Director - Gaming & Esports Innovation Product Strategy

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Director - Gaming & Esports Innovation Product Strategy

Company: Qiddiya Investment Company

Location: Riyadh, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Revenue Operations / Product Strategy (GTM Focus)

Date Posted: June 14, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic product vision and innovation roadmap for Qiddiya's Gaming and Esports assets, focusing on enhancing guest engagement and differentiating proposition.

• Identify and evaluate emerging trends, technologies, content formats, and experiential concepts to inform future-state product development and investment decisions.

• Act as a key liaison, bridging asset teams, strategic partners, and enabling functions to ensure the successful execution of Gaming and Esports ambitions.

• Translate high-level business and experience requirements into tangible product and technology considerations, guiding subsequent planning and delivery.

• Assess the strategic relevance and potential application of innovative solutions from global providers to drive market leadership in the gaming and esports sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided job title is "Director - Gaming & Esports Innovation Product Strategy," the underlying responsibilities heavily lean into strategic planning, market analysis, and product roadmap development that are critical for Go-To-Market (GTM) success. This role will define what products and experiences are built and why, directly impacting how Qiddiya's gaming and esports offerings will be received and monetized in the market. Therefore, it's categorized under Product Strategy with a strong GTM focus.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Shape the overarching product vision, innovation strategy, and future experience roadmap for all Gaming and Esports assets within Qiddiya.

• Proactively identify emerging trends, disruptive technologies, novel content formats, and engaging experiential concepts relevant to the gaming and esports landscape.

• Define future-state product requirements and experience opportunities that will guide subsequent technology planning, asset development, and investment decisions.

• Evaluate innovative solutions, platforms, and product ecosystems from a customer-centric, commercial viability, and overall experience perspective.

• Formulate strategic recommendations for technology and product investments that support asset differentiation, long-term growth, and competitive advantage.

• Engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, including technology providers, gaming platforms, content creators, and innovation partners, to stay abreast of market developments and emerging capabilities.

• Develop concept-level requirements and high-level experience frameworks that specialist technology and delivery teams can translate into detailed execution plans.

• Provide critical strategic product and innovation inputs into governance forums, investment review committees, and key asset decision-making processes.

• Support technology and delivery teams by clearly defining concept-level requirements, strategic priorities, and desired experience outcomes for future initiatives.

• Review and critically challenge proposed technology solutions, roadmaps, and innovation initiatives to ensure robust alignment with asset objectives and overarching guest experience ambitions.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of robust standards, principles, and governance frameworks for technology-enabled products and experiences across Qiddiya's Gaming and Esports portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strategic, forward-looking approach to product and experience development within a specific industry (Gaming & Esports). This requires a deep understanding of market dynamics, technological potential, and customer engagement strategies, all of which are foundational to successful Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies. The role's focus on "asset differentiation" and "long-term growth ambitions" directly ties into GTM objectives of market penetration and revenue generation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Digital Product Management, Marketing, or a closely related field. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in strategy development, product management, innovation, and digital experience design, with a significant portion focused on the gaming, esports, or entertainment technology sectors. Required Skills:

• Product Strategy Development: Proven ability to define and articulate compelling product visions, strategies, and roadmaps that align with business objectives and market opportunities.

• Innovation Management: Demonstrated experience in identifying, evaluating, and integrating emerging technologies and innovative concepts into product and experience roadmaps.

• Gaming & Esports Industry Acumen: Deep understanding of current and future trends, platforms, content formats, and player/fan engagement dynamics within the global gaming and esports ecosystem.

• Digital Product Management: Expertise in the end-to-end product lifecycle, from ideation and concept development to requirements definition and Go-To-Market strategy enablement.

• Market & Trend Analysis: Strong capabilities in analyzing market dynamics, competitive landscapes, and emerging technological shifts to inform strategic decision-making.

• Strategic Planning & Execution: Ability to translate strategic insights into actionable plans and provide guidance for their successful implementation.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent skills in collaborating with and influencing diverse internal and external stakeholders, including executive leadership, asset teams, technology partners, and external providers.

