Development Director – Experiential Entertainment & Immersive Destinations
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Industry: Real Estate Developer (PIF)
About the Role:
We are looking for a visionary Development Director to lead the creation and execution of cutting-edge entertainment experiences for a world-renowned destination. This role requires a leader with deep expertise in immersive attractions, large-scale experiential environments, and interactive entertainment.
The ideal candidate will oversee the entire development lifecycle—from initial concept through operational integration—ensuring that all experiences are groundbreaking, guest-centric, and operationally seamless.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Strategic Leadership & Planning:
- Define the strategic vision for new immersive experiences, aligning with the destination’s long-term goals.
- Curate a portfolio of interactive entertainment offerings that push the boundaries of innovation and engagement.
- Stay ahead of industry trends, ensuring experiences incorporate the latest technology and storytelling techniques.
2. Project Management & Execution:
- Lead all phases of experience development, from ideation to final delivery, ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget.
- Work closely with creative, technical, and operational teams to drive efficient execution.
- Ensure all projects meet the highest quality, safety, and guest experience standards.
3. Team Leadership & Collaboration:
- Direct and mentor a diverse team of designers, engineers, and creative developers.
- Foster collaboration between internal teams, external partners, and industry experts.
- Build a high-performing team culture that thrives on creativity, problem-solving, and execution excellence.
4. Innovation & Experience Design:
- Partner with creative teams to develop compelling story-driven environments that captivate guests.
- Ensure all interactive experiences are at the forefront of design, technology, and immersive storytelling.
- Optimize the balance between guest engagement, operational efficiency, and scalability.
5. Financial & Budget Management:
- Develop and oversee budgets for new entertainment and interactive projects.
- Implement cost-effective solutions without compromising quality or guest impact.
- Monitor financial performance and ensure alignment with the broader investment strategy.
6. Safety & Regulatory Compliance:
- Ensure all experiences meet global safety standards and industry regulations.
- Oversee risk assessments and operational readiness reviews for all new developments.
- Work with compliance teams to maintain the highest levels of safety and accessibility.
7. Operational Readiness & Guest Experience:
- Collaborate with operations teams to ensure seamless integration of new experiences.
- Use guest feedback and analytics to refine offerings and enhance the overall visitor journey.
- Ensure all experiences are designed for efficiency, longevity, and sustainability.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree is a plus.
- Experience: 7-10+ years in experiential entertainment development, large-scale interactive environments, or themed destination design.
Technical Expertise:
- Strong knowledge of immersive environments, interactive installations, and entertainment technology.
- Deep understanding of experience-based entertainment safety and compliance regulations.
- Proven ability to manage complex multi-disciplinary development projects.
Skills:
- Strong leadership and team management abilities.
- Excellent project management and strategic planning skills.
- Outstanding communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement.
- Ability to balance innovation with practical execution.