Head of Qiddiya Performing Arts

Qiddiya is a destination where entertainment, sports, culture and living converge. Located just outside Riyadh in the Tuwaiq Mountains, it embodies Saudi Vision 2030’s ambition to create a global hub of play, joy and connection. Qiddiya Investment Company

The QPAC will be a flagship part of this destination, ofering guest-experiences that exceed expectations, operations that run seamlessly behind the scenes, and a facility that defines best-in-class.

Joining QPAC means being part of a historic endeavour: building a destination that will define entertainment and living in KSA and beyond. You will have the opportunity to shape all aspects of this world-class venue. This is your chance to lead in a setting where “play comes to life” every day.

The Head of Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) will lead the strategic, operational, and artistic direction of the QPAC, establishing it as a globally recognised destination for excellence in performing arts. This role requires visionary leadership, deep cultural understanding, commercial acumen and the ability to deliver world-class programming aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a future focused vision and strategy for the QPAC which delivers sustainable profitability, eficiency and excellence.
• Ensure all strategic and operational activities are aligned with the national cultural objectives, particularly Vision 2030.
• Collaborate closely with QIC colleagues to ensure the QPAC’s alignment with the wider strategic vision for the city and ensure QPAC is positioned as a world-class cultural centre.
• Establish and foster strategic partnerships with cultural institutions regionally and internationally.

Operational Management

• Ensure world-class operational performance across all areas of the venue including technical production, visitor experience, commercial operations and facility management.
• Embed and foster a customer-first culture across all aspects of the venue; ensuring the guest experience is at the heart of everything which happens at the QPAC.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant compliance, regulatory and governance standards, including all required licenses, permits, policies, procedures and audits are in place.

Artistic Vision & Direction

• Collaborate with the Content & Creative Director to oversee the curation of a diverse performance programme across all QPAC performance spaces.
• Champion innovation, inclusion and the integration of local, regional and international talent.
• Ensure programming reflects cultural values while appealing to global audiences

Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent the QPAC to any key external stakeholders, such as government and creative bodies.
• Build strong relationships with artists, educators, and community leaders
• Promote QPAC as a hub of cultural participation, education and community impact.

People Leadership

• Build and manage a high-performing leadership team, ensuring there is team engagement and alignment with the overall strategic vision for the QPAC.
• Lead talent development initiatives and ensure the organisation attracts and retains the best talent.
• Establish an organisational culture rooted in excellence, creativity, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Motivate and engage all QPAC colleagues through proactive communication and recognition.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 10-15 years’ proven leadership experience in cultural institutions, arts organisations, or large-scale public venues.
• Strong understanding of Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape and Vision 2030.
• Track record in strategic planning, operational management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in curating and/or commissioning artistic programmes.
• Excellent leadership, team-building, change-management capabilities; strong communicator in English (Arabic advantageous).

Personal Attributes

• Visionary, innovative and culturally sensitive leader.
• Builds trust through acting with integrity and taking ownership and accountability of outcomes.
• Ability to set direction and thrive in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment.
• Commercially astute with a strong understanding of financial models.
• Collaborative, clear and diplomatic communicator with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse and talented workforce.
• Passionate advocate for the arts and culture.

Very competative