The Senior Manager Water Regulation will be responsible for embedding and refining the regulatory framework, governance, and processes for effective regulation of the NEOM water industry. This role involves developing water industry insights to shape the economic regulation strategy, ensuring compliance, and generating stakeholder buy-in.

Responsibilities

1. Economic Regulation Strategy:

   • Define the economic regulation strategy to guide the NEOM water industry through growth phases.

   • Lead planning, implementation, and management of regulatory sandboxing and strategic projects.

   • Assess water industry investment needs and prioritize initiatives.

   • Conduct regulatory impact analysis, cost-benefit studies, and tariff design.

2. Regulatory Design:

   • Articulate and implement water industry market design and regulation issues.

   • Address market entry and exit matters, including license issuance and exemptions.

   • Prepare briefing papers and recommendations for the Director's consideration.

3. Industry Stakeholder Management:

   • Facilitate dialogue and consensus during engagement with external stakeholders.

   • Foster relationships with NEOM Interim Authority regulators.

   • Lead stakeholder consultation and engagement processes.

4. Regulation Implementation:

   • Establish, review, and modify regulations and licensing to ensure efficient operation.

   • Develop and implement compliance and enforcement framework.

   • Monitor performance and establish reporting frameworks.

   • Utilize digital technologies for efficient processes and reporting.

   • Align regulatory efforts between service providers and the Water Department.

Background, Skills & Qualifications

• Technical Knowledge:

  • Minimum 10 years of experience in economic and utility regulation.

  • Experience in senior leadership roles preferred.

  • Familiarity with pricing and tariff structures, regulatory finance, and compliance.

  • Subject matter expert in regulatory design and development.

  • Deep understanding of compliance and reform work in the water industry.

• Critical Thinking:

  • Ability to analyze complex information and draw accurate conclusions.

  • Provide advice on operational, financial, legal, and technical issues.

  • Identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

• Leadership Mindset:

  • Establish clear work plans, monitor progress, and manage priorities.

  • Demonstrate resilience, self-motivation, and adaptability.

  • Keep abreast of economic and regulatory best practices.

  • Strong relationship, influencing, and negotiation skills.

  • Track record of managing teams and providing strategic direction.

Qualifications

• Degree level education, Master’s degree desirable.

• Willingness to be based at NEOM Base Camp in Saudi Arabia.

This role requires commitment to playing a part in achieving the ambition of the Water Department and NEOM.