Destination Development Director

Job Description

Job Details

Job Purpose

Ensure the seamless, timely, and high-quality operation and management of all tourism products, experiences, and initiatives across AlUla.
This role oversees end-to-end implementation, drives cross-functional coordination, and integrates operational excellence across the destination to deliver exceptional visitor experiences.

Key Accountabilities

Functional Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end operation of tourism products and experience offerings.

• Ensure seasonal and annual readiness and oversee daily operational efficiency for all products.

• Manage the permitting process, vendor onboarding, contract compliance, and operational approvals.

• Act as the key operational liaison between departments such as County Operations, Marketing, Events, and Community Engagement.

• Proactively identify and mitigate risks, troubleshooting operational issues during launch and activation phases.

• Monitor post-launch performance, including utilization rates, occupancy, and visitor feedback, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

• Uphold and enhance service and quality standards, ensuring visitor satisfaction, safety, and consistency across all experiences.

• Manage operational teams and vendor relationships, maintaining accountability, performance, and responsiveness.

Managerial Responsibilities

• Contribute to the sector’s strategic planning from the department’s perspective in alignment with RCU’s overall vision and mission.

• Develop and oversee the department’s strategy, objectives, KPIs, and annual operational plans, ensuring alignment and achievement of targets.

• Prepare and manage the department’s annual budget, ensuring alignment with planned initiatives and financial performance targets.

• Develop and enforce departmental policies and procedures, monitoring overall performance and ensuring KPIs are cascaded, communicated, and tracked.

• Oversee staffing, development, and deployment of department personnel in coordination with the Sector Executive.

• Maintain strong customer and stakeholder relationships, ensuring internal and external needs are met efficiently.

Job Requirements

Competencies

Behavioral Competencies

• Leadership and People Management

• Strategic Thinking

• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Accountability and Results Orientation

• Problem Solving and Decision-Making

Technical Competencies

• Destination and Product Development

• Operational Excellence

• Vendor and Contract Management

• Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Risk and Performance Management