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
  

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