Commercial Director

Role Overview

Lead the overall commercial performance, drive revenue expansion, and optimize asset utilization for key venues and destination assets. You will be responsible for shaping the full commercial strategy, managing the sales pipeline, and directing varied commercial operations.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and own commercial strategies including revenue plans, pricing policies, budgets, and forecasts aimed at maximizing income while maintaining long-term value.
• Create and oversee a multi-year event pipeline involving promoters, rights holders, and partners, guiding venue hire and content acquisition approaches.
• Manage sponsorships and partnerships comprehensively, including acquisition, negotiation, and activation of deals such as naming rights.
• Provide strategic leadership for hospitality offerings, premium VIP experiences, ticketing processes, and revenue optimization.
• Supervise food, beverage, and retail commercial operations to ensure profitability, margin improvements, and effective concessionaire management.
• Drive marketing and customer relationship initiatives, focusing on brand development, customer segmentation, digital engagement, and long-term audience value enhancement.
• Lead new venue commercial launches, including positioning, go-to-market strategies, and establishing credible event schedules.
• Collaborate closely with Finance for forecasting and monitoring, and Operations to guarantee delivery of commercial commitments safely.

Team Leadership & Saudization

• Build, manage, and mentor a versatile, high-achieving commercial team.
• Implement strong sales disciplines, thorough pipeline management, and clear account ownership.
• Support Saudization efforts, succession plans, and transfer of expertise from international specialists.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Extensive leadership experience in commercial roles such as Commercial Director, Sales Director, or Chief Commercial Officer within major venues, live events, sports, hospitality, or consumer environments.
• Proven track record managing large revenue targets and commercial budgets with solid financial insight into revenue, margins, yield, and profitability.
• Demonstrated skill in deal structuring, negotiations, and converting high-value sales pipelines successfully.
• Experience leading venue mobilization, launches, or periods of significant business growth is a plus.
• Exposure to international markets and regional experience in Saudi Arabia or the GCC is preferred.