Hays is Hiring: Events Director (12-month contract) in Riyadh

Hays is seeking an Events Director to lead the planning, governance, delivery, execution, and successful activation of a flagship national event.

Role Purpose

The Events Director is responsible for establishing and managing the Event Management Office (EMO), driving strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, operational readiness, event execution, and knowledge transfer to ensure the long-term sustainability of future event editions. The role works closely with government entities, executive leadership, sponsors, partners, vendors, and key stakeholders to deliver a world-class event experience while ensuring strong governance, risk management, and operational excellence.

Experience Required

• Minimum 12+ years of experience in major events, program management, PMO/EMO leadership, or large-scale event delivery
• Proven experience delivering national, international, or government-led events
• Strong background managing executive stakeholders, government entities, sponsors, and partners
• Experience establishing governance frameworks, operating models, and delivery methodologies
• Previous involvement in major events such as Expo, LEAP, Future Investment Initiative (FII), Riyadh Season, Formula 1, Saudi Cup, World Defense Show, BIBAN, Cityscape, G20, Global Health Exhibition, or similar large-scale events is highly preferred
• PMP certification required
• Fluent Arabic and English

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Event Management Office (EMO)
• Establish governance structures, operating models, and reporting frameworks
• Develop and oversee the integrated event master plan
• Manage stakeholder engagement across government entities, executive leadership, sponsors, and partners
• Lead event strategy, planning, design, delivery, and activation
• Oversee risk, issue, change, and dependency management
• Direct event readiness assessments, rehearsals, and command center operations
• Manage vendors, suppliers, contracts, protocol, VIP, and speaker management activities
• Deliver executive reporting, dashboards, and Steering Committee presentations
• Lead event-day operations and real-time decision-making
• Drive post-event evaluation, lessons learned, and knowledge transfer activities
• Ensure successful handover of governance, processes, playbooks, and operational documentation to the permanent business owner

Job Details: 12-month contract · On-site · Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Job link: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4443358297/