Executive Director - Asian Games Planning and Coordination

Qiddiya Investment Company; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 1,300,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Qiddiya Investment Company seeks a senior leader to own strategy for the Sports SBU, guiding planning and coordination of major games and events in line with Vision 2030. You will shape objectives, priorities and measures of success, working with international federations and government stakeholders.

You will build and lead a high-calibre team, oversee budgets and governance, and ensure event readiness while advancing tourism, participation and long-term destination value.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Real Estate Development, Events.
• 15+ years of senior leadership experience in major sporting events, sports governance, government relations or large-scale stakeholder management.
• Experience bidding, planning or delivering multi-sport or mega-events (Olympics, FIFA World Cup, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games or equivalent).
• Proven ability to develop and execute organisational strategy at executive level.
• Strong understanding of Vision 2030 and sport, tourism and quality-of-life objectives, and translating national priorities into strategy.
• Experience building and scaling teams or new business units, including organisational design and talent development.

Responsibilities

• Own the overarching strategy for the Sports SBU and Qiddiya's role in planning and coordinating major games and events.
• Define objectives, priorities and success measures aligned with Qiddiya strategy and Vision 2030.
• Ensure events advance Vision 2030 goals—participation, quality of life, diversification, tourism and investment.
• Oversee engagement with international sports federations, organising committees and government stakeholders.
• Build the team, structure and resourcing plan; promote a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Manage budgets, governance and reporting across functions to ensure event readiness and delivery.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Real Estate Development, Events

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Own the overarching strategy for the Sports SBU and Qiddiya s role in in the planning and coordination of major games and events defining objectives priorities and measures of success aligned with Qiddiya strategy and Vision 2030 Ensure that every games and event programme advances Vision 2030 goals including growing sports participation enhancing quality of life diversifying the economy attracting tourism and investment and positioning the Kingdom as a global sporting destination Oversee the engagement framework for Qiddiya s role in delivering the Asian Games the FIFA World Cup and future landmark global sporting events Build the team designing its organisational structure and resourcing plan promoting a culture of excellence collaboration integrity and continuous improvement Serve as Qiddiya s principal representative and senior point of contact with international sports federations organising committees event Organising Committee s and other government and industry stakeholders for the planning and coordination of the major sporting events Build nurture and steward executive-level relationships with third parties giving them a consistent credible and trusted representation of Qiddiya always Oversee comprehensive stakeholder engagement plans mapping interests and influence and coordinating communication across internal and external parties Manage cross-functional relationships across Qiddiya so the organisation is coordinated and accountable for delivering the Asian Games the FIFA World Cup and future landmark sporting events Act as the strategic interface with key Qiddiya Governance and Event Oversight Committees enabling effective cross-functional communication collaboration and alignment across Strategic Business Units Provide oversight Qiddiya s mater plan and venues infrastructure and supporting facilities ensuring they are developed and delivered to event specifications standards and timelines working closely with the development and project delivery teams Oversee integrated governance planning and reporting mechanisms across internal functions to track event readiness manage interdependencies and resolve issues early Act as the central link between external event stakeholders and internal Qiddiya teams translating host obligations and event requirements into clear internal priorities and actions Oversee the department s budget forecasts and resource allocation ensuring prudent financial stewardship Regularly update senior management and the Board on strategy implementation relationship status event readiness risks opportunities and strategic recommendations Champion a legacy-focused approach ensuring that community benefit fan experience and long-term destination value are built into Qiddiya s event contributions

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Real Estate Development, EventsA minimum of 15+ years of senior leadership experience in major sporting events, sports governance, government relations, diplomacy or large-scale stakeholder management.Demonstrated involvement in the bidding, planning or delivery of multi-sport or mega-events such as the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games or equivalent.Proven track record of developing and executing organisational strategy at an executive level.Strong understanding of Saudi Vision 2030 and its sport, tourism and quality-of-life objectives, with the ability to translate national priorities into organisational and event strategy.Demonstrated experience building and scaling teams or new business units, including organisational design, recruitment and talent development.Proven experience leading cross-functional programs and driving development and operational readiness for major venues, events or destinations.An established network and proven credibility with international sports federations, governing bodies, governments and senior industry leaders.Gravitas and a commanding executive presence, with exceptional diplomatic, negotiation and representational skills at board, ministerial and international levels.Strong understanding of host city agreements, event governance structures, commercial rights and legacy planning.Exceptional leadership, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to handle politically and culturally sensitive environments.Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and adapt to a rapidly changing environment