Senior Director - Event Planning

Overview

Imagine a career filled with vast opportunities and working alongside remarkable individuals who embrace innovation and growth. Parsons fosters a culture of empowerment guided by leadership focused on valuing people, agility, and development.

Our client is executing one of Saudi Arabia's most ambitious giga-projects, setting new global benchmarks in destination development, innovation, and visitor experience aligned with Vision 2030. This role presents a chance to contribute to a transformative initiative alongside industry experts and innovative technologies.

Role Purpose

The Senior Director of Event Planning is responsible for leading the integrated planning function for large-scale sporting, entertainment, cultural, and civic events within the client's city operations. This involves translating strategic event portfolios into actionable plans with clear governance, budgeting, scheduling, and stakeholder alignment across multiple functional areas and delivery partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the major-events planning framework, governance model, and assurance standards.
• Create integrated multi-year portfolio plans capturing demand, resource sharing, conflicts, and critical decisions.
• Define accountabilities, decision rights, stage gates, and escalation paths across stakeholders and functional groups.
• Lead event planning from concept and feasibility through live delivery and post-event review, integrating mobility, security, crowd management, logistics, communications, and emergency response plans.
• Establish operational concepts and overlay plans for citywide services and temporary infrastructure.
• Manage risk-based readiness and assurance programs including rehearsals, tabletop exercises, and venue readiness reviews.
• Provide support during live events and lead post-event assessments to embed lessons learned.
• Coordinate multi-stakeholder forums, approvals, permits, and reporting dashboards for senior leadership.
• Oversee commercial aspects including cost planning, procurement strategies, contract management, and budget control.
• Build and lead a high-performing event planning team and foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

Candidate Profile

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Project Management, Hospitality, Tourism, or related fields is required; Master’s degree preferred. Professional certifications in project, program, event, risk, or operational management are advantageous.

Experience: Around 25 years in major event planning or related fields including 10-12 years in senior leadership with accountability for integrated planning and operational delivery of high-profile, multi-venue events. Experience coordinating government stakeholders and multiple delivery partners is essential, preferably with exposure to Saudi Arabia, GCC, giga-projects, or destination developments.

Preferred Background: Leadership roles in global event settings like Formula One, Olympics, major sports tournaments, festivals, concerts, or destination resorts, with practical knowledge of citywide event overlays, temporary infrastructure, volunteer coordination, accessibility, sustainability, and guest experience.

Technical & Functional Skills

• Expertise in integrated event planning, portfolio and governance management.
• Operational readiness preparation including risk and contingency planning.
• Commercial planning, procurement, tendering, contract management, and budget oversight.
• Executive reporting, multi-agency coordination, and stakeholder negotiation.
• Proficiency with planning and collaboration tools used in city and event operations.

Leadership and Behavioural Competencies

• Strategic vision and decisive leadership under pressure.
• Capability development and influence across complex organizations.
• Customer-centric approach with collaboration and clear communication.
• Structured problem-solving ability and adaptability within dynamic environments.
• Ethical ownership and drive for continuous improvement.

Role Scope

Accountable for citywide event planning standards, integration of operational overlays, cross-functional coordination, and readiness assurance while aligning with operations and maintenance services. Event owners and venue operators retain control over event content and delivery within their areas.

Diversity and Inclusion

The employer is committed to equal opportunity employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

Additional Information

The organization provides extensive employee support and growth opportunities.

Note: Awareness is raised regarding fraudulent recruitment activities to ensure transparent hiring practices.