Director Event Planning

About the role

The Director, Event Planning will lead the development and execution of integrated plans for major sporting, entertainment, cultural and civic events within the new Saudi capital development. This senior position translates the strategic event portfolio into coordinated, deliverable plans, overseeing governance, budgets, schedules, operational requirements, stakeholder commitments and readiness activities.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the major‑events planning framework, governance, standards and assurance processes.
• Develop multi‑year integrated event portfolio plans, aligning priorities, resources and operational requirements.
• Oversee end‑to‑end event planning from concept through delivery, readiness and post‑event evaluation.
• Integrate cross‑functional operational plans including mobility, security, guest experience, logistics, communications and emergency response.
• Manage citywide operational concepts, temporary infrastructure, venue interfaces and service overlays.
• Establish readiness, risk management, testing, rehearsals and contingency planning programmes.
• Support live‑event operations through planning integration, issue resolution and operational coordination.
• Lead stakeholder engagement with event owners, operators, government agencies, emergency services and delivery partners.
• Oversee event planning budgets, procurement strategies, supplier performance and cost management.
• Build and develop a high‑performing event planning team, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Business Administration, Operations, Project Management, Hospitality, Tourism or a related field; Master’s degree and professional certifications preferred.
• Minimum 18 years of experience in major event planning or operations, including at least 8 years in senior leadership roles.
• Proven track record delivering complex sporting, entertainment, cultural or civic events in high‑profile environments.
• Preferred experience within Saudi Arabia, the GCC, giga‑projects or large‑scale event environments.

Required skills

• Operational readiness, scheduling, governance and risk‑management expertise.
• Procurement, budget control and executive reporting capabilities.
• Advanced stakeholder management, operational integration and multi‑agency coordination.
• Command‑and‑control, contract management and use of event‑planning technology tools.