporate entities such as Saudi Aramco, cultural and heritage projects such as Diriyah, flagship urban developments such as NEOM, international mega-events including Expo 2030 Riyadh and the FIFA World Cup 2034, sovereign development bodies, large-scale sports and entertainment infrastructure, and other institutions and programs shaping Saudi Arabia’s transformation under Vision 2030.The selected candidate will serve as Institute Itech’s primary relationship architect in the Kingdom — identifying partnership opportunities, developing tailored value propositions, navigating complex institutional environments, and structuring agreements that create mutual long-term value for Institute Itech and its Saudi partners.The ideal candidate is a senior professional with an existing network at the highest levels of Saudi Arabia’s corporate and institutional landscape, a deep understanding of the Kingdom’s strategic priorities, and a proven track record of originating and closing complex, high-value partnerships.

Responsibilities

Strategic Partnership DevelopmentIdentify, approach, and engage senior decision-makers within Saudi Arabia’s leading corporate, institutional, and governmental organizationsDevelop tailored partnership strategies and value propositions aligned with each target organization’s strategic objectives and Vision 2030 prioritiesBuild and manage a pipeline of active partnership opportunities across multiple sectors and institutional categoriesStructure, negotiate, and close partnership agreements that deliver long-term strategic value for Institute ItechKey Account & Relationship ManagementDevelop and maintain deep, trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across target organizations including energy, infrastructure, culture, sports, entertainment, and urban development sectorsAct as the primary point of contact and relationship owner for Institute Itech’s most strategic Saudi partnershipsEnsure consistent, high-quality engagement with partners at the executive and institutional levelAnticipate partner needs and proactively identify opportunities to deepen and expand existing relationshipsMarket Intelligence & PositioningMonitor and analyse the Saudi Arabian partnership and institutional landscape, identifying emerging opportunities aligned with Institute Itech’s project portfolioProvide executive leadership with regular intelligence on Vision 2030 developments, mega-event programs, sector priorities, and institutional dynamicsPosition Institute Itech strategically within Saudi Arabia’s innovation, sustainability, and urban development ecosystemRepresent Institute Itech at high-profile forums, conferences, and institutional events across the KingdomCross-Border CoordinationCoordinate closely with Institute Itech’s leadership in Milan and its international teams across Europe, the Middle East, and AsiaEnsure alignment between Saudi partnership activities and the Institute’s global strategic roadmapSupport the localization of Institute Itech’s project offerings to meet the specific requirements and priorities of Saudi partnersFacilitate cross-border collaboration between Saudi institutional partners and Institute Itech’s technical and research teamsPartnership Structuring & ReportingLead the structuring and documentation of partnership frameworks, MoUs, and formal agreementsMaintain an organized pipeline and reporting system for all active and prospective partnershipsProduce regular strategic updates and partnership reports for Institute Itech’s executive leadershipCoordinate with legal and financial teams on partnership agreement review and complianceRequirementsMinimum 8–10 years of senior experience in strategic partnerships, business development, institutional relations, or corporate alliancesDeep, established network within Saudi Arabia’s corporate, governmental, and institutional ecosystem — with demonstrable relationships at senior and executive levelProven track record of originating, structuring, and closing high-value institutional partnerships with major Saudi or GCC organizationsStrong understanding of Vision 2030 priorities, Saudi Arabia’s institutional landscape, and the Kingdom’s strategic development agendaExperience engaging with large-scale Saudi entities and mega-event programs across energy, infrastructure, culture, sports, entertainment, or urban development sectorsFluent Arabic (mandatory)Fluent English (mandatory)Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skillsAbility to operate with autonomy and strategic judgment in a complex institutional environmentPreferred QualificationsDirect professional experience working with or alongside entities and initiatives such as Saudi Aramco, Diriyah Gate Development Authority, NEOM, Expo 2030 Riyadh, FIFA World Cup 2034 organizing bodies, Royal Commission for Riyadh City, PIF portfolio companies, or equivalent flagship institutions and mega-event programsBackground in technology, sustainability, environmental innovation, AI, or urban development sectorsExperience structuring MoUs, joint ventures, or strategic collaboration frameworks with major institutional partnersFamiliarity with cross-border partnership structures between the GCC and European organizationsAdditional language skills (Italian, Mandarin, or French considered an asset)Experience representing international organizations within the Saudi institutional contextBenefits ProvidedSenior leadership role at the forefront of Institute Itech’s most strategically significant expansion marketDirect collaboration with Institute Itech’s founding leadership and international executive teamMandate to build and own the highest-value partnership relationships in the KingdomAccess to a proprietary portfolio of deep-tech projects directly relevant to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 priorities: Memoria, Oxyleaf, Terra, Polaris, Balloon, and BiocityGrowth path toward Head of Strategic Partnerships – MENA or Regional Director – Saudi ArabiaReimbursement of all approved travel and institutional representation expensesCompensationCompensation package to be defined based on candidate profile, seniority, and network strength.The role includes a base salary component and performance-based incentives tied to partnership milestones and strategic outcomes achieved.All compensation details will be discussed confidentially during the selection process.How to ApplyImportant: given the seniority and relationship-driven nature of this role, applications will be evaluated with particular attention to existing Saudi network depth, partnership track record, and strategic vision. A detailed Letter of Presentation is strongly recommended.Please send:CVLetter of Presentation (strongly recommended) addressed to the WE2026 Selection Committee including:Your professional network within Saudi Arabia’s corporate and institutional ecosystemYour track record in developing high-value partnerships with major Saudi or GCC organizationsYour strategic vision for positioning Institute Itech within the Kingdom’s institutional landscapeApplication e-mail: in.oiap2026@iite.euCover Letter e-mail: mec.2026@iite.euSubject: WE2026 Job Application [SA011000] – Strategic Partnership Manager Saudi Arabia – [Name Surname]