Qiddiya Investment Company is transforming the entertainment landscape in Saudi Arabia, and we are in search of a strategic and commercially driven professional to fill the role of Director - Development Financial Planning within our Sports Business Unit. This position is pivotal in shaping our development strategy through comprehensive business planning, financial strategy, and commercial analysis for proposed world-class sports assets and facilities, with total investment value exceeding several billion dollars.
As the Director of Development Financial Planning - Sports, you will be responsible for establishing the strategic direction and commercial framework for various sports development projects. You will lead a high-performing team that develops comprehensive business plans, investment strategies, and financial models while serving as a key member of the senior leadership team. Your role will be instrumental in driving investment decisions, optimizing capital allocation, and ensuring our projects deliver exceptional returns while aligning with Qiddiya's long-term vision.
Day to day you will be partnering with C-suite executives, development leaders, strategy teams and key stakeholders to shape the future of world-class sports assets and facilities. With that in mind, outstanding commercial acumen, strategic leadership, and the ability to influence at the highest levels are essential, while experience in large-scale sporting events and venues would be beneficial given the role's strategic focus.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish and oversee the strategic planning function for the Sports Business Unit, including development of investment strategies, business plans, and financial frameworks for multiple billion-dollar development projects
- Drive capital optimization and investment strategy, ensuring sophisticated financial modeling and strategic assessment of all investments while maximizing shareholder value
- Lead the development of innovative commercial models and revenue strategies for sports assets in collaboration with senior leadership teams
- Direct complex feasibility studies and strategic assessments for major development initiatives, including guidance on capital structure, funding options, and risk management strategies
- Foster strategic relationships with key stakeholders, financial institutions, and partners to drive business growth and secure optimal financing solutions
- Spearhead transformation initiatives in financial and commercial strategy to ensure executive decision making is based on best-in-class analysis and thinking
- Lead strategic due diligence and valuation of potential investments, partnerships, and development opportunities
- Develop and implement sophisticated financial planning and analysis frameworks to drive strategic decision-making at board level
- Guide long-term financial forecasting and scenario planning to optimize portfolio performance and returns
- Direct the creation of board-level business cases and investment proposals, including detailed ROI analysis and risk assessment
- Establish best practices in business planning and financial strategy across the organization
- Lead change management initiatives to improve financial planning processes and drive operational excellence
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, real estate, or a related field
- A minimum of 15-18 years of relevant experience,
- Early experience at a leading management consultancy and subsequent operational or client-side roles are preferred but not mandatory.
- Proven track record of leading financial strategy and business planning for large-scale development projects ($1B+)
- Experience in financial planning and business strategy for major sporting venues or events is highly desirable
- Demonstrated expertise in capital markets, project finance, and investment strategy
- Strong background in developing and implementing commercial frameworks and revenue optimization strategies
- Distinguished expertise in business planning, financial modeling, and strategic analysis for complex development projects
- Exceptional critical thinking and strategic problem-solving abilities, with demonstrated capability to drive innovation and challenge conventional approaches
- Outstanding executive presence and communication skills, with proven ability to influence and engage at board and C-suite levels
- Strong leadership capabilities, with demonstrated success in building and developing high-performing teams
- Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, strategic planning tools, and enterprise-level planning systems
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, real estate, or a related field
- Minimum of 15-18 years of relevant experience
- Proven track record of leading financial strategy for large-scale development projects
- Experience in financial planning for major sporting venues or events
- Expertise in capital markets and project finance
- Background in developing commercial frameworks and revenue optimization
- Expertise in business planning and strategic analysis for complex projects
- Outstanding executive presence and communication skills
- Leadership capabilities in developing high-performing teams
- Advanced proficiency in financial modeling and planning systems
What We Do
Qiddiya Investment Company is a PIF-owned entity responsible for developing Qiddiya City, the world's first city built for play, aiming to boost economic growth and elevate quality of life in Saudi Arabia through entertainment, sports, and culture.
