About the Role
The company, a leader in defense technology, is seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the SAMIL3Harris Joint Venture in Saudi Arabia. The CEO will be fully accountable for the strategy, operations, program execution, and financial performance within the Kingdom. Reporting directly to the JV Board of Directors, the CEO will be responsible for building and leading the in-Kingdom organization to deliver advanced defense capabilities while supporting Saudi Vision 2030 localization goals and safeguarding the interests of both partners. This role necessitates strong business and program leadership, technical understanding, and the capacity to engage with U.S. and Saudi stakeholders.
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Essential Functions
Business and Joint Venture Leadership
- Develop and execute the JV’s business strategy and business plan for Board approval.
- Manage financial performance, including revenue, profitability, cash flow, budgets, and forecasts.
- Build an effective organization aligned with the JV’s approved priorities and resources.
- Maintain constructive relationships with both shareholders and escalate matters requiring Board decisions.
- Execute appropriate governance, reporting, and internal controls.
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws, export-control requirements, the JV agreement, and ethics policies, supported by qualified specialists.
Program Execution
- Oversee program delivery meeting cost, schedule, and technical performance commitments.
- Implement disciplined program management practices (risk management, gate reviews).
- Oversee technology transfer and industrial participation activities to establish local engineering, production, and sustainment capabilities.
- Advance Saudization and in-Kingdom content in line with GAMI localization requirements.
- Regular travel within the Kingdom and to the United States. Candidates must meet Saudi right-to-work requirements and pass necessary government security checks.
Executive Reporting
- Provide clear, actionable updates to the Board and partner leadership on performance, risks, and market developments.
- Coordinate with the company segments, corporate functions, and Saudi country leadership to ensure a unified approach.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree with 15 years prior experience, or a Graduate Degree with 13 years prior experience. In lieu of a degree, a minimum of 19 years of prior related experience is required.
Preferred Skills
- Previous experience as a CEO, GM, or Country Executive in Saudi Arabia or the Gulf region.
- Proficiency in the Arabic language.
- Experience in building in-Kingdom engineering, manufacturing, or MRO capabilities.
- Demonstrated leadership of a business unit, significant program, or operational function, including team leadership and meaningful financial accountability.
- Experience in delivering complex programs or business objectives involving multiple stakeholders.
- Experience negotiating with U.S. and Saudi (or Gulf) companies and government entities.
- Strong communication, negotiation, judgment, and organizational leadership skills.
- Willingness and ability to develop knowledge of the Saudi market, procurement, and localization.
- Working knowledge of ITAR/EAR, FMS, and DCS processes.
