Programs Director

Who we Are

AstroLabs is the largest business expansion platform in the GCC and Saudi Arabia. Over the past decade, we have become a catalyst for industry development and innovation across multiple economic sectors by:

(a) Supporting regional and global players as they enter new markets.

(b) Driving innovation within large corporations by developing tailored launchpads that align with industry needs, facilitating both internal and external transformation.

(c) Custom-designing programs for government institutions to upskill talent, promote local businesses, and import international expertise, ultimately fueling economic growth.

Who You Are

We’re seeking a highly skilled Programs Director to join our programs team, responsible for driving innovation and sector enablement for our clients. In this role, you will:

• Design and implement assigned programs to achieve both client satisfaction and target outcomes, while ensuring profitability and aiming for recurring business.

• Cultivate and expand business within assigned accounts by identifying and securing new program opportunities.

• Actively participate in business development through lead generation, building tailored proposals, attending client meetings, and creating innovative approaches to grow the unit’s offerings.

• Contribute to the growth of the unit through thought leadership and by mentoring team members to drive collective success.

• Retain and grow top-performing team members, and recruit additional talent, both full-time and project-based, as needed.

This is an ideal opportunity for a strategic, hands-on professional with a track record in fast-paced, entrepreneurial, tech, and digital environments. You will be a key player in shaping the next wave of startups, high-growth businesses, and business leaders in the region, interacting with senior stakeholders in government and leading local and international companies.

This role is especially suited for individuals with a background as both a founder and a consultant who are looking to make a tangible impact on regional ecosystems and lead a team towards operational excellence in innovation and program design.

The Role

AstroLabs runs high-impact, practical entrepreneurial programs throughout the MENA region. As the Programs Director, you will be responsible for program delivery from design through to execution, ensuring milestones and operational excellence are met. With ambitious plans to scale in KSA, UAE, and regionally, and with a diverse mix of face-to-face, online, and blended delivery channels, you will be instrumental in designing impactful programs.

• 70% of your time will be focused on managing projects, overseeing program execution, and working with clients to deliver successful outcomes.

• 30% of your time will be devoted to identifying new business opportunities, nurturing existing client relationships, and developing strategies to secure new or expanded projects.

Your Responsibilities

Client Relationship & Communication

• Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring program effectiveness and alignment with client expectations.

• Understand and document client goals and success metrics, communicating these insights to the program team and leadership.

• Proactively anticipate and resolve critical client issues, ensuring exceptional service and satisfaction.

• Maintain open communication with clients, manage their expectations, and advocate for the best interest of both the client and the company.

• Document and track client objectives, needs, and opportunities that fall outside the current program scope.

• Proactively upsell or renew contracts with existing clients to secure continued business.

• Address budget issues proactively, coordinating with finance and other departments as needed.

Account Development & Revenue Growth

• Develop and manage detailed account plans to deliver consistent quality across services.

• Generate referrals and new business opportunities within client networks, expanding into new accounts or adjacent areas.

• Lead efforts to capitalize on growth opportunities and secure major new accounts.

• Meet quarterly targets for new business and repeat engagements.

• Drive account development through nurturing client relationships and identifying key stakeholders.

• Lead the creation of strategic proposals and presentations tailored to client needs to secure new engagements.

Program Design, Delivery & Technical Excellence

• Build program assets, playbooks, and capabilities to drive success in program delivery.

• Address and mitigate design challenges across various program types.

• Leverage local networks to recruit high-profile speakers, mentors, and experts to add value.

• Lead engaging mentorship sessions to enhance the program’s impact.

• Ensure high-quality program delivery, monitoring team performance and outcomes.

• Document and share best practices and knowledge for future projects.

• Innovate to introduce new ideas, increase engagement, and improve efficiency.

Operational Management & Team Leadership

• Manage program timelines, execution, and budgets to align with client expectations, submitting accurate reports to leadership.

• Ensure timely client invoicing and payment collection.

• Organize and govern steering committee meetings, keeping stakeholders informed of risks and progress.

• Identify and implement strategies to complete projects ahead of schedule and improve profit margins.

• Develop and share assets across programs for the benefit of the broader team.

• Foster a collaborative, goal-oriented culture that encourages innovation and teamwork.

• Provide guidance and feedback to support team growth and development.

• Lead recruitment, training, and performance management for team members.

• Build an inclusive, high-performance culture with open communication and active participation.

What’s in it for you

• Gain exposure to top-tier leadership, C-level executives, and influential drivers behind the next generation of unicorns, while shaping impactful programs that contribute to industry innovation.

• Play a pivotal role in advancing the growth of startups in the region, helping them reach milestones, connect with investors, and secure new customers.

• Full autonomy to implement your ideas, with an emphasis on impact and innovation.

• Be part of a high-performance, outcome-driven team free from bureaucracy and corporate politics.

• Significant growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding organization, with support for your personal and professional development.

Your Profile:

• Expert in managing large, complex programs with a focus on exceptional client experiences.

• Proven track record in designing and managing high-impact programs.

• Proficient in financial forecasting, budget management, and margin optimization.

• Knowledgeable in entrepreneurship principles, capable of mentoring startup founders and teams.

• Experienced in recruiting, training, and developing high-performing teams.

• Excellent communicator with the ability to manage and influence senior clients, stakeholders, and internal teams.

• Skilled in adapting program design to align with client needs and strategic objectives.

• Capable of building scalable program assets and frameworks to enhance delivery and knowledge sharing.

• Strong network in local ecosystems, able to attract top talent and resources.

• Effective leader with the ability to motivate teams, manage cross-functional programs, resolve conflicts, and drive business growth.

• Minimum of 12 years of experience in consulting and/or project management, or at least 5 years as a founder.

• Experience with a top-tier management consulting firm is a plus.

• Strong presentation and communication skills.

• Flexibility and coachability.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as business studies, economics, finance, MIS, engineering, or other STEM subjects.

• Demonstrated passion for entrepreneurship with exposure to the local or international startup ecosystem.