• Technology Assessment: Proficiency in evaluating the strategic relevance and potential application of new technologies, digital platforms, and product solutions.

• Investment Analysis: Experience in evaluating the commercial viability and potential ROI of technology and product investment opportunities.

• Roadmap Development: Skill in creating and managing long-term product and experience roadmaps that account for evolving market needs and technological advancements.

• Governance Frameworks: Understanding of how to develop and implement governance principles and frameworks for technology-enabled products and experiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., MBA, Digital Innovation).

• Experience with large-scale entertainment or leisure destination development projects.

• Familiarity with agile product development methodologies.

• Strong understanding of user experience (UX) and customer journey mapping principles.

• Experience in partnership development and management within the gaming and esports industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive list of required skills, particularly in areas like "Product Strategy Development," "Innovation Management," "Gaming & Esports Industry Acumen," and "Market & Trend Analysis," highlights the strategic GTM nature of this role. Candidates are expected to not only understand product but also how to position and launch it effectively in a competitive market.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Vision Case Studies: Documented examples of how you have developed and articulated product visions and innovation strategies for new initiatives or existing products.

• Market Analysis & Trend Integration: Evidence of market research, trend analysis, and how these insights were integrated into product roadmaps or strategic recommendations.

• Product/Experience Roadmap Examples: Demonstrations of developed product or experience roadmaps, showcasing foresight, strategic alignment, and consideration of future-state requirements.

• Technology Evaluation Frameworks: Examples of frameworks or methodologies used to assess the strategic relevance and potential application of new technologies or solutions.

• Investment Recommendation Examples: Case studies where you evaluated and recommended technology or product investments, including the rationale and expected outcomes.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Evidence: Examples of successful collaboration with diverse teams (e.g., technology, marketing, operations, asset management) to align on product strategies and drive initiatives forward.

Process Documentation:

• Innovation Pipeline Management: Outline of processes used to manage an innovation pipeline, from ideation and concept validation to strategic recommendation.

• Strategic Alignment Frameworks: Documentation of methodologies used to ensure product strategies and technology investments align with overarching business and asset objectives.

• Requirements Definition Process: Examples of processes for translating business and experience requirements into clear, actionable concept-level product and technology requirements.

• Stakeholder Engagement Protocols: Protocols or frameworks for engaging with and managing expectations of various stakeholders involved in product strategy and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on strategy and innovation, a portfolio is crucial. It should showcase not just what was done, but how it was done, emphasizing structured processes for analysis, strategy formulation, and stakeholder alignment. The emphasis on "investment recommendations" and "strategic alignment" points to the need for portfolio pieces that demonstrate commercial acumen and business impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Director-level roles in Strategy and Product Management in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with 10+ years of experience in specialized sectors like Gaming & Esports, the estimated annual salary range is SAR 450,000 - SAR 700,000 (approximately USD 120,000 - USD 187,000). This range is competitive for senior leadership positions within major development projects in the region and accounts for the specialized expertise required. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and public holidays, aligned with Saudi labor laws.

• Relocation assistance for international candidates, including visa sponsorship and moving support.

• Housing allowance or provided accommodation.

• Transportation allowance.

• Performance-based bonuses and potential for long-term incentives.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.

• Access to Qiddiya's world-class facilities and entertainment offerings.

• Retirement savings plan or end-of-service benefits. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, from Sunday to Thursday.

• Flexibility may be expected to accommodate project deadlines, international partner time zones, and key strategic meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on extensive research into Director-level compensation in Riyadh for strategic roles, taking into account the specialized nature of the gaming and esports industry and the significant experience required. Benefits are tailored to attract international talent to Saudi Arabia, including relocation and housing support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Entertainment, Entertainment & Gaming, Real Estate Development, Tourism. Qiddiya is a transformative project aiming to be a global entertainment, sports, and arts destination, with a significant focus on integrating cutting-edge gaming and esports experiences. This industry context means a fast-paced, innovative, and ambitious environment driven by large-scale vision and execution.

