Head of Content - LIONS Riyadh

About the Role
The Head of Content will lead the creative and editorial vision for LIONS Riyadh, which marks a distinct Festival within the global LIONS community. This role is central to shaping the ideas, conversations, voices, and experiences that define the Festival. As a curator, storyteller, and creative strategist, the Head of Content will possess exceptional editorial judgement and a deep curiosity about industry development. The role is responsible for the overall strategic direction of the content, translating the LIONS brand into a programme that resonates with Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East.

The successful candidate will create a Festival programme that combines various elements, bridging content, creativity, culture, learning experiences, networking, and showcasing extraordinary talent. The primary goal is to attract influential CMOs, creative leaders, agencies, brands, and emerging talent to Riyadh by ensuring the content produced is world-class, culturally relevant, and commercially powerful.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall content strategy and direction for LIONS Riyadh, ensuring it reflects the LIONS brand and regional relevance.
• Develop and curate the programme that spans creativity, marketing, media, culture, technology, and the industry's future, including stages, talks, workshops, and masterclasses.
• Build and manage the speaker strategy, securing prominent global and regional figures.
• Manage the content budget, including speaker costs, travel, moderators, and related expenditure.
• Cultivate relationships with local and international creative communities, industry leaders, and strategic partners.
• Lead and develop the content production team, focusing on coaching, scheduling, and professional development.
• Collaborate with Marketing and PR to leverage content and thought leadership to strengthen the Festival brand.
• Brief the sales team on sponsorship opportunities to support effective pitching to clients.
• Liaise with government and address technical aspects of relevant projects.
• Integrate content seamlessly into the overall Festival experience with event, marketing, creative, and operations teams.
• Develop year-round content strategies to boost engagement, commercial value, and long-term impact.
• Oversee team management, resource allocation, coaching, and mentorship.

KPIs

• Timely delivery and quality of conference programmes.
• Successful strategy development and delivery.
• Quality and strength of the speaker line-up.
• Audience engagement and satisfaction across content sessions.
• Successful delivery aligned with LIONS content and creative standards.
• Contribution of content to PR, marketing, and audience growth.
• Strength of relationships with key industry leaders and speakers.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Own and manage the content production timeline to achieve key milestones on time.
• Monitor departmental performance and use data to track progress against objectives.
• Identify content opportunities in collaboration with Commercial and Partnerships teams while upholding editorial quality.
• Ensure content aligns with commercial objectives such as audience growth and ticket demand.

People Management

• Mentor and train the team, ensuring they have the necessary tools to meet KPIs.
• Manage bonus structures and KPIs for team members.
• Plan and allocate resources effectively to meet departmental goals.
• Cultivate a culture that encourages creativity, strong ideas, and continuous improvement.

Reporting and Communication

• Prepare and maintain reports required for departmental functions.
• Ensure transparent communication through meetings and interpersonal interactions.
• Collaborate closely with the marketing department to enhance conference attendance through data review.
• Maximize the impact of speakers and thought leadership in coordination with Marketing and PR.
• Engage in research and brainstorming to develop innovative content ideas and formats.
• Maintain strong communication across teams to ensure alignment on content and Festival delivery.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent. A background in media, marketing, communications, or a related field is advantageous.
• Significant experience in conference production, including knowledge of delegate sales.
• Extensive experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with strong commercial awareness.
• Research-oriented with copywriting and marketing skills.
• Willingness to work beyond normal office hours and exhibit effective negotiation skills.
• Calm and approachable under pressure, promoting a learning environment through leadership.

Core Benefits

• Medical Insurance for individual and family
• Annual leave of 28 days
• Remote working on Sundays
• Flexibility to work anywhere for 2 months each year
• School fees contribution of 40,000 SAR per child per year (up to three children)
• Wellbeing benefits
• Residency visa, including yearly dependent fees
• Individual annual flight allowance for expatriates

Local Relocation Package (if eligible)

• Paid flight to Riyadh for individual and family
• 30 days accommodation or a suitable serviced apartment from arrival date or a one-off payment of SAR 5,000
• Up to SAR 2,500 reimbursement of shipping goods/excess baggage costs

International Relocation Package (if eligible)

• Paid flight to Riyadh for individual and family
• 60 days accommodation or a suitable serviced apartment from arrival date or a one-off payment of SAR 5,000
• Up to SAR 2,500 reimbursement of shipping goods/excess baggage costs
• Paid flight home for individual and end-of-service gratuity payment (if applicable)

We foster a rewarding, supportive, and enjoyable workplace environment. We value energy and ambition, welcoming candidates from diverse backgrounds and circumstances. We celebrate difference and provide a disability-friendly environment. If you require adjustments during the interview or selection process, please let us know.