Associate Project Director (Theming)

Mace Group; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Saudi Arabia seeks a Theming, Attractions and Showcasing Associate Director for a major mixed-use development project. This role will lead the design integration and delivery of immersive experiences in gaming and sports. The ideal candidate possesses extensive expertise in themed entertainment, project management, and excellent communication skills, aimed at achieving world-class standards in project execution.

Qualifications

• Extensive years in themed entertainment, with at least 10 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated expertise in large-scale gaming and entertainment projects.
• Exceptional communication skills and strong record of leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop a comprehensive project plan and align resource plans.
• Build and lead a multidisciplinary team and foster collaboration.
• Maintain proactive communication with stakeholders and prepare reports.

Skills

Leadership

Thematic design integration

Communication

Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in design, architecture, or related discipline

Job description

Position status: This opportunity is for a bid, so it is not yet a secured role. If you would like to be considered as we progress with this position, please click to apply.

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

The project:

This is an opportunity to work on one of the largest programmes in Saudi Arabia. This unique project consists of major mixed-use development, including sports facilities, entertainment, and arts, along with all associated infrastructure.

Mace is one of the delivery partners requiring high-caliber and experienced professionals to lead integrated teams throughout each phase of the project.

We are seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking theming, attractions and showcasing associate director to lead the design integration, technical assurance, and delivery oversight of themed environments within the project’s gaming and sports precinct. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in immersive storytelling, scenic theming, and the integration of thematic elements, including but not limited to theatrical lighting, audio and the like, into interactive gaming experiences. The candidate should understand all facets relating to show control systems, multimedia, special effects and show production.

This role requires close collaboration with lead design consultants, industry-leading creative consultants, IP stakeholders, attraction developers, and technical teams to ensure all theming components are seamlessly aligned with the creative vision, operational requirements, and project’s world-class quality standards.

You’ll be responsible for:

Project planning and strategy

• Develop a comprehensive project plan.
• Define requirements, constraints, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Align resource plans with delivery goals.
• Design procurement and contracting strategies.
• Monitor and administrate change control processes relative to thematic environment scope.

Team leadership and coordination

• Build and lead a multidisciplinary team.
• Foster a collaborative work culture.
• Conduct regular team meetings.
• Coordinate with various professionals.

Stakeholder and communication management

• Maintain proactive communication with stakeholders.
• Prepare and present progress reports.
• Collaborate with development teams.

Procurement, delivery oversight and quality assurance

• Provide primary direction for the procurement of creative consultants
• Conclude all related documentation for their appointment
• Oversight of the creative delivery process.
• Implement quality control protocols.
• Oversee and coordinate mock-up and model inspection and approval gateways
• Monitor fabrication and installation activities.
• Ensure high-quality international standard project delivery.

Theming and design integration

• Lead theming design reviews.
• Provide oversight during design and construction.
• Collaborate and manage creative teams.
• Oversee integration of theming with various components.
• Assess vendors and recommend materials and methodology.
• Conduct site visits.
• Develop technical benchmarks and guidelines.

You’ll need to have:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in design, architecture, or a related discipline.
• Extensive years in themed entertainment, with at least 10 years in a leadership or senior technical oversight role.
• Demonstrated expertise in large-scale gaming, esports, or entertainment venue projects.
• In-depth knowledge of themed materials, fabrication techniques, show set integration, and environmental durability standards.
• Proven experience working with global intellectual properties (IPs), ensuring design integrity and managing the approvals process.
• Exceptional communication skills, with a strong record of leadership and effective cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience with Middle Eastern development projects or participation in large-scale international programs is highly desirable.
• Chartered membership or evidence of ongoing professional development through institutions such as RICS, CIOB, APM, ICE, or an equivalent body.
• Professional affiliations or membership of industry organisations like IAAPA, AIMS, TEA or similar.
• Advanced knowledge of property or infrastructure project management, with a strategic approach to execution.
• Strong commercial awareness and financial management capabilities.

Our values

Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of well-being in every team.

Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables and strategic outcomes and build long-term relationships with our clients.

Integrity - Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry while always aligning with our compliance obligations.

Create opportunity - For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfill all the criteria, please apply, as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.

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