Head of Hospitality

Confidential SemiGovernment; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 500,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential SemiGovernment is seeking a Director of Hospitality & Experience to shape Saudi Open hospitality and guest experience. You will own VIP and stakeholder programs, ensuring seamless, premium service and a distinctly Saudi experience that matches world-class events.

Reporting to commercial leadership, you will build and lead a high-performing team, coordinate with catering, venue, partnerships and operations, and manage budgets to maximize guest satisfaction and revenue opportunities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management or related field.
• 8+ years of premium hospitality, VIP services or guest experience experience.
• Proven track record delivering hospitality programs for high-profile guests and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the hospitality, VIP and guest experience strategy.
• Define a distinctive Saudi Open experience blending service with local culture.
• Benchmark against top sporting events to drive improvements and innovation.
• Lead a hospitality team and manage external agencies and suppliers.
• Oversee hospitality packages, VIP areas and premium guest services.
• Manage end-to-end VIP journey, from invitation to departure.

Skills

Hospitality management

VIP services

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

English fluency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management

Job description

The Director of Hospitality & Experience will shape and deliver the Saudi Open’s hospitality and guest experience vision, setting the standard for premium service at the tournament. Reporting to the commercial leadership, the role owns the full VIP, stakeholder and hospitality offering, ensuring every guest enjoys a seamless, memorable and distinctly Saudi experience that rivals the world’s leading sporting events.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the tournament’s hospitality, VIP and guest experience strategy in line with commercial and brand objectives.
• Define a distinctive Saudi Open experience that blends world-class service with authentic Saudi culture and hospitality.
• Benchmark against leading global sporting events and premier international tennis tournaments to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
• Build, lead and develop a high-performing hospitality team, including managing external agencies and suppliers.

Hospitality Products & Premium Spaces

• Oversee the design, development and delivery of hospitality packages, VIP areas, lounges and premium guest services.
• Shape the hospitality product portfolio and pricing in partnership with the commercial team to maximize revenue and guest satisfaction.
• Ensure all premium spaces meet the highest standards of design, comfort, food and beverage, and service.

VIP & Stakeholder Journey

• Manage the end-to-end VIP and stakeholder journey, from invitation and accreditation through arrival, on-site experience and departure.
• Deliver tailored programs for dignitaries, government officials, partners, sponsors, players’ guests and high-profile individuals.
• Ensure protocol, security and confidentiality requirements are fully met for all VIP guests.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with catering, venue, ticketing, partnerships, operations, security and marketing teams to ensure consistent service standards and seamless delivery.
• Support partnerships and sponsorship teams in delivering contracted hospitality rights and activations.
• Lead hospitality planning, readiness and on-site operations during the tournament.

Performance & Budget

• Own and manage the hospitality and guest experience budget, ensuring cost efficiency and value delivery.
• Set KPIs, gather guest feedback and produce post-event reports with clear recommendations for future editions.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Event Management or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in premium hospitality, VIP services or guest experience, ideally within major sporting events, luxury hospitality or large-scale international events.
• Proven track record in delivering hospitality programs for high-profile guests and stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of VIP protocol and working with government and senior stakeholders.
• Experience managing budgets, suppliers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Fluency in English; Arabic is highly preferred.