Head of Content - LIONS Riyadh

Job description

The Head of Content will lead the creative and editorial vision for LIONS Riyadh, shaping the ideas, conversations, voices and experiences that define the Festival. This is not a traditional conference production role. The Head of Content will be a curator, storyteller, creative strategist and industry connector , someone with exceptional editorial judgement, deep curiosity and the ability to recognise the ideas and people capable of moving the industry forward. Responsible for the overall strategic direction of the entire content strategy. Working in close partnership with LIONS, the role will translate the global authority, creative standards and cultural relevance of the LIONS brand into a programme that feels unmistakably LIONS while being genuinely rooted in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East. The successful candidate will build a content proposition capable of attracting the world's most influential CMOs, creative leaders, agencies, brands, creators, cultural voices and next-generation talent to Riyadh. They will create a Festival programme that goes beyond stages and panels connecting content, creativity, culture, learning, brand experiences, networking and extraordinary talent into one compelling Festival journey. Ensure the content team consistently delivers world-class, culturally relevant and commercially powerful content worthy of the LIONS brand. Key Responsibilities Lead the overall content strategy and direction for LIONS Riyadh, ensuring it reflects the LIONS brand, global standards and regional relevance. Develop and curate the overall programme across creativity, marketing, media, culture, technology and the future of the industry, including stages, talks, workshops, masterclasses and other Festival formats. Build and manage the speaker strategy, securing leading global and regional CMOs, creative leaders, brands, agencies, creators and cultural figures. Manage the content budget, including speaker costs, travel, moderators, producers and programme-related expenditure. Build strong relationships with local and international creative communities, industry leaders, advisory board members and strategic content partners. Lead and develop the content production team, including resourcing, scheduling, coaching, performance management and professional development. Work with Marketing and PR to use content, speakers and thought leadership to build audience demand and strengthen the Festival brand. Sponsorship direction and sales briefings to the wider team to ensure they understand the objectives and USPs when pitching to clients to secure deals. Work with Commercial and Partnerships teams to develop relevant branded-content opportunities without compromising editorial quality. Government liaison and technical aspects across all relevant projects. Work closely with Event, Marketing, Creative, Commercial and Operations teams to ensure content is fully integrated into the overall Festival experience. Work with department heads to develop year-round content strategies that increase audience engagement, commercial value and long-term impact. Overall team management, appropriate resourcing, coaching and mentorship of team members. KPI’s Timely delivery and quality of conference programmes. Strategy development and delivery. Quality and strength of the speaker line-up. Audience engagement and satisfaction across content sessions. Successful delivery of LIONS-aligned content and creative standards. Content contribution to PR, marketing and audience growth. Strength of relationships with key industry leaders, speakers and creative communities. Main Duties & Responsibilities: Own the content production timeline, ensuring key programme, speaker and delivery milestones are achieved on time. Manage the content budget effectively, ensuring strong value across speakers, agencies and content delivery. Monitor departmental performance, using financial, commercial and delivery data to track progress against agreed objectives and identify areas for improvement. Work closely with Commercial and Partnerships teams to identify relevant content opportunities while protecting editorial quality and the LIONS brand. Ensure content supports the wider commercial objectives of LIONS Riyadh, including audience growth, partnerships and ticket demand. People Management Mentor and provide any necessary training to the entire team and ensure all team members have the appropriate tools and methods to meet their required KPIs. Develop, communicate and manage the bonus structures and KPIs for all team members. Plan and allocate resources to effectively staff and accomplish the work to meet departmental productivity and quality goals. Lead, coach and inspire the content team to maintain high standards of research, creativity, storytelling and delivery. Create a culture that encourages strong ideas, fresh thinking and continuous improvement. Reporting and communication Manage the preparation and maintenance of reports necessary to carry out the functions of the department. Maintain transparent communication. Effectively communicate organisation information through department meetings, one-on-one meetings, and regular interpersonal communication Work closely with the marketing department to ensure quality of attendees to the conferences by reviewing data selection