Business Services Manager (Finance Operations) (Saudi Arabia)

Job description

Job Purpose The Business Services Manager, reporting directly to the Director, NTI Operations, is responsible for leading and managing business services functions across NTI. The role ensures that procurement, contracting, financial operations, and revenue-related processes are executed efficiently, in compliance with KAUST policies, and aligned with institutional governance standards. The incumbent will serve as an operational enabler across NTI units, ensuring structured processes, strong financial controls, and consistent service delivery in support of NTI’s strategic initiatives and programs. Major Accountabilities Procure-to-Pay (P2P) Leadership – NTI Wide Lead and oversee the end-to-end procurement process across NTI in alignment with KAUST procurement policies. Manage the full Procure-to-Pay lifecycle, including requisitions, purchase orders, contract coordination, invoice validation, and follow-up payment with central finance. Ensure appropriate documentation, approvals, and delegation of authority compliance for all procurement transactions. Provide guidance to NTI units on procurement procedures, contract structuring, and vendor engagement. Monitor procurement cycle timelines and identify opportunities for process optimization. Coordinate with central Procurement, Finance, and Legal teams to facilitate efficient execution of strategic and high-value procurements. Revenue Management – NTI Oversee NTI revenue management processes in coordination with relevant NTI units and finance. Ensure appropriate revenue tracking, recognition alignment, and financial coding in SAP. Support the development of revenue reporting dashboards and performance monitoring. Coordinate milestone tracking and financial validation related to NTI projects and commercial engagements. Ensure alignment between operational delivery and revenue recognition principles. Financial Operations Oversee NTI operational financial processes, including expense management, accrual coordination, and cost allocation. Ensure financial transactions are recorded accurately and in compliance with KAUST financial policies. Support budget planning and expenditure monitoring across NTI in collaboration with Finance Business Partners. Ensure proper cost center and WBS structure utilization within SAP. Contract & Vendor Management Oversee vendor onboarding, due diligence, and compliance documentation. Ensure contracts reflect appropriate payment terms, risk allocation, and financial safeguards. Coordinate with Legal, Procurement, and Finance to resolve contract-related operational issues. Monitor vendor performance from a financial and service delivery standpoint. Governance, Compliance & Risk Ensure adherence to KAUST procurement and financial governance frameworks. Maintain audit-ready documentation across procurement and financial activities. Support internal and external audits and implement corrective actions where required. Proactively identify operational, financial, and contractual risks within NTI’s service model. Strengthen internal controls and ensure segregation of duties within the business services function. Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement Identify and implement improvements in NTI Business Services workflows. Collaborate with IT and Finance to enhance SAP usage and reporting capabilities. Standardize processes across NTI units to ensure consistency and control. Develop dashboards and performance metrics to track operational efficiency. Competencies Strong knowledge of Procure-to-Pay lifecycle. Financial control and governance mindset. Solid understanding of SAP (P2P, finance modules). Contract and vendor risk awareness. Strong stakeholder management skills. Ability to balance operational urgency with policy compliance. Process design and workflow optimization capability. Leadership and team management skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Clear communication and decision-making ability. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field. Professional certification (CMA, CPA, PMP or equivalent) is preferred. MBA is considered an asset. Experience Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in financial operations, procurement, or shared services. Demonstrated experience managing Procure-to-Pay processes. Experience within a complex institutional, government, or semi-government environment preferred. Prior team management experience required.