Protocol & Guest Management

Position

• Protocol & Guest Management

Location

• Khobar, Saudi Arabia

Duration

• November till February 2027

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced VIP & Protocol Manager to oversee VIP and VVIP guest operations at stadiums during major sporting events and match days. The role will be responsible for managing guest arrangements, seating plans, match-day protocol schedules, and VIP arrivals while ensuring seamless coordination with security, accreditation, transport, and venue operations teams.

The ideal candidate will have experience leading operational teams at major sporting events, high-profile corporate functions, or government and diplomatic engagements, with a strong understanding of protocol and VIP guest management.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end operation of VIP and VVIP areas within the stadium on match days and during major sporting events.
• Prepare and maintain VIP guest lists, seating plans, hospitality allocations, and match-day protocol schedules.
• Coordinate VIP and VVIP arrivals, departures, and movements in collaboration with security, accreditation, transport, and venue operations teams.
• Brief, supervise, and lead the on-site operational team to ensure smooth delivery of protocol and guest management services.
• Liaise with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), government authorities, football federations, and their respective protocol offices to coordinate official guest requirements.
• Ensure appropriate protocol procedures are followed for dignitaries, senior officials, federation representatives, sponsors, and other high-profile guests.
• Oversee guest reception, escorts, seating arrangements, access permissions, and hospitality services within designated VIP areas.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external stakeholders to resolve operational issues and accommodate last-minute changes.
• Ensure the VIP and VVIP areas are fully prepared and operationally ready before guest arrival and throughout the event.
• Maintain a professional and welcoming environment, ensuring a high standard of service for all VIP and VVIP guests.
• Monitor on-site operations, address issues calmly under pressure, and ensure all activities are delivered in line with event schedules and operational requirements.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in protocol, VIP hospitality, guest relations, or event operations.
• Previous experience in sports events, stadium operations, major sporting competitions, or large-scale events is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience leading and supervising operational teams at major events, government functions, or diplomatic engagements.
• Knowledge of VIP and VVIP protocol, guest management, seating arrangements, and official event procedures.
• Experience coordinating with government authorities, sports federations, security teams, accreditation teams, and transport providers.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organisational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Confident, well-presented, and professional when dealing with senior officials and high-profile guests.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, make quick decisions, and manage changing priorities in a live event environment.
• Flexible to work match days, evenings, weekends, and public holidays as required.

Key Competencies

• VIP/VVIP guest management and protocol
• Stadium and match-day operations
• Team leadership and operational briefings
• Stakeholder and government liaison
• Security, accreditation, and transport coordination
• Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure
• Professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail