Head of Matchday Operations

Al-Ahli Club Company; Jeddah, Makkah Al Mukarramah; On-site; SAR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports club in Saudi Arabia is seeking a Head of Matchday Operations responsible for providing a world-class match-day experience. The successful candidate will oversee all planning, coordination, and execution of match-day activities, ensuring a seamless experience for fans and stakeholders. This role requires strong leadership, project management skills, and extensive experience in large-scale event coordination.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in operations management, preferably in sports or entertainment.
• Experience managing large-scale events like sporting matches.
• Proven track record in fan engagement and logistics.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of match-day activities.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external vendors.
• Manage hospitality services and VIP experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Relationship Building

Problem Solving

Budget Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Sports Management or related field

Master's degree or certifications in event planning

Tools

Event Management Software

Ticketing Systems

Job description

The Head of Matchday Operations is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of match-day activities to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for spectators, sponsors, and stakeholders, driving the delivery of a world-class match-day experience that reflects the club's brand, values, and commitment to excellence.

Match-Day Planning and Coordination

• Lead the development of detailed match-day timelines outlining the sequence of activities, from pre-match preparations to post-match clean-up, ensuring all aspects of the match-day experience are accounted for.
• Drive the coordination with internal departments, external vendors, and service providers to plan and execute match-day logistics seamlessly.
• Conduct thorough site visits and inspections of the stadium and surrounding areas to assess readiness for match-day operations, ensuring the identification of any maintenance issues, safety hazards, or cleanliness concerns that need to be addressed before the event.
• Ensure the development and continual update of contingency plans and protocols to address unforeseen circumstances or emergencies that may arise during match-day events, such as adverse weather conditions, power outages, or security incidents.
• Establish clear communication channels and escalation procedures to enable swift response and resolution of any issues that may impact the match-day experience or safety of attendees.
• Facilitate communication and coordination among internal stakeholders, including operations, marketing, ticketing, hospitality, and security teams, to ensure alignment and collaboration in executing match-day plans.

Fan Engagement and Experience

• Coordinate with key stakeholders to organize fan engagement initiatives, such as meet-and-greet sessions with players, autograph signings, and fan competitions, to create memorable experiences for supporters.
• Lead the implementation of interactive fan zones, virtual reality experiences, and social media activations to enhance fan engagement and participation before and during matches.
• Drive the collaboration with fan associations and supporter groups to incorporate fan feedback and ideas into match-day activities and initiatives.

Hospitality and VIP Services

• Coordinate with the protocol office to manage hospitality packages and VIP experiences, including premium seating, exclusive access areas, and personalized services for corporate clients and sponsors.
• Ensure timely coordination with hospitality partners to curate bespoke hospitality packages, including catering options, entertainment programs, and branded merchandise.
• Oversee VIP guest relations, including meet-and-greet opportunities, guided stadium tours, and access to exclusive club events and functions.

Safety and Security

• Develop and lead the implementation of comprehensive safety and security protocols, including crowd control measures, emergency evacuation procedures, and incident response plans.
• Conduct regular training sessions and drills for stadium staff, security personnel, and volunteers to ensure readiness to handle emergencies and crisis situations.
• Lead the collaboration with local law enforcement agencies and emergency services to coordinate security operations and enhance public safety during match-day events.

Ticketing and Access Control

• Oversee ticketing operations, including ticket sales, distribution channels, and access control systems, to optimize revenue generation and streamline entry processes.
• Lead the implementation of dynamic pricing strategies, promotional offers, and loyalty programs to drive ticket sales and maximize attendance for match-day fixtures.
• Utilize data analytics and customer insights to forecast attendance, allocate seating inventory, and optimize ticketing strategies for different fan segments.

Post-Match Operations and Clean-Up

• Coordinate post-match activities, including crowd dispersal, venue cleaning, and waste management, to ensure a safe and orderly transition from match-day operations to post-event clean-up.
• Ensure timely deployment of cleaning crews and maintenance teams to promptly restore the stadium, facilities, and surrounding areas to their pre-match condition.
• Conduct post-event evaluations and debriefs to identify areas for improvement, address operational issues, and implement corrective actions for future match-day events.

Financial Management and Budgeting

• Develop and manage the match-day budget, including revenue projections, expense allocations, and cost control measures, to achieve financial targets and objectives.
• Monitor expenses, track revenue streams, and analyze financial performance metrics to identify opportunities for cost savings, revenue optimization, and operational efficiency improvements.
• Prepare financial reports, variance analyses, and budget forecasts for senior management and stakeholders to provide insights into match-day profitability and financial sustainability.

Qualifications & Skills:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Event Management, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree or relevant certifications in event planning or sports management may be advantageous.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in operations management, preferably in the sports or entertainment industry, with a focus on coordinating large-scale events such as sporting matches, concerts, or festivals.
• Proven track record of successfully planning and executing match-day operations, including logistics, staffing, and fan engagement initiatives, within a professional sports environment.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and collaborating with internal departments, external vendors, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality event experiences.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and decision-making skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of event operations, logistics, and venue management principles.
• Familiarity with ticketing systems, access control technologies, and event management software tools.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
• Adaptability and change management.
• Financial acumen and budget management skills.
• English required (advanced).
• Arabic language desired (working knowledge).