Manager - Anchor Cultural Program

Qiddiya Investment Company; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 167,400 - 279,000; Full time

Job summary

Qiddiya Investment Company is looking for an experienced Event Manager to lead the planning and delivery of flagship cultural programs within its ambitious new development near Riyadh. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years in event management, focusing on high-profile cultural programs and stakeholder engagement. Responsibilities include overseeing major events, managing high-profile relationships, and ensuring impactful program delivery. A dynamic and fast-paced environment awaits at Qiddiya, contributing to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of experience in managing high-profile events.
• Proven experience in designing and delivering flagship cultural programs.
• Ability to manage complex, high-visibility programs and contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and delivery of cultural programs.
• Oversee execution of major anchor events.
• Manage relationships with high-profile stakeholders.

Skills

Event management

Program coordination

Stakeholder management

High-impact program delivery

Job description

Qiddiya is Saudi Arabia’s flagship destination for entertainment, sports, and culture — a cornerstone of Vision 2030 located just outside Riyadh. Spanning over 360 km², it will feature world‑class attractions including a Formula 1‑grade racetrack, theme parks, major sports venues, and performance spaces. More than a destination, Qiddiya is a catalyst for economic diversification, job creation, and a new way of life. With construction progressing rapidly, we’re looking for driven professionals ready to help shape one of the world’s most ambitious developments. Every role here has real impact — from planning and design to delivery and operations. If you're motivated by large‑scale challenges and lasting legacy, there’s a place for you at Qiddiya.

Role Purpose

Lead the planning and delivery of flagship cultural programs and anchor experiences that act as key attractions within Cultural and Heritage program.

Key Responsibilities

Anchor Program Development

• Develop and manage flagship cultural programs and signature experiences
• Define concepts, themes, and formats for high-impact programs
• Ensure anchor programs act as key attractions within the overall offering
• Support the procurement of third‑party partners to enable the development and delivery of cultural programming

Large-Scale Delivery & Coordination

• Oversee execution of major performances and anchor events
• Coordinate across multiple teams to ensure delivery at scale
• Ensure alignment with Operations, Asset, and technical requirements

High-Profile Stakeholder & Talent Management

• Manage relationships with high‑profile performers, partners, and contributors
• Coordinate contracts, schedules, and delivery requirements
• Ensure premium‑quality experience delivery

Performance & Impact Optimization

• Monitor performance of anchor programs (attendance, engagement, visibility)
• Identify opportunities to enhance impact and reach
• Ensure anchor programs contribute to overall financial performance

Integration with Overall Programming

• Ensure anchor programs are integrated within the broader programming calendar
• Align timing and positioning to maximize visitor flow and engagement

Key Success Metrics

• Attendance at anchor events
• Visitor engagement and satisfaction
• Contribution to overall programming success

Required Skills & Competencies

• Experience in high-profile event or program management
• Strong coordination and delivery capability
• Ability to manage complex, high‑visibility programs
• 7–10+ years of experience, with a strong background in delivering large-scale, high-profile cultural programs, performances, or flagship experiences
• Proven experience designing and delivering high-impact, flagship programs or headline events within festivals, cultural platforms, or entertainment environments
• Experience managing complex, high‑visibility programs that attract large audiences and drive visitation
• Strong understanding of program positioning, audience appeal, and experience design at scale
• Demonstrated experience working with:
  • High-profile performers, artists, or cultural figures
  • Strategic partners and production entities
• Ability to manage contracts, expectations, schedules, and delivery requirements for premium participants
• Strong relationship management skills with senior stakeholders and partners
• Experience managing end-to-end delivery of large-scale productions, including technical, operational, and scheduling aspects
• Ability to coordinate across multiple teams (Operations, Technical, Commercial, Marketing) to deliver complex programs
• Experience managing multi-layered program requirements, including staging, rehearsals, and live delivery
• Ability to deliver programs in fast-paced, high-pressure environments with tight timelines
• Demonstrated ability to develop programs that drive attendance, engagement, and commercial outcomes
• Understanding of how anchor programs contribute to:
  • Visitor attraction
  • Dwell time
  • Sponsorship value
• Experience aligning programming with commercial and marketing objectives
• Experience in:
  • Major national or international events
  • Cultural festivals or entertainment platforms
• Exposure to large-scale productions or live performances is highly preferred
• Experience in pre-opening or launch of flagship programs is an advantage