Director - Operations & Event Delivery
Qiddiya Investment Company
12–17 years of experience
Job description
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
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
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