Operations Executive - KSA

Location:                     Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Office-based | Regional travel as required

Reporting to:              General Manager, Saudi Arabia

ABOUT WHISPER:

Whisper is a leading global, independent production company where Entertainment is Everything.

Founded in 2010, Whisper functions as a multi-genre powerhouse that combines a dynamic, people-first culture with the scale to deliver for the world’s biggest broadcasters and brands.

Following its 2026 return to private ownership, the group has reinforced its long-standing commitment to disruptive storytelling and technological innovation.

Whisper MENA is proud to work on the most iconic sporting events and in partnership with the biggest federations and brands in the region including the Ministry of Sport, SURJ, Sela, Kings League, Netflix, Neom and New Murabba.

With over 300 staff in offices across the world, Whisper delivers world-class production across its core pillars of Sport, Entertainment, Documentaries, Gaming and Branded Content, supported by end-to-end Social and Digital services.

THE CHALLENGE:

The Operations Executive is the senior operational lead for the Saudi business, working closely with the General Manager, Executive Producers and the wider team.

You will ensure the organisation is structured, resourced and equipped to deliver projects efficiently and profitably. Your remit covers business operations, project mobilisation, resource planning, financial administration, supplier management and logistics.

You will translate commercial opportunities into executable plans, ensuring projects are staffed, budgeted, contracted, mobilised, and supported through delivery.

The role requires a pragmatic, hands-on operator who can work across commercial, production and shared services functions and support the senior leadership team in driving operational excellence and sustainable growth in Saudi Arabia.

KEY DELIVERABLES:

PROJECT MOBILIZATION & DELIVERY SUPPORT

• Take ownership of project mobilisation: confirm scope, staffing needs, budgets, contracts and delivery milestones.

• Coordinate with Executive Producers to ensure smooth handovers from sales/commercial teams into production.

• Maintain project trackers and ensure timely escalation of risks, budget variances and resourcing gaps.

RESOURCE PLANNING & CREW MANAGEMENT

• Maintain resource plans for production and support teams; coordinate hiring, freelance bookings and local crew logistics.


• Work with People and Finance to ensure compliant contracting, onboarding and payroll procedures for local talent and contractors.
  
  

FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION & COST CONTROL

• Support project budgeting, cost monitoring and month-end reconciliation for Saudi projects.

• Manage purchase orders, supplier invoices and expense approvals in line with company policy.


• Identify opportunities to reduce cost and duplication between production and corporate functions.

SUPPLIER & VENDOR MANAGEMENT

• Own supplier engagement for Riyadh operations: negotiate terms, manage relationships and ensure service levels.


• Coordinate local procurement for office and production needs, including equipment hire and venue bookings.

OPERATIONS & LOGISTICS

• Manage office logistics, facilities coordination and local compliance requirements (health and safety, insurance).


• Lead planning for location moves, on-site setups and production logistics to ensure operational readiness.

SYSTEMS, DATA & REPORTING

• Maintain accurate operational records in scheduling, asset and financial systems, to support the generation of project and operational dashboards.

• Provide regular operational updates to the General Manager on utilisation, margins and operational risks.

STAKEHOLDER PARTNERSHIPS

• Act as the operational point of contact across commercial, finance, legal and HR teams to align on delivery needs.


• Support change initiatives and integration activities as Whisper scales in the region.

STRATEGIC IMPACT ROADMAP

Phase 1: First 90 Days – Onboard & Baseline

• Complete a rapid operational audit of current projects, suppliers, systems and resource pipelines.


• Implement a simple project mobilisation checklist and resource tracker for immediate use.

Phase 2: First 12 Months – Stabilise & Optimise

• Standardise supplier panels and procurement templates to reduce cost and

administrative overhead.

• Deliver timely project starts with accurate budgets and resourcing plans; demonstrate measurable reduction in mobilisation time and cost leakage.

Phase 3: Ongoing – Scale & Improve

• Embed repeatable operational processes for new projects and partnerships.


• Contribute to improved project margins and operational readiness as the Saudi business grows.

CANDIDATE PROFILE: Who You Are

A hands-on operations professional with production awareness, strong commercial instincts and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Experience

• 3 to 6 years in operations, production co-ordination or project delivery within media, production, events or a related sector.

• Practical experience in project mobilisation, resource planning, supplier management and basic budgeting.


• Comfortable working with freelancers and local contractors; knowledge of Saudi market practices desirable.


• Proficient with project scheduling tools, spreadsheets and basic financial administration systems.

Core Competencies

• Highly organised, detail-oriented and able to prioritise under pressure.


• Strong communicator with the ability to influence producers and vendors.


• Pragmatic problem-solver with commercial awareness and a focus on cost control.


• Reliable, proactive and collaborative team player.

Desirable

• Strong understanding of local compliance requirements, health and safety standards, and basic contract administration.


• Fluency in Arabic and English is essential.

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WORKING ARRANGEMENTS & REWARD

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia


Work Pattern: Full-time role. 5 days per week, with 4 days in the office and 1 day working from home


Annual Leave: 25 working days per year, plus official public holidays in Saudi Arabia


Compensation: Competitive base salary, commensurate with experience


Bonus: Performance-related bonus, subject to company policy and performance


Benefits: Medical insurance and statutory benefits in accordance with Saudi labour law and GOSI requirements

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CANDIDATE APPROACH & APPLICATION

To apply, please submit your CV and a tailored cover letter outlining your experience in media

production and international operational scaling.

CLOSING DATE:

Closing date for applications – Friday 26th June

Join us. Own the Moment. Make it Happen.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Whisper is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a seven-time Broadcast Best Places to Work winner.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, communities and lived experiences, and are committed to an inclusive environment where everyone is expected to champion Whisper’s values and feels valued and supported.