Senior Manager Operational Readiness

The role ensures that all functional areas, venues, stakeholders, systems, workforce, and service providers are prepared to successfully deliver tournament operations from the pre-event phase through tournament time. 

The role serves as the central integration point between tournament functional areas, venue operations, government entities, stadium operators, and external partners to ensure a seamless transition from planning to delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Readiness Planning

• Implement the Operational Readiness Framework for the tournament.


• Execute readiness methodologies, governance structures, milestones, and reporting mechanisms.


• Maintain the Operational Readiness Master Plan aligned with tournament milestones.

• Oversee readiness activities across 2 competition cities and associated non-competition sites.


• Ensure consistent readiness standards are applied across Jeddah and Khobar.


• Coordinate venue operational integration and transition activities.


• Monitor venue-specific readiness plans and ensure timely closure of actions and risks.

• Lead cross-functional operational integration 


• Facilitate readiness training programme and operational planning sessions:




• Tabletop exercises


• Functional exercises


• Venue operational tests


• Simulation exercises


• Test events




• Identify interdependencies and operational risks between functions.

• Ensure lessons learned are documented and corrective actions implemented.


• Conduct readiness reviews and audits across venues and functions.


• Track readiness progression through defined assessments and reporting frameworks.

• Prepare executive reports and readiness status updates for senior leadership.


• Monitor critical operational risks and mitigation plans.

• Drive stakeholder alignment on readiness objectives and timelines.

• Provide leadership support during tournament-time operations and issue resolution.

• Coordinate city and venue responsibilities across the team.


• Foster a collaborative, delivery-focused culture.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Event Management, Operations Management, Project Management, or related discipline.


• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in major events, sports events, venue operations, operational readiness, Governance and programme management, or large-scale infrastructure projects.


• Experience delivering operational readiness programmes for major international sporting events (e.g. FIFA World Cup, AFC tournaments, Olympic Games, Expo, Formula 1, or comparable mega-events) airports, transportation hubs, or large public venues.


• Demonstrated experience managing multi-stakeholder environments.


• Proven leadership experience managing teams and complex projects.

• Experience in


• Knowledge of venue operations and tournament delivery models.


• Project Management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, MSP or equivalent).


• Experience working in the Middle East region.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills


• High attention to detail


• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, complex environment