Audio, Video & Lighting (AVL) Manager – Sensory Architect for Mega-Events

Location (IMPORTANT): Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Visa sponsorship available for qualified international candidates)

About ADE

Since 2010, ADE has been a leader in the GCC's events and exhibitions industry, transforming visionary concepts into unforgettable experiences. We are the creative and technical force behind major projects for clients like the Ministry of Interior, Saudi Electric, and the Makkah Route initiative. Our in-house capabilities in design, production, and technology allow us to deliver seamless, large-scale projects that set new benchmarks for quality and innovation. As Saudi Arabia's events landscape undergoes a historic transformation under Vision 2030, we are expanding our team with elite leaders who can match this ambition on projects ranging from tech conferences like LEAP to city-wide festivals.

The Role: Sensory Architect

We are seeking a strategic leader to act as our Sensory Architect—the visionary responsible for designing and delivering the immersive technical experiences that define world-class events. This is a hybrid role demanding equal parts master technologist and creative director. You will lead our AVL department from the earliest concept stages, collaborating with creative teams to innovate, through to flawless on-site execution for the most ambitious projects in the region. You will be the key technical authority for our clients, shaping their vision and ensuring our delivery is not only spectacular but also operationally impeccable.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Technical & Creative Leadership:

• Partner with creative directors in the conceptual and pitch phase to design and propose innovative sensory experiences using technologies like large-format projection mapping, AR/VR integration, networked audio, and dynamic lighting.
• Act as the primary technical authority for clients, translating creative vision into robust, reliable, and cutting-edge AVL solutions for mega-events, exhibitions, and permanent installations.
• Develop and execute the long-term technical strategy for the AVL department, including capital expenditure planning for next-generation technology.

Team & Departmental Management:

• Lead, mentor, and grow a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of excellence, safety, and continuous innovation.
• Oversee all departmental scheduling, resource allocation, and logistics for a complex portfolio of projects running concurrently.
• Manage and strategically expand our network of international vendors and freelance specialists, ensuring the highest quality and compliance standards.

Financial & Project Oversight:

• Take full P&L ownership of AVL project budgets, from multi-million SAR estimation and procurement to change order management and final reconciliation.
• Collaborate with Project and Operations Managers to create integrated plans, mitigate technical risks, and ensure seamless coordination across all project phases.

KSA-Specific Compliance & Execution:

• Ensure all designs, equipment, and operations strictly adhere to KSA regulations set by SCEGA, SASO, and Saudi Civil Defense. This is a non-negotiable requirement.
• Personally lead on-site execution for key projects, directing crew, troubleshooting complex issues under pressure, and serving as the senior client-facing expert.

Required Skills & Qualifications (Must-Haves)

• 12+ years of progressive experience, with at least 5 years in a senior management capacity delivering large-scale international events (e.g., World Expos, major music festivals, international trade shows with budgets exceeding $1M USD).
• A proven portfolio that demonstrates experience with immersive technologies (projection mapping, AR/VR elements, integrated interactive systems).
• Expert-level technical proficiency in media servers (Resolume, Watchout), audio networking (Dante, AES67), lighting control (GrandMA), and large-format LED systems.
• Demonstrable financial acumen, including experience managing multi-million dollar budgets, procurement, and forecasting.
• Strong leadership and mentorship capabilities with experience managing a team of technical staff.
• AVIXA CTS-D certification or willingness to obtain it within the first year is highly desirable.
• An innate understanding that compliance is the foundation of design in the KSA market.

Ideal Candidate Profile (Nice-to-Haves)

• Experience working in the GCC/Middle East market and an understanding of its unique environmental (heat, dust) and cultural nuances.
• Professional certifications from leading manufacturers (e.g., L-Acoustics, d&b, Christie).
• Proficiency in Arabic is a significant strategic advantage.
• A robust network of industry contacts within the regional supply chain.
• Familiarity with CAD software (Vectorworks, AutoCAD) for drawing review.

What We Offer: A Family-Centric, Global Package

• A highly competitive, tax-free salary benchmarked against global hubs (Dubai, London), commensurate with your experience.
• A comprehensive expatriate benefits package including:
• Transportation allowance.
• Comprehensive international health insurance for you and your dependents.
• Annual flight tickets to your country of origin.
• A senior leadership role with significant autonomy to shape the technical direction of a leading company.
• The opportunity to work on landmark, Vision 2030 projects that are defining the future of the Saudi experience economy.
• A commitment to professional development and investment in the latest event technology.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV, a portfolio showcasing your most complex and innovative projects, and a brief cover letter.

In your cover letter, please address the following:

• Describe a time you integrated a new technology (e.g., AR, VR, interactive) to solve a creative challenge on a project.
• How have you ensured regulatory compliance (e.g., electrical, safety) in a stringent market like KSA or similar?
• Include your salary expectations and earliest possible start date.

Job Type: Full-time

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Dubai: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Experience:

• AVL: 1 year (Preferred)

Location:

• Dubai (Preferred)