Job Description

Location (IMPORTANAT):

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Comprehensive family visa and relocation sponsorship available)

About ADE

Since 2010, ADE has been the driving force behind the GCC's most ambitious events and exhibitions, transforming visionary concepts into tangible, unforgettable experiences. We are the trusted delivery partner for major national initiatives for clients like the Ministry of Interior, Saudi Electric, and the Makkah Route. Our integrated in-house capabilities in design, fabrication, and technology allow us to execute seamless, large-scale projects that set new benchmarks. As Saudi Arabia's landscape evolves under

Vision 2030

, we are seeking an elite operational leader to serve as the on-site commander for our most complex projects, from

giga-project launches in NEOM

to city-wide festivals like

Riyadh Season

.

The Role: On-Site Chief Risk Officer

We are seeking a world-class Operations Manager to act as our

On-Site Chief Risk Officer

. This is the paramount leadership role responsible for translating ambitious visions into flawless, compliant, and safe reality. You are the strategist who owns the entire project lifecycle on the ground--from pioneering operational plans in greenfield environments to orchestrating multi-disciplinary site logistics, ensuring absolute compliance, and safeguarding our license to operate. You will be responsible for building and leading high-performing teams, managing multi-million SAR budgets, and ensuring every project is delivered to the highest international standards. Your performance will be measured by successful delivery and, more critically, by the

absence of incidents

.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Operational Command:

Develop and implement end-to-end operational strategies for mega-projects, ensuring seamless integration of all departments from fabrication to AVL. Act as the ultimate on-site authority and primary liaison for

government authorities (SCEGA, GEA, Civil Defense)

, venue management, and clients. Lead the production of all critical project documentation, including master schedules, risk assessments (RAMS), and complex contingency plans. Your planning must begin with

KSA's mandatory compliance requirements as the foundational design constraint.

Team Leadership & Pioneer Spirit:

Build, lead, and mentor a large, robust team of supervisors, crew, and logistics personnel, cultivating a culture of absolute safety, accountability, and precision. Demonstrate experience in

building operational capacity from the ground up

, managing the unique challenges of remote sites and temporary infrastructure associated with Saudi Arabia's giga-projects. Serve as the ultimate point of escalation, resolving complex logistical, technical, and human resource challenges decisively.

Financial Stewardship & Acumen:

Take full P&L ownership of site-level budgets, meticulously managing costs, vendor contracts, and procurement to deliver projects on or under budget. Drive operational efficiency and identify strategic opportunities for cost savings without ever compromising on safety or quality.

Unyielding Compliance & Risk Mitigation:

Serve as the

ultimate guardian of on-site compliance

, ensuring all operations, structures, and personnel strictly adhere to the rigorous standards of SCEGA, SASO, and the Saudi Civil Defense. Your sign-off is the final gate before client handover. Personally embody the safety-first culture, conducting rigorous audits and leading the relationship with regulatory inspectors. This is the core of the role.

Required Skills & Qualifications (Must-Haves)

12+ years

of progressive experience in large-scale events, exhibitions, or construction, with at least

5 years in a senior site/operations management role

holding

ultimate on-site authority

. A proven portfolio of successfully delivering complex, international mega-projects (e.g., major exhibition builds, festival infrastructure, large-scale installations) with budgets exceeding

$2M USD

.

Expert-level knowledge

of site logistics, temporary structures, crowd management, and large-crew dynamics.

Demonstrable experience

managing multi-million dollar project budgets, with superior skills in cost control, forecasting, and negotiation.

Exceptional leadership

and communication skills, with a proven ability to command and motivate large, multi-disciplinary teams in high-pressure, high-stakes environments.

NEBOSH IGC or equivalent

advanced health and safety qualification is

mandatory

. An absolute, demonstrable commitment to process, documentation, and

regulatory compliance as a primary function

.

Ideal Candidate Profile (Significant Advantages)

Direct experience working in the KSA/GCC market

, including proven experience liaising with SCEGA, GEA, and Civil Defense authorities. Experience in

logistical planning for remote or "greenfield" sites

with underdeveloped infrastructure. A university degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.

Professional project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2)

.

Proficiency in Arabic is a significant strategic advantage

for regulatory navigation and supplier negotiations.

What We Offer: A Family-Centric, Global Package

A

highly competitive, tax-free salary

benchmarked against global hubs (Dubai, London), commensurate with your experience. A

comprehensive expatriate benefits package

including:

Transportation allowance

.

Comprehensive international health insurance

for you and your dependents.

Annual flight tickets

to your country of origin. A senior leadership role with the autonomy to build and shape the operational future of a market leader. The opportunity to deliver

landmark, Vision 2030 projects

that are defining the future of the Saudi experience economy.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV, a portfolio detailing at least three of your most complex projects (please specify your exact role, the budget, and team size), and a brief cover letter.

In your cover letter, please address the following:

Describe your experience in directly managing relationships with and obtaining approvals from government regulatory bodies (e.g., SCEGA, Civil Defense) for a major event. Tell us about a time you had to build an operational plan from zero for a challenging or remote site. What were the key challenges? Include your salary expectations and earliest possible start date.
Job Type: Full-time