Head of Content - LIONS Riyadh

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.

Function: Production
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level