Head of Content LIONS

Head of Content, LIONS Riyadh

Tahaluf, the largest B2B live and on-demand events organiser in Saudi Arabia, is seeking a Head of Content for LIONS Riyadh. This full-time role is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and requires 5-10 years of experience. 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.

About LIONS Riyadh

LIONS Riyadh is a new Festival launched by Tahaluf in partnership with LIONS and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Media. It is designed to amplify Middle Eastern creativity on the global stage, showcasing regional talent, ideas, and storytelling. The inaugural three-day Festival will take place at KAFD, Riyadh, from December 6–8, 2027, connecting creative industries with global networks, brands, and decision-makers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall content strategy and direction for LIONS Riyadh, ensuring alignment with the LIONS brand, global standards, and regional relevance.
• Develop and curate the programme across creativity, marketing, media, culture, technology, and industry future, including stages, talks, workshops, and masterclasses.
• 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 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.
• Collaborate with Marketing and PR to leverage content, speakers, and thought leadership for audience demand and brand strengthening.
• Provide sponsorship direction and sales briefings to the wider team to support client pitches and deal securing.
• Work with Commercial and Partnerships teams to develop relevant branded-content opportunities while maintaining editorial quality.
• Ensure content is integrated into the overall Festival experience by working closely with Event, Marketing, Creative, Commercial, and Operations teams.
• Develop year-round content strategies with department heads to increase audience engagement, commercial value, and long-term impact.
• Oversee overall team management, appropriate resourcing, coaching, and mentorship of team members.

Main Duties and Deliverables

• Own the content production timeline, ensuring key programme, speaker, and delivery milestones are achieved on schedule.
• Manage the content budget effectively, ensuring value across speakers, agencies, and content delivery.
• Monitor departmental performance using financial, commercial, and delivery data to track progress 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.

Team Leadership and Development

• Mentor and provide necessary training to the team, ensuring members have appropriate tools and methods to meet KPIs.
• Develop, communicate, and manage bonus structures and KPIs for all team members.
• Plan and allocate resources to effectively staff and accomplish 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.
• Foster a culture that encourages strong ideas, fresh thinking, and continuous improvement.

Reporting and Communication

• Manage the preparation and maintenance of reports necessary for department functions.
• Maintain transparent communication through department meetings, one-on-one meetings, and regular interpersonal communication.
• Work closely with the marketing department to ensure quality of attendees by reviewing data selection and ensuring quality data build for new conferences.
• Collaborate 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.
• Maintain strong communication with LIONS and internal functional teams to ensure alignment across content, brand, commercial, and Festival delivery.