Stakeholder Manager

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Stakeholder Manager to join our team in Al Khafji, Saudi Arabia. In this pivotal role, you will lead all stakeholder identification, engagement, and interface activities across major projects, protecting program delivery and organizational reputation by securing timely approvals, agreements, and constructive relationships with government authorities, regulators, communities, and key third parties.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive Stakeholder Management Plans and Stakeholder Registers, including detailed stakeholder mapping, influence/interest analysis, and tailored engagement strategies for each project phase
• Serve as the primary point of contact and relationship builder with government authorities, regulators, municipalities, utility providers, developers, and third-party asset owners, ensuring consistent and professional communication
• Lead the process for obtaining permits, approvals, No Objection Certificates (NOCs), and third-party agreements in close coordination with design, construction, and planning teams, while tracking status against project timelines
• Manage interfaces with adjacent projects, operators, and asset owners through interface registers, formal agreements, and regular coordination meetings to ensure seamless project integration
• Plan and execute community and public engagement activities, including consultations, work notifications, traffic diversions, and disruption mitigation strategies that demonstrate organizational commitment to stakeholder concerns
• Establish and oversee a robust enquiries and complaints management process, ensuring all issues are logged, investigated, and resolved within agreed timeframes with transparency and accountability
• Identify stakeholder-related risks and constraints early in project phases, escalate appropriately to project leadership, and develop effective mitigation strategies collaboratively
• Work closely with Design, Construction, Planning, HSE, Legal, and Communications teams to ensure stakeholder commitments are captured, documented, and successfully delivered
• Prepare detailed stakeholder reports, briefing notes, and presentations for clients, senior management, and external bodies that communicate complex information clearly and persuasively
• Ensure all stakeholder engagement activities comply with contractual requirements, Saudi Arabian regulations, and organizational standards
• Lead, mentor, and develop the stakeholder and interface management team, providing guidance, delegating responsibilities, and evaluating performance to build a high-performing unit

Qualifications:

• At least 15 years of professional experience in stakeholder management and project management within design and/or construction environments
• At least 5 years of hands-on experience in the management of design and/or construction projects
• Demonstrated experience holding the same position (Stakeholder Manager or equivalent) on at least one project of similar size and complexity
• Strong knowledge of Saudi Arabian authority approval processes and the regulatory environment for major infrastructure projects
• Proven ability to work effectively in the Middle East region with understanding of local business practices and cultural considerations

Skills and Competencies:

• Exceptional negotiation, influencing, and conflict-resolution skills, particularly at senior government and client levels
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in English; ability to translate technical and complex issues for non-technical audiences
• Advanced proficiency with stakeholder management tools, MS Office applications, and project management software
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with demonstrated capacity to identify risks and develop proactive solutions
• Excellent relationship-building and networking skills with the ability to establish trust and credibility across diverse stakeholder groups
• Demonstrated expertise in contract management, approvals processes, and regulatory compliance
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple stakeholder priorities simultaneously
• Sound judgment, political awareness, and ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion and professionalism
• Team leadership and mentoring capabilities with experience developing and motivating cross-functional teams
• Strong report writing and presentation skills with ability to communicate effectively to varied audiences

Benefits: AECOM offers comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of employees, including medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.