Senior Director - Development QPAC (SPA29012)

Role Overview

Senior Director - Development for the Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), a flagship cultural asset within Qiddiya City. Qiddiya Investment Company is seeking a seasoned development professional to lead this $1.4 billion venue through to completion and handover.

Company Overview

Qiddiya Investment Company is developing Qiddiya City, a major cultural and entertainment destination. The Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre is the first flagship cultural asset within the development, positioned as a cornerstone of the destination's cultural and entertainment offering.

Role Purpose

Lead the development lifecycle of the Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre from design development through delivery and handover. Drive strategic decision-making, manage design and delivery interfaces, and safeguard commercial and programme outcomes across this high-profile, multi-stakeholder giga-project.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Planning

• Lead the end-to-end development strategy for the Performing Arts Centre, from design development through to delivery and handover
• Ensure development activities align with Qiddiya City's broader masterplan, cultural strategy, and brand positioning

Stakeholder Management & Relationships

• Manage relationships and interfaces across the design team, delivery contractor, and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on scope, quality, and vision
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience operating across architects, contractors, and executive leadership
• Support planning for operational readiness, working with future operators to ensure the asset is fit for its intended cultural programme

Commercial & Financial Oversight

• Oversee commercial and financial performance of the asset's development, including budget management, cost control, and value engineering
• Prepare and present development updates, business cases, and investment papers to senior management and executive stakeholders

Risk & Issue Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate development risks across design, delivery, and commercial workstreams

Leadership & Development

• Build and mentor a high-performing development team, embedding best practice across the function

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Architecture, Engineering, Business, or related field; a relevant Master's degree is advantageous
• Minimum of 10–12 years' relevant experience in real estate or asset development, with significant exposure to large-scale, landmark, or cultural and hospitality assets
• Proven track record leading development through design, delivery, and commercial phases on complex, high-profile projects
• Familiarity with giga-project or large-scale mixed-use development environments considered a strong advantage

Skills & Competencies

• Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience managing budgets, business cases, and investment decision-making
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills

Additional Information

The Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre is set on the edge of the Tuwaiq cliffs and spans over 114,000 sqm. It comprises three theatres with a combined capacity of 3,000 seats, designed to host more than 200 performances and events annually and welcome upwards of 800,000 visitors each year once operational.