Company Size: Large enterprise, indicating a structured organizational framework with significant resources and cross-functional departments. This size implies opportunities for impactful work within a complex ecosystem but also requires navigating established processes and collaborating across numerous teams.

Founded: Qiddiya Investment Company was established in 2017. This relatively recent founding suggests a dynamic, growth-oriented company culture that is still building its foundational structures and processes, offering a unique opportunity to influence its development.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: Likely integrated within a broader Strategy, Product, or Innovation division. The team may consist of specialists in product management, innovation research, market analysis, and strategic planning, potentially augmented by project managers.

• Reporting Structure: This Director-level role will likely report to a VP or SVP of Product, Innovation, or a similar senior executive overseeing the gaming and esports vertical. The role will manage a team of product strategists and innovation specialists.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role necessitates deep collaboration with Asset Development teams, Technology & Digital divisions, Marketing & Brand, Partnerships, Finance, and Legal departments to ensure cohesive strategy execution and product integration across the Qiddiya ecosystem.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: Emphasis on leveraging market data, user analytics, and trend forecasting to inform strategic decisions and product development.

• Agile & Iterative Development: While strategic in nature, the approach likely involves iterative planning and adaptation based on evolving market conditions and technological advancements.

• Strategic Partnership Development: A key operational methodology will involve identifying, evaluating, and fostering strategic alliances with technology providers, content creators, and industry leaders.

• Experience-Centric Design: A core principle will be designing products and experiences from the perspective of the end-user (guest, gamer, fan) to ensure maximum engagement and satisfaction.

Company Website: https://www.qiddiya.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Qiddiya's ambitious vision as a gigaproject in Saudi Arabia defines its culture as one of innovation, rapid growth, and large-scale execution. For operations professionals, this means being adaptable, strategic, and capable of working within a dynamic, resource-rich environment focused on building a world-class entertainment destination.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, a Director level, responsible for defining the strategic direction and innovation pipeline for a critical business vertical (Gaming & Esports). It signifies a significant level of autonomy, strategic influence, and responsibility for shaping future product offerings and market positioning.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a senior executive (VP/SVP) within the company's strategic or product leadership. This position will likely manage a team of product strategists, innovation specialists, and potentially market analysts, overseeing their contribution to the overall gaming and esports strategy.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial, directly influencing the viability, market competitiveness, and long-term success of Qiddiya's Gaming and Esports assets. Strategic product decisions will drive guest engagement, revenue generation, brand perception, and the overall attractiveness of Qiddiya as a global entertainment hub. It’s about building the foundational product and experience strategy that enables successful GTM execution.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to VP or SVP roles within Product, Strategy, or Innovation, overseeing broader portfolios or entire business units.

• Specialized Industry Expertise: Deepen expertise in gaming, esports, and entertainment technology, becoming a recognized leader in this rapidly evolving sector.

• Global Project Leadership: Gain experience managing complex, large-scale international projects with significant budgets and strategic importance.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Opportunity to lead or contribute to major cross-functional initiatives that shape the future of the Qiddiya destination.

• Entrepreneurial Influence: Contribute to building and defining new business models and product categories within a pioneering development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Director" title, combined with responsibilities for "product vision," "innovation strategy," and "investment decisions," clearly positions this as a senior strategic role. The growth paths outlined reflect typical progression for individuals in such positions within large-scale development projects, involving increased scope of responsibility and strategic influence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern corporate office environment within the Qiddiya development or a dedicated corporate headquarters in Riyadh. This setting is expected to be professional, collaborative, and equipped with state-of-the-art technology to support strategic planning and innovation.

