Senior Hospitality Operations Manager

We are recruiting a Senior Hospitality Operations Manager for a dedicated full-time team delivering hospitality at a major international multi-sport event The role sits within our client s Hospitality function It is based on site in Riyadh KSA and runs from ASAP until the end of December 2026 covering readiness event time and dismantling This role is open to candidates currently based in Saudi Arabia only The event will bring together thousands of athletes and team officials from across the region competing across multiple sports and venues

You will Lead all hospitality services across the event venue and Athletes Village Plan and deliver catering uniforms giveaways and the hospitality look and feel Make sure Event Family Lounges VIP areas and Protocol Lounges are ready on time Deliver a seamless experience for VIPs the Event Family athletes officials and media You will lead hospitality teams front-of-house staff suppliers and subcontractors You will work closely with the Organising Committee Venue Management Overlay and Security This is the most senior operational role in the Hospitality team It combines planning and supplier management with a strong on-the-ground presence during event time

• Planning and Coordination Develop and implement hospitality operational plans covering catering uniforms giveaways and hospitality look and feel Develop and implement contingency plans for service disruptions schedule changes and unexpected requirements
• Hospitality Design and Setup Supervise the design procurement installation and readiness of Event Family Lounges VIP areas Protocol Lounges and hospitality facilities Ensure facilities meet accessibility requirements and provide appropriate guest amenities including prayer rooms and VIP facilities Conduct inspections testing and operational checks so all hospitality areas are fully ready before the event
• Service Delivery Ensure seamless hospitality services and guest journeys for all entitled stakeholder groups Coordinate and monitor catering services food quality and service delivery across all designated areas Supervise hospitality teams and front-of-house staff ensuring proper deployment training and service standards
• Supplier and Stakeholder Management Oversee hospitality suppliers and subcontractors ensuring timely delivery quality control and compliance with approved requirements Liaise with the Organising Committee Venue Management Overlay Security and other functional areas
• Event-Time Operations and Close-Out Oversee live hospitality operations ensuring consistent service quality and immediate issue resolution Prepare daily operational reports and monitor service performance Supervise post-event dismantling equipment removal inventory reconciliation and final hospitality reporting

8+ years experience in the events industry or equivalent, including senior management of hospitality operations

Proven experience delivering VIP and stakeholder hospitality at large-scale events

Currently based in Saudi Arabia Your own laptop with the software required for the role

Able to start at short notice and remain for the full contract period

Hospitality leadership at major sporting events: strong advantage

Experience managing master caterers, lounge build and hospitality suppliers

Strong understanding of VIP and protocol expectations in Saudi Arabia English: required

Arabic: preferred