Parsons Corporation, a global leader in engineering, construction, and program management, is expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia’s giga-project landscape with a search for a Senior Director – Event Planning to join an integrated Delivery Partner team in Riyadh. The successful candidate will help shape how one of the Kingdom’s most ambitious destination developments plans, governs, and delivers major sporting, entertainment, cultural, and civic events in line with Vision 2030. Anyone tracking Event Planning jobs in Riyadh will want to note this one — it’s a rare senior leadership role shaping how a Vision 2030 giga-project delivers its major events.
Position Overview
This senior leadership role sits at the center of the client’s City Operations function, translating a strategic event portfolio into executable, citywide plans. The Senior Director will own the event planning framework end-to-end — from concept and governance through readiness, live delivery, and post-event review — while coordinating closely with O&M functions, venues, districts, and delivery partners across the destination.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain the major-events planning framework, governance model, and assurance standards for the client’s event portfolio
- Translate strategic objectives into an integrated multi-year event plan, identifying shared resources, dependencies, and critical decisions
- Lead the development of integrated event plans covering mobility, security, crowd management, guest experience, logistics, and workforce planning
- Establish and manage a risk-based operational readiness programme, including tabletop exercises and live rehearsals
- Build and lead a high-performing event planning team supported by specialist consultants and delivery partners
- Represent City Operations in event governance committees and multi-agency planning forums
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Business Administration, Hospitality, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
- Approximately 25 years of progressive experience in major-event planning, operations, or programme management
- At least 10–12 years in senior leadership roles overseeing complex sporting, entertainment, cultural, or civic events
- Experience in Saudi Arabia, the GCC, or giga-project environments strongly preferred
- Background supporting major international events such as Formula One, football tournaments, or the Olympics is a plus
Job Details
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Apply on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4455711847/
