Manager - Anchor Cultural Program

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

Requirements

-          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:

o   High-profile performers, artists, or cultural figures

o   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:

o   Visitor attraction

o   Dwell time

o   Sponsorship value

-          Experience aligning programming with commercial and marketing objectives

-          Experience in:

o   Major national or international events

o   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