Summary
Qiddiya Investment Company is seeking an Anchor Cultural Program Manager for its destination just outside Riyadh. The role leads the development and delivery of flagship cultural programs, performances, and large-scale events, coordinating with operations, technical, commercial, and marketing teams. Responsibilities include managing performers and partners, contracts and schedules, and monitoring attendance, engagement, and commercial impact. Applicants should have 7–10+ years of experience delivering high-profile cultural, festival, or entertainment programs.
The posting
As published on qiddiya.com. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
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