Head of Operations

ESM - Events and Sports Management; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports management organization seeks a Head of Operations in Saudi Arabia to establish and manage its sports academy operations. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in operations management, preferably within sports or education. Key responsibilities include establishing operational frameworks, driving growth, and leading a high-performing team to ensure service excellence. A competitive salary of 20,000–21,000 SAR and other benefits are offered.

Benefits

A competitive monthly salary

Annual flight allowance

Private medical insurance

End of service benefit

Access to lifestyle discounts

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of operations management experience, preferably in sports, education, or service industries.
• Prior GCC experience required; KSA experience strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of managing multi-site operations and leading large teams.

Responsibilities

• Successfully establish ESM’s KSA entity, including all licensing and operational infrastructure.
• Oversee the operational management of all academies and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Drive commercial growth by expanding enrolments and increasing revenue across all sports.
• Secure and maintain strong venue partnerships with schools and sports facilities.
• Ensure full compliance with Saudi laws and internal company policies.
• Build a high-performing operations team through effective recruitment and training.
• Maintain excellent customer service standards and resolve escalated issues.
• Oversee safety systems, SOPs, and health and safety practices.

Skills

Arabic speaker

Leadership and people management

Operational excellence

Relationship building and stakeholder management

Strong customer service orientation

Confidentiality and non-disclosure

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Proactive and problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sports Management, Operations, or related field

Job description

We are looking for an experienced and strategic Head of Operations (KSA) to lead and expand ESM’s sports academy operations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. You will be responsible for establishing the full operational framework, ensuring service excellence, driving commercial growth, and maintaining strong partnerships with venues and authorities.

This role is ideal for a results-driven leader with strong operational expertise, regional experience, and a passion for building high-performing teams. If you are ready to take ownership of ESM’s expansion in KSA and deliver exceptional operational standards, we want to hear from you. To apply, please share your CV and cover letter directly through the email provided below.

Key Objectives

• Successfully establish ESM’s KSA entity, including all licensing, government registrations, and operational infrastructure.
• Oversee the operational management of all academies, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality programmes and customer satisfaction.
• Drive commercial growth by expanding enrolments, improving retention, and increasing revenue across all sports.
• Secure, maintain, and develop strong venue partnerships with schools, compounds, and sports facilities.
• Ensure full compliance with Saudi laws, safety standards, safeguarding requirements, and internal company policies.
• Build and lead a high-performing operations team, ensuring effective recruitment, training, and performance management.
• Maintain excellent customer service standards, resolve escalated issues, and ensure brand consistency across all sites.
• Oversee safety systems, SOPs, risk assessments, and health and safety practices to ensure safe and compliant operations.

Set of Required Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sports Management, Operations, or related field

Desired Experience

• Minimum 5 years of operations management experience, preferably in sports, education, or service industries
• Prior GCC experience required; KSA experience strongly preferred
• Proven track record of managing multi-site operations and leading large teams

Job‑Specific Knowledge & Skills

• Arabic speaker (preferred)
• Leadership and people management
• Operational excellence
• Relationship building and stakeholder management
• Strong customer service orientation
• Confidentiality and non-disclosure
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proactive and problem-solving skills

What We Offer

• A competitive monthly salary ranging from 20,000–21,000 SAR (inclusive of all allowances)
• Annual flight allowance
• Private medical insurance
• End of service benefit
• Access to lifestyle discounts

How to Apply

If you are ready for this exciting challenge, please email [e-mail], quoting reference HOKSA-Dec25. Please include your covering letter, your CV, and any relevant supporting documents or certifications.