Innovation Program Manager

About Setup.sa

Setup.sa is a Saudi consulting company that helps international businesses soft-land and enter the Saudi market. Built around technology and deep local knowledge, the firm has grown rapidly and has established a strong reputation in a short time. It is now among the fastest-growing consultancies in the Kingdom, with client numbers increasing every month.

The company aims to deliver excellent operations while reshaping how market-entry and soft-landing services are delivered in Saudi Arabia. Its focus is on making incorporation and business operations for foreign companies simpler, faster, and more cost-effective. This approach has enabled the firm to support leading global companies, well-known startups, and government programs.

The team is ambitious, performance-oriented, and committed to building solutions that improve how the industry works. Employees can expect a challenging environment, a strong learning experience, and the chance to grow with a respected brand.

Role Overview

The Innovation Program Manager will be responsible for creating and running incubation, acceleration, and venture-building initiatives at Setup.sa. This role supports startups throughout the entire journey, from validating an idea to entering the market. It also involves strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem by linking founders with mentors, partners, and investors, while ensuring the programs deliver measurable impact and align with business goals.

Responsibilities

• Build, refine, and enhance incubation, acceleration, and venture-building programs across the full innovation journey, from concept validation to market launch.
• Source promising entrepreneurs and startups from both local and international markets.
• Support startups at each stage, including problem validation, solution shaping, MVP development, product-market fit, and growth.
• Track startup progress and help founders define strong business models, value propositions, and go-to-market plans.
• Develop and maintain relationships with investors, venture capital firms, angel networks, and other funding sources.
• Prepare startups for fundraising through pitch coaching, financial modelling support, and investment deck development, and organize demo days, investor meetings, and networking sessions.
• Create partnerships with corporates, public-sector organizations, and ecosystem stakeholders to advance program objectives.
• Develop and maintain a network of mentors, advisors, and subject-matter experts who can provide high-quality guidance to startups.
• Track market developments, new technologies, and innovation best practices to keep programs relevant and effective.
• Handle day-to-day program operations, including planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and reporting.

Requirements

• At least 8 years of experience in innovation management, entrepreneurship, or startup ecosystems.
• Demonstrated success in building and managing incubation, acceleration, and venture-building programs.
• Practical experience supporting startups from the idea phase through scale-up and market entry.
• Strong knowledge of the Saudi market and its entrepreneurship and innovation landscape.
• Background in working with funding partners, investors, or venture capital relationships.
• Well-developed stakeholder management skills across founders, investors, mentors, corporates, and government bodies.
• Good understanding of emerging technologies and innovation themes such as AI, fintech, and sustainability, plus familiarity with work management tools like Notion and Asana.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Master’s degree preferred, such as an MBA or an equivalent qualification.
• Fluency in Arabic and English is required.

Additional Information

This position is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The role is offered as full-time, part-time, or consultation.