Director of Destination Development

Be the change. Join the worlds most visionary developer.

Red Sea Global (RSG) is showing that there is a better way to positively shape the places we live, work and travel.

We are purpose-driven and committed to people and planet. Our transformative programs are a driving force to achieving Vision 2030, as well as leading the world towards regenerative tourism.

Join RSG and be part of the positive change for Saudi Arabia and the world.

Job Purpose

Red Sea Sports & Entertainment Co. (RSSE) is an experiential delivery engine, built as a subsidiary of Red Sea Global to deliver on a dynamic and varied program throughout the Red Sea Global portfolio and beyond. RSSE has multiple operating brands specializing in inland adventures, water sports, and scuba diving experiences. Red Sea Global is looking for a seasoned Director of Destination Development to drive the operational strategy, management, and business modeling of RSSE to new heights. Your role is pivotal in maintaining our company's operational and financial strength, enabling innovation, and ensuring the delivery of memorable experiences that revolutionize the industry.

Functional/Technical Responsibilities

Project Management:

• Operational Strategy: Develop and implement day-to-day operational strategies that maximize efficiency and support long-term business goals.
• Business Modeling: Create robust business models that drive financial stability and facilitate new revenue streams.
• Management: Lead a dedicated team to ensure seamless operation, focusing on delivering exceptional experiences in inland adventures, water sports, and scuba diving.
• Financial Oversight: Monitor financial performance, manage budgets, and ensure financial strength and stability across all operations.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Interface with key internal and external stakeholders to align operational goals with broader company objectives, whilst leading the contractual engagement process that enables RSSE to operate throughout our portfolio and alongside multiple national and multi-national luxury hospitality brands, companies and groups.
• Innovation and Improvement: Foster an environment that champions innovation, continuously improving our offerings and enhancing guest experiences.
• Compliance and Standards: Ensure all activities adhere to industry standards, legal regulations, and company policies.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Provide insightful reports and analysis on operational performance to support the Senior Director and Corporate Level General Manager in informed decision-making.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, ensuring business resilience.
• Staff Development: Mentor and develop team members to enhance their skills and grow within the company.
• Customer Experience: Uphold the highest standards of customer service, ensuring memorable and transformative experiences for our guests.
• Assemble and coordinate project teams and provide overall direction and motivation to drive project completion.
• Monitor project timelines to ensure milestones are achieved.
• Present regular progress reports to Senior Director of Destination Development, Executive Director, Destination Development, GCDO, Executive Team and other stakeholders as requested.
• Facilitate the definition of project scope and delivery, whilst developing full-scale project plans to support the successful implementation and sustainability of new programs and initiatives.
• Support the creation and maintenance of a detailed inventory system for Red Sea Sports & Entertainment Company (RSSE)
• In partnership with internal and external stakeholders, evaluate and recommend destination development initiatives that improve tourism for the destinations, for example: new or enhanced visitor experiences and attractions, culture, access, and signage opportunities.

Regeneration and Experiential Programs:

• Regenerative Experiences in conjunction with Destination Development Manager, develop and advance programs to additional areas and increase awareness of program.
• Special Events:
• Visualize the big picture, identify opportunities to maximize ongoing opportunities that optimize the activities of RSSE Brands and experiences.
• Update opportunity checklists, templates, project plans, and other tools to streamline and simplify execution of destination activations.
• Additional Responsibilities:
• Develop goals and manage timelines for department needs.
• Maintain regular communication with Marketing team to ensure timely and strategic communications such as advertising, promotions, media relations efforts, special event recaps and social media efforts.
• Perform other responsibilities and special projects as assigned.

Critical Knowledge & Skills:

• Enthusiastically networks to build relationships, on a local, regional and national level.
• Play a leadership role inside and outside the organization.
• Have a strong understanding of the tourism industry and its trends.
• Have strong interpersonal skills that allow for success in a team environment.
• Possess confident communications capabilities in both written and verbal forms.
• See the big picture while being able to implement effective strategies and tactics.

Job Requirements

Qualification and Experience

• Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience in luxury hospitality, with a focus on operational strategy and management. Experience in destination development is highly preferred.
• Education: Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Tourism, Hospitality Management, or related field. A Masters degree is a plus.
• Leadership Skills: Proven leadership track record with the ability to manage and inspire a diverse team.
• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of financial principles and business modeling.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute long-term strategies while ensuring daily operational excellence.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills and a proactive approach to identifying and solving problems.
• Innovation: Passion for innovation and creativity in delivering unique guest experiences.
• Industry Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of destination development, hospitality and tourism is needed, with working knowledge of inland adventure, water sports, and scuba diving sectors beneficial.

Skills

• Highly organized with the ability to meet competing deadlines.
• Comply with budget and financial procedures.
• Proficient on Microsoft Office Suite Word, Excel, PowerPoint, some experience in Adobe, InDesign, and Photoshop helpful.
• Ability to read and write reports, business correspondence and marketing materials.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from the public including representatives in business, hospitality and media.
• Must be able to manage own time and priorities to ensure that deliverables are completed on time, within budget, achieving the desired scope, and the required level of quality.
• Must be detail oriented.
• Must be committed to providing prompt responses to inquiries and requests and be relentless in following up until tasks are complete.
• Willingness to embrace and adhere to RSG standards and corporate culture.
• Flexibility with evening/weekend meetings and events, as needed.

Job Context

The Destination Development department is responsible for the initiation and support of tourism planning and development of activities that expand tourism across RSGs portfolio projects. The work is undertaken in collaboration with each division of RSG, with the objectives of increasing visitor expenditures, guest satisfaction and developing the projects as a more competitive, marketable and investment-ready destinations.