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 - 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