Senior Director - Development (Velodrome & Urban Sports Park) - SPA105

Qiddiya | القدية; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Qiddiya Investment Company is seeking a Senior Director - Development (Sports Venues) to oversee the development of world‑class sports facilities in Saudi Arabia. This role requires guiding design, planning, and execution to attract global events and enhance local sports culture.

You will manage the full lifecycle from concept to delivery, collaborate with architects, engineers, and public bodies, ensure safety and quality, and drive decisions to meet timelines and budgets while fostering a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Real Estate, Architecture, Engineering, or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in large-scale sports venue development for mega-events.
• Proven track record delivering facilities on time and within budget.
• Strong understanding of sports industry trends and venue design/operation.
• Excellent project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategy for sports venue development that aligns with Qiddiya's mission.
• Lead conceptualization, planning, and execution of multi-sport arenas and spectator areas.
• Conduct feasibility studies and market analyses to inform design and investment decisions.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and resources for on-time delivery.
• Build relationships with sports federations, government agencies, and contractors.
• Ensure safety, quality standards, and sustainable practices across projects.
• Provide regular updates to senior management on status, risks, and recommendations.
• Inspire a culture of innovation and excellence within the development team.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-functional leadership

Communication skills

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Qiddiya Investment Company is actively seeking a highly-skilled Senior Director - Development (Sports Venues) to lead the development of state-of-the-art sports facilities that will position Qiddiya as a premier sports and entertainment destination in Saudi Arabia. This role is vital for integrating innovative design and functionality to create venues that invite global sporting events and promote local sports culture.

As the Senior Director, you will oversee the entire development lifecycle of sports venues, ensuring alignment with Qiddiya's strategic vision while delivering world-class facilities. Your leadership will be crucial in collaborating with architects, engineers, and various stakeholders to craft venues that meet international standards and engage communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for sports venue development that supports Qiddiya's mission and enhances regional sports engagement
• Lead the conceptualization, planning, and execution of sports venue projects, including multi-sport arenas, training facilities, and spectator areas
• Conduct feasibility studies and market analyses to inform design decisions and financial investments
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and resource allocation to ensure timely and efficient project delivery
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, including sports federations, government agencies, and contractors
• Ensure all projects adhere to safety regulations, quality standards, and sustainable practices
• Provide regular updates and reports to senior management on project status, risks, and strategic recommendations
• Inspire a culture of innovation and excellence within the project development team

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Real Estate, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field
• A minimum 15 years of experience in large-scale sports venue development for mega-events such as the FIFA World Cup or Olympic Games
• Proven track record of successfully delivering sports facilities on time and within budget
• Strong understanding of the sports industry, including trends and best practices in venue design and operation
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills for effective stakeholder engagementDemonstrated ability to think strategically and address complex challenges in a fast-paced environment
• Passion for sports and a commitment to enhancing community engagement through sports initiatives