Senior Hospitality Operations Manager

About The RoleWe 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' VillagePlan and deliver catering, uniforms, giveaways and the hospitality look and feelMake sure Event Family Lounges, VIP areas and Protocol Lounges are ready on timeDeliver a seamless experience for VIPs, the Event Family, athletes, officials and mediaYou 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.Key ResponsibilitiesPlanning and CoordinationDevelop and implement hospitality operational plans covering catering, uniforms, giveaways and hospitality look and feelDevelop and implement contingency plans for service disruptions, schedule changes and unexpected requirementsHospitality Design and SetupSupervise the design, procurement, installation and readiness of Event Family Lounges, VIP areas, Protocol Lounges and hospitality facilitiesEnsure facilities meet accessibility requirements and provide appropriate guest amenities, including prayer rooms and VIP facilitiesConduct inspections, testing and operational checks so all hospitality areas are fully ready before the eventService DeliveryEnsure seamless hospitality services and guest journeys for all entitled stakeholder groupsCoordinate and monitor catering services, food quality and service delivery across all designated areasSupervise hospitality teams and front-of-house staff, ensuring proper deployment, training and service standardsSupplier and Stakeholder ManagementOversee hospitality suppliers and subcontractors, ensuring timely delivery, quality control and compliance with approved requirementsLiaise with the Organising Committee, Venue Management, Overlay, Security and other functional areasEvent-Time Operations and Close-OutOversee live hospitality operations, ensuring consistent service quality and immediate issue resolutionPrepare daily operational reports and monitor service performanceSupervise post-event dismantling, equipment removal, inventory reconciliation and final hospitality reportingRequirementsRequirements8+ years' experience in the events industry or equivalent, including senior management of hospitality operationsProven experience delivering VIP and stakeholder hospitality at large-scale eventsCurrently based in Saudi ArabiaYour own laptop with the software required for the roleAble to start at short notice and remain for the full contract periodIdeal BackgroundHospitality leadership at major sporting events: strong advantageExperience managing master caterers, lounge build and hospitality suppliersStrong understanding of VIP and protocol expectations in Saudi ArabiaLanguagesEnglish: requiredArabic: preferredWorking ConditionsFull-time and exclusive: fully dedicated to the project for the contract periodMobilisation: ASAPOn site in RiyadhKSA-based candidates only: applicants must currently be resident in Saudi ArabiaOwn equipment: you must have your own laptop with the required software