Manager - Festival Cultural Program

About Qiddiya

Qiddiya is being developed as Saudi Arabia’s future hub for entertainment, sports, and culture. As a major Vision 2030 giga-project, it is designed to deliver standout experiences through theme parks, arenas, arts, motorsports, and outdoor activities. The wider goal is to create lasting economic value and help develop local talent while building a destination with long-term impact.

Role Purpose

This position is responsible for directing the planning and execution of the main cultural festival program. The aim is to deliver a large-scale, high-impact program that strengthens visitor engagement and supports the objectives of the asset.

Festival Program Planning

• Create, produce, run, and oversee a broad festival programming portfolio, including coordination of more than 1,400 performances, events, and cultural activities.
• Organize programming across different zones and time windows to improve audience movement and engagement.
• Make sure the program supports the overall strategy and visitor demand, working closely with Commercial, Cultural Ecosystem, and Marketing teams.
• Identify, approach, and manage third-party specialists, producers, and cultural partners involved in developing, producing, and delivering the festival content.

Large-Scale Program Delivery

• Take charge of the full execution of festival programming across multiple venues and activities.
• Oversee day-to-day program operations, scheduling, and live adjustments as needed.
• Ensure that performances and experiences are delivered smoothly and on time.

Performer and Participant Management

• Handle onboarding, scheduling, and coordination of performers, artists, contributors, and partners from regional, international, and government-affiliated groups.
• Confirm that all participants are prepared, including rehearsals, technical setup, and delivery requirements.
• Manage large and varied participant groups while maintaining efficient coordination and consistent quality.

Real-Time Operations and Optimization

• Track program performance throughout the festival and adjust schedules dynamically when needed.
• Resolve operational issues in real time with the Operations team.
• Maintain continuity and service quality in demanding, high-pressure situations.

Performance Monitoring

• Measure attendance, audience engagement, and overall program effectiveness across the festival.
• Spot content that is performing strongly as well as areas that need improvement.
• Share insights that can improve future festival programming.

Key Success Metrics

• Festival attendance and engagement levels
• On-time delivery of programming
• Visitor satisfaction
• Revenue results for festival programming against budget targets
• Programming contribution to overall asset financial performance

Required Skills and Competencies

• Background in managing large-scale event programming
• Strong ability to coordinate and execute complex plans
• Comfort operating effectively in high-pressure environments

Requirements

• 6 to 10 years of relevant experience, with strong exposure to large-scale event programming, festival operations, or live event delivery.
• Proven track record in planning and delivering major festivals, cultural events, or entertainment programs.
• Experience running multi-day events with many activities happening at the same time.
• Solid understanding of event lifecycle management from planning stage through live execution.
• Hands-on experience managing live programming while events are in progress.
• Ability to manage daily schedules, stage plans, and activity coordination.
• Experience dealing with last-minute adjustments, disruptions, and operational issues during live events.
• Experience coordinating large numbers of performers, artists, and cultural contributors.
• Ability to manage rehearsals, technical needs, and performance schedules.
• Experience ensuring readiness and smooth delivery across diverse participant groups.
• Experience overseeing programming across multiple stages, zones, or venues at once.
• Ability to coordinate parallel activities while maintaining consistency and quality.
• Strong understanding of crowd movement, timing, and programming distribution.
• Experience leading teams, coordinators, and on-ground staff during live events.
• Exposure to major national events, festivals, or large public events.
• Experience in cultural or entertainment programming environments.
• Pre-opening or launch experience with large-scale events is considered an advantage.

Additional Information

This role is based in Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and is a full-time, on-site position.