Director - Operations & Event Delivery

Qiddiya is Saudi Arabia’s future capital of entertainment, sports, and culture - a 360 km² mega-project just outside Riyadh. From F1-grade racetracks and theme parks to stadiums and performance venues, we’re creating a destination like no other. This is more than a project - it’s a national transformation. As construction accelerates, we’re hiring ambitious talent to help shape it. If you’re driven by scale, impact, and the chance to build something iconic from the ground up - Qiddiya is calling

Role Purpose

Lead the planning and execution of all event operations and site-wide delivery at Cultural and Heritage program, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality delivery of cultural programming, guest experience, and large-scale event operations in alignment with asset objectives

Key Responsibilities

Event Operations Planning & Delivery

• Lead end-to-end planning and execution of all event operations across Cultural and Heritage program, including the Festival and year-round programming
• Translate programming, marketing, and commercial plans into detailed operational delivery models
• Develop and manage event operations plans, schedules, and resource requirements
• Ensure seamless execution of all programming and activities in line with operational plans

Logistics, Site Readiness & Overlay

• Lead planning and execution of logistics, site readiness, and event overlay (temporary infrastructure, structures, utilities, and services)
• Ensure readiness of all operational infrastructure prior to opening and across event cycles
• Oversee site setup, dismantling, and transition between events or programming phases
• Coordinate movement planning including access, transport, parking, and crowd flows

Health, Safety & Security (HSE)

• Establish and enforce HSE and security frameworks across all operations
• Oversee crowd management planning, emergency response, and incident management protocols
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and authority requirements
• Coordinate with security agencies and government entities to ensure safe delivery

Guest Experience & On-Ground Delivery

• Ensure delivery of a high-quality, safe, and seamless visitor experience across all touchpoints
• Oversee guest flow, queue management, accessibility, and service standards
• Monitor on-ground performance and address operational issues in real time

Vendor & Operator Management

• Oversee management of all operational vendors, contractors, and service providers
• Ensure vendor performance meets operational, safety, and service standards
• Coordinate with procurement and contract management functions

Cross-Functional Integration & Feasibility

• Lead operational feasibility assessment of programming, commercial, and marketing initiatives
• Ensure alignment between programming requirements and operational capabilities
• Work closely with:
• Programming → feasibility and scheduling
• Commercial → activation requirements
• Marketing → campaign-driven demand

Asset & Site Coordination

• Coordinate closely with Asset & Site Management on facilities, maintenance, and infrastructure readiness
• Ensure operational alignment with permanent and temporary asset requirements
• Support long-term planning of site usage and capacity

Asset Management & Group Alignment

• Align operational plans with Asset Management direction and performance expectations
• Coordinate with Qiddiya Group functions and external authorities where required
• Provide operational input into planning, budgeting, and performance reviews

Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

• Define and track operational KPIs including service levels, efficiency, and safety
• Monitor performance during events and identify improvement opportunities
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives across operations

Key Success Metrics

- Operational delivery against plan

- Visitor experience and satisfaction

- Health, safety, and security performance

- Efficiency of event execution

- Readiness and delivery of major events

Required Skills & Competencies

- Strong experience in large-scale event operations and delivery

- Ability to manage complex logistics and site operations

- Strong knowledge of crowd management and HSE standards

- Ability to operate in high-pressure, fast-paced environments

- Cross-functional coordination and execution capability

Requirements

- 12-15+ years of experience, with a significant portion in leadership roles overseeing large-scale operations and event delivery

- Proven experience in:

o Planning and delivering large-scale events, festivals, or destination operations with high visitor volumes

o Managing complex, multi-site or multi-zone environments involving diverse activities and stakeholders

o Leading end-to-end event operations, including planning, logistics, site readiness, and live delivery

- Strong experience in:

o Crowd management, HSE, and security operations within large public events

o Operational planning and logistics, including transport, access, and site movement

o Vendor and contractor management across multiple service lines

- Demonstrated ability to:

o Operate in high-pressure, real-time environments with critical decision-making responsibilities

o Manage and coordinate with government authorities, regulatory bodies, and security agencies

o Lead large, cross-functional operational teams and on-ground workforce

- Experience in:

o Pre-opening and activation phases of large-scale venues, events, or destinations (preferred)

o Transitioning from readiness to live operations and managing ongoing operational cycles