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. • 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 • 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.