Senior Manager - Operational Readiness

About the Role

Qiddiya Investment Company is seeking a highly motivated and strategic Senior Manager - Operational Readiness to spearhead the operational preparedness of our groundbreaking entertainment and cultural initiatives. This pivotal role will be instrumental in ensuring the flawless execution and sustained success of world-class facilities, with a strong emphasis on meticulous planning, proactive risk management, and seamless cross-functional integration. The ideal candidate will play a critical part in delivering unparalleled guest experiences while aligning operational strategies with Qiddiya’s long-term vision.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Manager - Operational Readiness will be responsible for the following core functions:

• Strategic Planning and Execution: Develop, implement, and refine comprehensive operational readiness plans that are fully aligned with Qiddiya’s strategic objectives. Ensure these plans are actionable, scalable, and adaptable to evolving project requirements.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborate closely with project teams, operations, engineering, and external stakeholders to embed operational readiness considerations into every phase of project execution. Foster a culture of collaboration and accountability to drive cohesive outcomes.
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Conduct thorough readiness assessments to identify potential risks, operational gaps, and opportunities for improvement. Develop and execute robust mitigation strategies to ensure successful project launches and uninterrupted operations.
• Training and Workforce Development: Oversee the design and implementation of training programs tailored to prepare staff and operational teams for peak performance. Ensure alignment with performance standards and industry best practices to cultivate a highly skilled workforce.
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to operational readiness and performance. Provide data-driven insights and actionable recommendations to senior leadership to inform strategic decision-making.
• Continuous Improvement: Champion a culture of excellence by identifying and integrating industry best practices, innovative solutions, and lessons learned to enhance operational readiness and efficiency.
• Guest-Centric Approach: Embed a guest-focused mindset into all operational readiness initiatives, ensuring that every process and decision prioritizes exceptional visitor experiences and satisfaction.

Requirements

To excel in this role, candidates must meet the following qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Hospitality, or a related field. A Master’s degree or advanced certification in a relevant discipline is highly desirable.
• Experience: Minimum of seven years of progressive experience in operational management or readiness, with at least three years in a senior leadership capacity. Prior experience within the entertainment, hospitality, or large-scale infrastructure sectors is strongly preferred.
• Skills and Competencies: Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, risk management, and cross-functional leadership. Strong analytical abilities, exceptional communication skills, and a proven track record of driving operational excellence are essential.
• Personal Attributes: A proactive and results-driven mindset, coupled with the ability to inspire and lead teams through complex challenges. A passion for delivering outstanding guest experiences and a commitment to continuous improvement are critical.