Local Talent and Community Programming Manager

We are recruiting a Local Talent and Community Programming Manager to join a dedicated, full-time team embedded in our client’s Festival Programming function in Riyadh. The team will support two major events in Saudi Arabia: a flagship event in summer 2027 (July to August) and a further event in November 2027.

You will lead the festival’s local and regional programming, working alongside the international clubs and creators lead. You will bring in:

• Saudi and regional clubs
• Arabic-speaking creators
• Universities
• Grassroots and community tournaments
• Cultural and national moments

You will build this local content into the main programme rather than running it as a side show, so it feels like part of the festival from day one. You will also make sure all local content meets cultural and regulatory requirements.

This is a hands-on producing role. The grade reflects your seniority and judgement, not the size of a team you supervise. We are looking for a programmer who personally builds the local and regional programme.

Key Responsibilities

Local and Regional Programming

• Lead local and regional programming, including Saudi and regional clubs, creators, grassroots and community competitions, Arabic-language and cultural moments, and local talent.
• Build a prioritised list of local content opportunities from national moments, the host-city calendar and community activity.

Programme Integration

• Integrate local content with the international programme rather than running it alongside.
• Work with the international clubs and creators lead so that local and international content feel like one festival.

Partner Coordination

• Coordinate day to day with Saudi and regional clubs, creators, universities, grassroots organisations and agencies.
• Maintain the local partner log so every relationship and commitment is tracked.

Cultural and Regulatory Compliance

• Make sure all local content meets cultural and regulatory requirements.
• Flag and resolve compliance issues early in the planning process.

Audience Insight

• Capture local audience response to inform the programme across both events.

Requirements

• At least 8 years of experience in gaming, esports, entertainment or major live events in Saudi Arabia or the region, at Senior Manager level.
• Experience across at least two live event seasons.
• A proven record of personally producing local and regional programming. Only experience where you personally produced the work counts towards the requirement.

Ideal Background

• An entertainment, community or live events programmer with strong, existing contacts across Saudi and regional clubs, creators and grassroots communities.
• Established relationships with Saudi and regional clubs, creators, communities and grassroots organisations are a strong advantage.

Languages

• Fluent Arabic and English are required.

Working Conditions

• Full-time and exclusive: you will be dedicated to the client for the full contract term, with no other clients or projects.
• Working options: work remotely on Riyadh hours (Sunday to Thursday), with travel to Riyadh and event locations as directed, or be based at the client’s office in Riyadh.
• On site in Riyadh: you must be in Riyadh for the full operating periods of the summer 2027 event (July to August) and the November 2027 event, whichever working option you choose.

Benefits

• A competitive package for the duration of a 14-month contract, with the potential to extend by up to 3 months
• Flexible working, with a remote option during the planning phase
• A senior, hands-on role in a dedicated specialist team embedded with a major client
• Valuable experience on one of the region’s most high-profile live events programmes