Director Development Financial Analysis SBU HS

Director, Development Financial Analysis - Sports Business Unit

Qiddiya Investment Company is seeking a Director of Development Financial Planning for its Sports Business Unit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This full-time role involves shaping development strategy through business planning, financial strategy, and commercial analysis for proposed world-class sports assets and facilities. The total investment value for these projects exceeds several billion dollars, requiring a strategic and commercially driven professional with over 10 years of experience.

Role Overview

The Director of Development Financial Planning - Sports will establish the strategic direction and commercial framework for various sports development projects. This position leads a team responsible for developing business plans, investment strategies, and financial models. The role is integral to driving investment decisions, optimizing capital allocation, and ensuring projects align with Qiddiya's long-term vision and deliver returns. The Director will partner with C-suite executives, development leaders, strategy teams, and key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and oversee the strategic planning function for the Sports Business Unit, including investment strategies, business plans, and financial frameworks for multi-billion-dollar development projects.
• Drive capital optimization and investment strategy, ensuring sophisticated financial modeling and strategic assessment of all investments to maximize shareholder value.
• Lead the development of commercial models and revenue strategies for sports assets in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Direct complex feasibility studies and strategic assessments for major development initiatives, including guidance on capital structure, funding options, and risk management strategies.
• Foster strategic relationships with key stakeholders, financial institutions, and partners to drive business growth and secure financing solutions.
• Spearhead transformation initiatives in financial and commercial strategy to ensure executive decision-making is based on analysis.
• Lead strategic due diligence and valuation of potential investments, partnerships, and development opportunities.
• Develop and implement financial planning and analysis frameworks to drive strategic decision-making at the board level.
• Guide long-term financial forecasting and scenario planning to optimize portfolio performance and returns.
• Direct the creation of board-level business cases and investment proposals, including detailed ROI analysis and risk assessment.
• Establish best practices in business planning and financial strategy across the organization.
• Lead change management initiatives to improve financial planning processes and drive operational excellence.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, real estate, or a related field.
• A minimum of 15-18 years of relevant experience.
• Early experience at a leading management consultancy and subsequent operational or client-side roles are preferred.
• Proven track record of leading financial strategy and business planning for large-scale development projects ($1B+).
• Experience in financial planning and business strategy for major sporting venues or events is desirable.
• Demonstrated expertise in capital markets, project finance, and investment strategy.
• Strong background in developing and implementing commercial frameworks and revenue optimization strategies.

Required Skills

• Distinguished expertise in business planning, financial modeling, and strategic analysis for complex development projects.
• Exceptional critical thinking and strategic problem-solving abilities, with demonstrated capability to drive innovation.
• Outstanding executive presence and communication skills, with proven ability to influence and engage at board and C-suite levels.
• Strong leadership capabilities, with demonstrated success in building and developing high-performing teams.
• Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, strategic planning tools, and enterprise-level planning systems.

Work Environment

This full-time position is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, within the Sports Business Unit of Qiddiya. The role involves collaboration with senior leadership and various stakeholders to shape the future of world-class sports assets and facilities.