We are seeking an entrepreneurial Country Manager to establish and scale our operations in Saudi Arabia. Based in Riyadh, you will build and lead the local organization, drive market entry and growth, and develop strategic partnerships.
You will own all in-country activities, including operations, commercial performance, and stakeholder engagement, while working closely with global teams and following central playbooks, policies, and best practices.

Who are we?

At Verne, we're building an ecosystem to progress our society through a journey of curiosity and innovation. Named in honor of Jules Verne "the man who invented the future,". We are the first European solution for autonomous journeys. We adopt an integrated approach, including vehicle design, infrastructure development, and the full digital experience.

As a growing startup, we thrive on curiosity, innovation, and bold ideas. If you’re ready to make your mark in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, this could be the role for you.

What will you do?

Market Execution & Growth
•  Execute the go-to-market strategy, adapting global frameworks to local conditions.
•  Drive activation of priority locations, partners, and customer segments.
•  Own delivery against KPIs and performance targets.

Operations
•  Establish and scale local operations, including team, structure, and infrastructure.
•  Implement processes and governance aligned with central playbooks.
•  Ensure high standards of safety, quality, and operational performance.

Government & Stakeholder Engagement
•  Build and manage relationships with government entities, regulators, and public stakeholders.
•  Represent the company in regulatory and operational discussions, with support from central teams.

Partnerships & Commercial
•  Develop and manage partnerships supporting deployment and growth.
•  Own country P&L and drive revenue and operational performance.

Leadership & Collaboration
•  Hire and lead a high-performing local team.
•  Collaborate closely with global teams to ensure alignment and execution.

Representation
•  Represent the company with partners, stakeholders, and at industry events.
•  Build strong local presence and brand credibility.

What do you need to succeed?

• Proven experience building and scaling operations in Saudi Arabia is strongly preferred (mobility, tech, infrastructure or similarly complex sectors).

• Strong track record in developing and managing strategic partnerships.

• Experience working with government stakeholders or within regulated environments.

• P&L ownership and operational team leadership experience.

• Broader GCC experience is a plus.

• Fluent in English and Arabic.
  

Key Competencies

• Execution-driven and entrepreneurial.

• Strong stakeholder management.

• Comfortable in complex regulatory environments.

• Strategic with strong operational focus.

• Strong leadership and problem-solving skills.

What’s in it for you?

Joining Verne means becoming part of a team shaping the future of autonomous mobility. Here’s what we offer:

• The chance to collaborate with experts from 20+ industries.

• Ownership of your projects, with the freedom to innovate and take initiative.

• A culture of transparency, feedback, and open communication.

• Comprehensive financial and wellbeing support designed to meet diverse needs.

• The excitement of working in a fast-growing startup where your ideas truly matter.

How can you apply?

If this role and our mission resonate with you, hit the Apply button! We typically review applications within 3-4 business days, but since we want to give each one the attention it deserves, please allow a little extra time if needed. Once we've had a chance to fully evaluate your submission, we’ll reach out with details about the next steps.

If shortlisted, here’s what to expect:

1. An initial HR interview focused on culture fit.

2. A technical interview with the Hiring Manager.

3. A final interview with C-level.

Not sure if this role is the right fit?

We’re always looking for creators who challenge the status quo and aren’t afraid to take the lead. If that’s you, explore our story - we might have other opportunities that spark your interest.

Verne (Project 3 Mobility) is a company comprised of people with different qualities and backgrounds, because we believe our differences make us stronger. That is why we evaluate qualified applicants fairly and equally, without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status, and other legally protected characteristics. All applications will be considered in accordance with the regulations of personal data protection.