Senior Director - Development, Performing Arts Centre

About the Role

Qiddiya Investment Company is searching for an experienced Senior Director to oversee the entire development lifecycle of the Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre, a premier cultural landmark within Qiddiya City. This expansive $1.4 billion facility covers over 114,000 square meters and features three theatres with a combined capacity of 3,000 seats, aiming to host more than 200 performances annually and attract over 800,000 visitors once operational.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the full development process of the Performing Arts Centre, from conceptual design through to project completion and handover.
• Coordinate relationships among design teams, contractors, and internal stakeholders to maintain alignment with the project's scope, quality standards, and vision.
• Manage the commercial aspects including budget oversight, cost containment, and value engineering initiatives.
• Identify and mitigate risks throughout the design, delivery, and financial workstreams.
• Develop and deliver progress reports, business cases, and investment documentation for senior executives.
• Ensure that the development aligns with the overall Qiddiya City masterplan, cultural objectives, and brand identity.
• Collaborate with operations teams to prepare the asset for opening, ensuring readiness for its intended cultural programming.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team within the development function, implementing best practices.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Architecture, Engineering, Business, or related disciplines; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• At least 10 to 12 years of relevant experience in real estate or asset development, particularly with complex, large-scale, cultural or hospitality projects.
• Demonstrated success managing all phases of development including design, construction delivery, and commercial oversight on prestigious projects.
• Strong financial and commercial expertise, adept in managing budgets, investment cases, and decision-making processes.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills with a proven ability to engage architects, contractors, and executive leadership effectively.
• Experience with giga-projects or considerable mixed-use developments is a distinct advantage.
• Superior leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.