and ensuring quality data build for new conferences. Work closely with Marketing and PR to maximise the impact of speakers, content announcements and thought leadership. Develop new content ideas, formats and themes through research, industry engagement and collaboration with LIONS. Identify key global, Saudi and regional industry leaders, institutions and organisations to support the programme and advisory network. Develop new conference ideas, formats and content through brainstorming sessions and feedback from the healthcare community. Maintain strong communication with LIONS and internal functional teams to ensure alignment across content, brand, commercial and Festival delivery. Educated to degree level or equivalent. Degree or professional background in media, marketing, communications, journalism, creative industries, business or a related field is advantageous. Relevant senior-level experience may be considered in place of formal qualifications where appropriate. Essential Demonstrate good teamwork with co-workers/peers. Be flexibles when on occasions asked to perform tasks outside of the overall remit. Significant experience in conference production (plus delegate sales experience/knowledge). Extensive experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams. Speaks and writes clear and fluent English to both individuals and groups. Computer literate and proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Commercial awareness. Research orientated. Copywriting/marketing skills. Willingness to work longer than normal office hours. Effective negotiation skills. Remains calm and approachable under pressure. Promotes a learning environment through leadership and example. Core Benefits: Medical Insurance for individual and family Annual leave – 28 days Remote working on Sundays Working anywhere – 2 months every year School fees contribution, 40,000 SAR per child per year (up to a max of three children) Wellbeing Benefits Residency visa including yearly dependent fees Individual annual flight allowance for expats Local Relocation Package*: Paid flight to Riyadh – individual and family 30 days accommodation or 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 *If eligible International Relocation Package*: Paid flight to Riyadh – individual and family 60 days accommodation or a suitable serviced apartment from your 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 when leaving the company (if applicable) *If eligible We work hard to make sure life at Tahaluf is rewarding, supportive and enjoyable for everyone. We’re not solely focused on a checklist of skills. We champion energy and ambition and look for colleagues who will roll their sleeves up, join in and help make things happen. We don't just accept difference, we celebrate it. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and circumstances and base hiring decisions on relevant qualifications and merit. We are proud to provide a disability-friendly environment. If you require any support or adjustments to participate in our interview or selection processes, please let us know. Tahaluf is the largest B2B live and on-demand events organiser in Saudi Arabia by space, attendance, colleagues, and revenue. It is a joint venture between Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and the Events Investment Fund (EIF). Tahaluf is bold, visionary, and determined to make an impact. Our team fosters a culture of collaboration, creativity, and a little fun, here teamwork rules and work feels as exciting as the events we create. Scaling at this pace also requires exceptional local partners, and Tahaluf is proud to work with a range of government and non-government organisations at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s B2B and B2C large-scale events scene. Be part of something BIG with Tahaluf’s series of record-breaking events: LEAP and Cityscape - the largest events in the world in their respective fields of tech and real estate; Black Hat MEA - a Guinness World Record holder for the largest CTF competition during the event; and CPHI Middle East - the largest pharma debut event in history, to name just a few. Tahaluf is making a huge impact on the global events sector. Join our ambitious and highly committed team, unafraid to push boundaries and disrupt the status quo. From day one, you’ll dive into large-scale projects under the guidance of a supportive leadership team that will encourage your personal development and open doors to new opportunities. About LIONS Riyadh LIONS Riyadh marks a bold new chapter for the world’s most prestigious platform for creative marketing. Launched by Tahaluf in partnership with LIONS and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Media, it is a distinct Festival within the global LIONS community, home to the renowned Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Designed to amplify Middle Eastern creativity on the global stage, LIONS Riyadh will showcase the region’s talent, ideas and storytelling while connecting its creative industries with the world’s leading networks, brands and decision-makers. The inaugural three-day Festival takes place at KAFD, Riyadh, from 6–8 December 2027. It will bring together regional and global CMOs, creative leaders, agencies, brands and emerging talent around creative excellence, effectiveness, culture and the future of the industry.