City Operations Director

About the Role

People Group is seeking a City Operations Director to establish and lead the operational framework for a new development in Jeddah, Makkah. This full-time executive role involves building the City Operations function from the ground up, defining how the urban destination will operate as an integrated, smart, and sustainable environment. The successful candidate will report directly to the CEO.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the overall City Operations strategy, vision, and operating model.
• Establish the City Operations department, including its organizational structure, governance frameworks, policies, and operational standards.
• Oversee the operational strategy for district cooling systems and associated energy infrastructure, ensuring efficiency and sustainability.
• Lead the development and implementation of the Smart City operations strategy, integrating smart infrastructure, IoT, and digital platforms.
• Develop and implement an integrated city mobility and transportation operations strategy, including parking, traffic, and public transport management.
• Establish and oversee the delivery of all city-wide operational services, such as public realm maintenance, waste management, security, and community services.
• Lead the development of the operational readiness and mobilization strategy, ensuring infrastructure and services are fully commissioned.
• Establish operational budgets, cost management strategies, and commercial performance frameworks, including procurement and contract management.
• Build and maintain relationships with government entities, regulators, utility providers, and strategic partners.

Operational Focus Areas

The role involves strategic oversight across several critical operational domains:

• District Cooling & Utilities Management: Ensuring efficient, reliable, and sustainable cooling operations and utility coordination.
• Smart City & Technology Integration: Overseeing the integration of smart infrastructure, IoT, and digital platforms, and establishing centralized monitoring capabilities.
• Mobility, Traffic & Parking Management: Developing strategies for integrated city mobility, traffic flow, parking operations, and public transport interfaces.
• Integrated City Services & Infrastructure Operations: Managing public realm, infrastructure maintenance, waste management, security, and community services.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a senior operations leader with a proven track record in establishing and managing complex, large-scale urban environments, integrated infrastructure, or major destination operations. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of relevant experience.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Significant senior leadership experience in city operations, urban operations, integrated infrastructure management, or large-scale destination operations.
• Experience establishing an operational function, operating model, and governance framework from inception.
• Strong exposure to district cooling, utilities, smart city infrastructure, and integrated technology platforms.
• Experience overseeing parking, mobility, traffic management, and public realm operations.
• A strong understanding of integrated service delivery and the management of multiple operational functions.

Application Information

This is a full-time position based in Jeddah. Salary details will be discussed during the interview process.