Manager – Emerging Technologies

About the Role

King Salman International Airport (KSIA) is seeking a Manager – Emerging Technologies to identify, evaluate, and integrate innovative technologies that support the airport's long-term digital transformation ambitions and operational excellence. This role leads research and development (R&D) initiatives, including technology scouting, proof-of-concept (PoC) validation, pilot programs, and technology assessments to evaluate technical feasibility, business value, and deployment readiness.

Working closely with business, technology, design, and delivery teams, the successful candidate will translate emerging technologies into scalable, enterprise-ready solutions that enhance airport operations, elevate the guest experience, and enable next-generation SMART airport capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and evaluate emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Automation, Quantum Computing, Computer Vision, Autonomous Mobility, Internet of Things (IoT), Advanced Construction Materials, and other next-generation technologies relevant to KSIA's strategic ambitions.
• Monitor global technology trends, airport industry developments, and innovation ecosystems to identify and prioritize emerging technology opportunities.
• Assess technology readiness, technical feasibility, market maturity, and business value to support investment and adoption decisions.
• Lead the end-to-end R&D lifecycle, including technology scouting, proof-of-concept (PoC) development, pilot programs, MVP validation, and deployment planning.
• Define and monitor KPIs to evaluate PoC performance and business outcomes.
• Build and manage strategic relationships with startups, universities, research institutions, technology vendors, innovation hubs, and venture ecosystems.
• Collaborate with business, technology, design, and operations teams to identify opportunities that improve operational efficiency and enhance the guest experience.
• Ensure emerging technology initiatives align with enterprise architecture standards, governance frameworks, cybersecurity requirements, and organizational policies.
• Develop business cases, technology assessments, implementation roadmaps, and executive recommendations to support strategic investment decisions.
• Prepare executive reports, presentations, and strategic insights for senior leadership on emerging technology initiatives and innovation opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, or a related STEM discipline.
• Master's degree or professional certifications in Digital Transformation, Enterprise Architecture, Cloud Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, or Emerging Technologies are preferred.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, Agile, AI, or Innovation Management are considered an advantage.

Experience & Skills

• 6–8 years of experience in Emerging Technologies, Research & Development (R&D), Digital Transformation, Innovation, or Engineering.
• Aviation experience is preferred; however, candidates with experience in transportation, smart cities, defense, or large-scale infrastructure programs are encouraged to apply.
• Proven experience evaluating, validating, and implementing emerging technologies within complex enterprise environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading technology assessments, PoCs, pilot programs, and cross-functional implementation initiatives.
• Experience collaborating with startups, innovation ecosystems, venture partners, universities, or research institutions is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and project coordination skills.
• Professional proficiency in English, both written and spoken.