Director - Operational Readiness

Qiddiya Investment Company; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 450,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

Qiddiya Investment Company seeks an Senior Operational Readiness Leader to drive governance, assurance, and activation readiness across complex portfolios.

You will align priorities with business objectives, manage cross-functional plans, and deliver evidence-based decisions for safe, compliant activations. Experience in large-scale development or destination projects is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, engineering, operations management, or a related discipline.
• Postgraduate qualification desirable but not mandatory.
• Extensive experience in operational management and mobilization for major programmes.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy governance and performance across the operational readiness portfolio.
• Establish portfolio-wide standards, assurance requirements, and reporting routes.
• Direct cross-functional teams across operating models, technology, and service mobilization.
• Coordinate activation planning, sequencing, and dependency management.
• Provide executive reporting and evidence-based recommendations to decision-makers.
• Develop and mentor assigned teams and advisers; ensure knowledge transfer into BAU.

Skills

Operational readiness

Portfolio governance

Integrated planning

Performance management

Assurance framework

Decision gates

Operating model

Service mobilization

Activation sequencing

Dependency risk

Executive reporting

Stakeholder engagement

Resource prioritization

Team leadership

Knowledge transfer

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, engineering, operations management, or related discipline

Job description

JOB PURPOSE

Lead the strategy governance and performance of the assigned operational readiness portfolio translating business objectives into integrated readiness plans that enable safe compliant and controlled activation Provide leadership across operating model development workforce processes technology facilities service mobilization and transition planning optimize readiness outcomes through effective assurance risk management stakeholder alignment and evidence-based decision-making

Key Responsibilities

Lead the operational readiness strategy and integrated governance for the assigned portfolio aligning priorities plans and performance measures with approved business objectives Establish portfolio-wide readiness standards assurance requirements decision gates reporting protocols and escalation routes with clear accountability across functions Direct assigned workstream managers and advisers in integrating operating models workforce processes technology facilities supply chain and service mobilization Provide leadership on readiness planning sequencing resource prioritization dependency management and recovery actions across complex programmes and assets Align senior stakeholders on activation priorities material risks delivery trade-offs and the evidence required to support operational decisions Drive readiness performance through clear measures disciplined governance constructive challenge and timely executive reporting

Specific Responsibilities

Oversee operational requirements through design procurement commissioning handover mobilization and opening ensuring they remain traceable and appropriately owned without assuming delivery-owner responsibilities Review and challenge readiness evidence commission targeted assurance and direct recovery priorities where safety compliance service quality or operational continuity is at risk Lead cross-functional coordination of plans schedules dependencies interfaces and acceptance criteria to maintain an integrated path to activation Present readiness recommendations activation options constraints and residual risks to authorized decision-makers ensuring decisions conditions and actions are documented and tracked Build productive relationships with delivery teams operators consultants contractors and service providers to resolve readiness issues and protect business priorities Develop readiness capability oversee assigned teams and advisers and ensure structured transfer of knowledge documentation and accountability into business-as-usual operations

Generic Responsibilities

Follow applicable company policies safety requirements confidentiality and document-control practices Maintain clear records support continuous improvement and perform related duties consistent with the approved role scope Work within approved delegated authorities recommend activation decisions to authorized decision-makers

Skills

Operational readiness strategy and portfolio governance integrated planning and performance management assurance-framework and decision-gate design operating-model and service-mobilization oversight activation sequencing dependency risk and issue management executive reporting and decision support stakeholder engagement and negotiation resource prioritization team leadership organizational capability development transition and handover governance

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in business administration, engineering, operations management, project management or a related discipline. A relevant postgraduate qualification is desirable, not mandatory.

Professional Certifications

Relevant project, programme, risk, facilities management or operational readiness certification is desirable.

Experience

Years of Experience12+ years of experience in operational management, operational readiness, mobilization, project delivery or asset activation for major.

Nature of Experience

Substantial experience leading complex operational readiness, mobilization, transition or programme portfolios in large-scale development, infrastructure, real estate, destination, venue or similarly complex operating environments. Demonstrated success establishing governance and assurance, integrating cross-functional plans, managing senior stakeholders, leading multidisciplinary teams and service partners, resolving critical dependencies, and guiding organizations through handover, activation and transition into stable operations.