Research & Development Portfolio Advisor

Role overview

The Research & Development Portfolio Advisor is responsible for guiding enterprise-level governance of the R&D portfolio, making sure initiatives stay strategically aligned, properly prioritized, and continuously improved for performance. This position provides specialist advice on portfolio direction, integration, and routes to commercialization so that research and development investments create strong technical, financial, and societal outcomes. The role also serves as a key connection point between R&D operations, senior leadership, and outside partners to maintain a balanced and high-value portfolio.

Key responsibilities

• Support the creation and ongoing improvement of governance structures that promote transparency and strategic alignment across portfolio initiatives.
• Lead advisory input on prioritization and investment assessment using strategic relevance, risk exposure, and expected impact as decision criteria.
• Help leadership decide whether programs should continue, accelerate, or be discontinued based on data-backed analysis.
• Contribute to defining and periodically reviewing the Technology Division’s vision, mission, and long-term roadmap so they remain aligned with the broader business strategy and objectives, with course corrections recommended when needed.
• Build and apply performance tracking frameworks to measure progress, milestone achievement, and return on investment across the portfolio.
• Recommend portfolio shifts that maintain a healthy balance between immediate operational needs and long-term R&D priorities.
• Deliver independent evaluation of portfolio health and its alignment with strategic goals.
• Advise on how financial, technical, and human resources should be distributed across portfolio programs for maximum effectiveness.
• Identify portfolio-level risks and help shape preventive, corrective, and contingency plans.
• Suggest improvements that strengthen capacity use and improve delivery resilience.
• Guide the movement of successful R&D outputs toward commercialization, licensing, and adoption in operations.
• Work with the Technology Transfer Office to develop structured approaches for IP protection and monetization.
• Advise on commercialization models and market partnership options that increase the value of R&D deliverables.
• Act as a senior point of contact for portfolio matters involving internal stakeholders and external collaborators.
• Promote coordination among R&D, operations, finance, and regulatory teams to support smooth project execution.
• Represent the organization in technical forums, funding-related discussions, and industry programs connected to R&D collaboration.
• Carry out strategic foresight activities to identify emerging technologies, market shifts, and new research opportunities.
• Advise on portfolio restructuring or diversification to match future aviation innovation priorities.
• Lead scenario planning and long-range analysis to improve resilience in changing market or regulatory conditions.

Requirements

• A minimum of 9 years’ experience in R&D portfolio management, program governance, or research commercialization in aviation, aerospace, or other high-tech sectors.
• A demonstrated track record of managing large research portfolios, improving resource utilization, and turning R&D outputs into operational value.
• Solid expertise in risk management, performance measurement, and strategic foresight.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Air Traffic Management, Business Administration, or Innovation Management.
• Master’s degree is preferred.
• Professional certifications such as MoP (Management of Portfolios), PgMP, or PMP are preferred.

Additional information

This is a full-time onsite role based in Jeddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The position is focused on enterprise R&D portfolio strategy, governance, performance, commercialization, and stakeholder coordination. Interested candidates are invited to share their CV through the provided company contact channel for future vacancies.