Head of Operations (EHO001)

Foreground LLC; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global events company based in Riyadh is seeking a Head of Operations to setup the operational infrastructure necessary for large-scale projects across Saudi Arabia. This role requires 12+ years of experience in events operations or project logistics, with strong knowledge of local regulations and a proven ability to manage multi-supplier ecosystems. The ideal candidate will be fluent in both English and Arabic.

Qualifications

• 12+ years in events operations, project logistics, or agency operations in Saudi Arabia or the wider GCC.
• Proven track record in managing multi-supplier ecosystems and event logistics planning.
• Strong knowledge of KSA regulations, event permitting, labor laws, and compliance protocols.
• Bilingual preferred, fluent in English and Arabic.

Responsibilities

• Set up and manage the operational infrastructure for the agency in Saudi Arabia.
• Oversee procurement, logistics, warehousing, transport, and on-site coordination.
• Build internal processes, templates, and reporting tools.
• Manage relationships with legal counsel and government entities.
• Collaborate closely with project managers for seamless event delivery.
• Lead crisis response planning and issue resolution.

Skills

Licensing

Compliance

Operations

Creativity

Logistics

Operational Excellence

Cost Control

Templates

Arabic

Supply

Government Infrastructure

Procurement

Regulations

Finance

Planning

English

Job description

Foreground is partnering with a global events company to recruit a logistics-savvy, systems-oriented, and execution-obsessed Head of Operations, based in Riyadh. This is a mission-critical role that ensures the operational foundation is set up to support large-scale projects across Saudi Arabia, balancing agility with compliance, and creativity with structure.

Reporting to the Country Director and collaborating with Finance, Production, HR, and Legal, the Head of Operations will oversee resourcing, vendor contracts, local licensing, supply chain processes, and internal SOP development.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and manage the operational infrastructure for the agency in Saudi Arabia, including staffing models, office logistics, vendor frameworks, and resourcing plans.
• Oversee procurement, logistics, warehousing, transport, and on-site coordination across all live projects.
• Build internal processes, templates, and reporting tools that support visibility, cost control, and operational excellence.
• Manage relationships with legal counsel, PROs, and government entities to ensure permits, visas, and regulatory matters are in order.
• Collaborate closely with project managers and production teams to ensure seamless event delivery from brief to breakdown.
• Lead crisis response planning and real-time issue resolution for operational challenges.

Ideal Profile

• 12+ years in events operations, project logistics, or agency operations in Saudi Arabia or the wider GCC.
• Proven track record in managing multi-supplier ecosystems, event logistics planning, and high-volume delivery environments.
• Strong knowledge of KSA regulations, event permitting, labor laws, and compliance protocols.
• Bilingual preferred, fluent in English and Arabic

Required Skills

• Licensing
• Compliance
• Operations
• Creativity
• Logistics
• Operational Excellence
• Cost Control
• Templates
• Arabic
• Supply
• Government Infrastructure
• Procurement
• Regulations
• Finance
• Planning
• English