Operations Manager – On-Site Chief Risk Officer for Mega-Projects

Location (IMPORTANAT): Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Comprehensive family visa and relocation sponsorship available)

About ADE

Since 2010, ADE has been the driving force behind the GCC's most ambitious events and exhibitions, transforming visionary concepts into tangible, unforgettable experiences. We are the trusted delivery partner for major national initiatives for clients like the Ministry of Interior, Saudi Electric, and the Makkah Route. Our integrated in-house capabilities in design, fabrication, and technology allow us to execute seamless, large-scale projects that set new benchmarks. As Saudi Arabia's landscape evolves under Vision 2030, we are seeking an elite operational leader to serve as the on-site commander for our most complex projects, from giga-project launches in NEOM to city-wide festivals like Riyadh Season.

The Role: On-Site Chief Risk Officer

We are seeking a world-class Operations Manager to act as our On-Site Chief Risk Officer. This is the paramount leadership role responsible for translating ambitious visions into flawless, compliant, and safe reality. You are the strategist who owns the entire project lifecycle on the ground—from pioneering operational plans in greenfield environments to orchestrating multi-disciplinary site logistics, ensuring absolute compliance, and safeguarding our license to operate. You will be responsible for building and leading high-performing teams, managing multi-million SAR budgets, and ensuring every project is delivered to the highest international standards. Your performance will be measured by successful delivery and, more critically, by the absence of incidents.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Operational Command:

• Develop and implement end-to-end operational strategies for mega-projects, ensuring seamless integration of all departments from fabrication to AVL.
• Act as the ultimate on-site authority and primary liaison for government authorities (SCEGA, GEA, Civil Defense), venue management, and clients.
• Lead the production of all critical project documentation, including master schedules, risk assessments (RAMS), and complex contingency plans. Your planning must begin with KSA's mandatory compliance requirements as the foundational design constraint.

Team Leadership & Pioneer Spirit:

• Build, lead, and mentor a large, robust team of supervisors, crew, and logistics personnel, cultivating a culture of absolute safety, accountability, and precision.
• Demonstrate experience in building operational capacity from the ground up, managing the unique challenges of remote sites and temporary infrastructure associated with Saudi Arabia's giga-projects.
• Serve as the ultimate point of escalation, resolving complex logistical, technical, and human resource challenges decisively.

Financial Stewardship & Acumen:

• Take full P&L ownership of site-level budgets, meticulously managing costs, vendor contracts, and procurement to deliver projects on or under budget.
• Drive operational efficiency and identify strategic opportunities for cost savings without ever compromising on safety or quality.

Unyielding Compliance & Risk Mitigation:

• Serve as the ultimate guardian of on-site compliance, ensuring all operations, structures, and personnel strictly adhere to the rigorous standards of SCEGA, SASO, and the Saudi Civil Defense. Your sign-off is the final gate before client handover.
• Personally embody the safety-first culture, conducting rigorous audits and leading the relationship with regulatory inspectors. This is the core of the role.

Required Skills & Qualifications (Must-Haves)

• 12+ years of progressive experience in large-scale events, exhibitions, or construction, with at least 5 years in a senior site/operations management role holding ultimate on-site authority.
• A proven portfolio of successfully delivering complex, international mega-projects (e.g., major exhibition builds, festival infrastructure, large-scale installations) with budgets exceeding $2M USD.
• Expert-level knowledge of site logistics, temporary structures, crowd management, and large-crew dynamics.
• Demonstrable experience managing multi-million dollar project budgets, with superior skills in cost control, forecasting, and negotiation.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with a proven ability to command and motivate large, multi-disciplinary teams in high-pressure, high-stakes environments.
• NEBOSH IGC or equivalent advanced health and safety qualification is mandatory.
• An absolute, demonstrable commitment to process, documentation, and regulatory compliance as a primary function.

Ideal Candidate Profile (Significant Advantages)

• Direct experience working in the KSA/GCC market, including proven experience liaising with SCEGA, GEA, and Civil Defense authorities.
• Experience in logistical planning for remote or "greenfield" sites with underdeveloped infrastructure.
• A university degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Professional project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2).
• Proficiency in Arabic is a significant strategic advantage for regulatory navigation and supplier negotiations.

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 the autonomy to build and shape the operational future of a market leader.
• The opportunity to deliver landmark, Vision 2030 projects that are defining the future of the Saudi experience economy.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV, a portfolio detailing at least three of your most complex projects (please specify your exact role, the budget, and team size), and a brief cover letter.

In your cover letter, please address the following:

• Describe your experience in directly managing relationships with and obtaining approvals from government regulatory bodies (e.g., SCEGA, Civil Defense) for a major event.
• Tell us about a time you had to build an operational plan from zero for a challenging or remote site. What were the key challenges?
• Include your salary expectations and earliest possible start date.

Job Type: Full-time