Manager - Anchor Cultural Program

Role Overview

Manager - Anchor Cultural Program at Qiddiya Investment Company. The role is based at Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia's flagship destination for entertainment, sports, and culture, located just outside Riyadh.

Company Overview

Qiddiya is Saudi Arabia's flagship destination for entertainment, sports, and culture — a cornerstone of Vision 2030 spanning over 360 km². The development will feature world-class attractions including a Formula 1-grade racetrack, theme parks, major sports venues, and performance spaces. Qiddiya serves as a catalyst for economic diversification, job creation, and a new way of life.

Role Purpose

Lead the planning and delivery of flagship cultural programs and anchor experiences that act as key attractions within the 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.

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 including attendance, engagement, and visibility.
• Identify opportunities to enhance impact and reach.
• Ensure anchor programs contribute to overall financial performance.

Integration & Programming Strategy

• Ensure anchor programs are integrated within the broader programming calendar.
• Align timing and positioning to maximize visitor flow and engagement.
• Align programming with commercial and marketing objectives.

Qualifications & Experience

• 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.
• Experience managing end-to-end delivery of large-scale productions, including technical, operational, and scheduling aspects.
• Demonstrated experience working with high-profile performers, artists, or cultural figures.
• Demonstrated experience working with strategic partners and production entities.
• Experience in major national or international events.
• Experience in 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.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of program positioning, audience appeal, and experience design at scale.
• Ability to manage contracts, expectations, schedules, and delivery requirements for premium participants.
• Strong relationship management skills with senior stakeholders and partners.
• Ability to coordinate across multiple teams including Operations, Technical, Commercial, and 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 visitor attraction, dwell time, and sponsorship value.

Additional Information

Key Success Metrics

• Attendance at anchor events.
• Visitor engagement and satisfaction.
• Contribution to overall programming success.