Office Location(s): Primarily based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This location is central to the Qiddiya megaproject, offering a unique opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking development.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will likely feature open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated collaboration zones designed to foster teamwork and idea exchange among strategy, product, and technology teams.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to advanced analytics platforms, research tools, project management software, and communication technologies will be standard, supporting data-driven decision-making and efficient workflow management.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with a diverse range of professionals, including senior leadership, asset managers, technical experts, and external partners, will be common. The role also involves leading a team of specialists.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, with typical office hours. However, given the strategic nature of the role and its focus on global trends and partnerships, occasional flexibility will be required to attend international calls, engage with partners in different time zones, or meet critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description implies a modern, well-equipped corporate setting conducive to strategic work. For operations professionals, this means access to necessary tools and a collaborative atmosphere, with the understanding that flexibility is often a requirement for senior strategy roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly experience in strategy, product innovation, and the gaming/esports sector.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your strategic thinking, leadership experience, and understanding of the gaming and esports market. Expect questions about past successes in defining product vision and innovation strategy.

• Panel Interviews: This will likely involve interviews with senior leaders from Product, Strategy, and relevant Asset teams. Be prepared to discuss case studies from your portfolio in detail, demonstrating your strategic approach, analytical capabilities, and ability to drive impactful recommendations.

• Presentation/Case Study: You may be asked to prepare and present a strategy for a specific gaming or esports initiative at Qiddiya, or analyze a market trend and propose a product response. This is a critical opportunity to showcase your portfolio's strengths.

• Final Round Interviews: Discussions with executive leadership to assess cultural fit, long-term vision alignment, and overall leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your ability to develop product vision, drive innovation, and influence strategic investment. Prioritize those with clear GTM implications.

• Highlight Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your strategic approach, the methodologies used (market analysis, trend identification, technology assessment), the key decisions made, and the quantifiable business impact or ROI achieved.

• Showcase Industry Relevance: Emphasize projects within or adjacent to the gaming, esports, or entertainment technology sectors. If direct experience is limited, draw parallels to transferable skills and strategic thinking.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically. Use clear headings, concise descriptions, and compelling visuals where appropriate. Be ready to walk through each case study smoothly and answer detailed questions.

• Focus on Vision and Strategy: Since this is a "Director" role focused on "Innovation Product Strategy," your portfolio should strongly emphasize foresight, strategic planning, and the ability to define future opportunities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Trends Deep Dive: Thoroughly research current and emerging trends in gaming, esports, VR/AR, metaverse, and interactive entertainment. Understand how these trends could be leveraged at Qiddiya.

• Qiddiya Project Research: Understand Qiddiya's overall vision, its existing or planned entertainment assets, and its strategic goals. Tailor your thinking to how gaming and esports fit into this larger picture.

• Strategic Frameworks: Be prepared to discuss strategic frameworks (e.g., Porter's Five Forces, SWOT, PESTLE) and how you apply them to market analysis and strategy development.

• Innovation Methodologies: Familiarize yourself with different innovation approaches (e.g., design thinking, lean startup principles) and how they can be applied in a large corporate setting.

• Stakeholder Alignment Scenarios: Think about how you would approach gaining buy-in from diverse stakeholders for a new strategic initiative or product.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess strategic acumen and leadership. A strong portfolio showcasing successful product strategy development and GTM enablement is paramount. The case study or presentation is a key component, requiring candidates to demonstrate their strategic thinking applied to Qiddiya's specific context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Product Management Platforms: Tools like Jira, Confluence, Aha!, Productboard for roadmap planning, requirements management, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Market Research & Analytics Tools: Access to platforms like Newzoo, Nielsen, Statista, or custom market intelligence dashboards for trend analysis and competitive intelligence.

• Innovation Management Software: Tools that facilitate idea generation, evaluation, and pipeline management (e.g., dedicated innovation platforms, internal wikis).

• Presentation & Visualization Software: Advanced proficiency in tools like PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides, and potentially data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI) for creating compelling strategic presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Familiarity with BI platforms for analyzing market data, user engagement metrics, and potential ROI of proposed initiatives.

• Web & App Analytics: Understanding of tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or specialized gaming analytics platforms to interpret user behavior and inform product decisions.

• Financial Modeling Software: Proficiency in Excel or specialized financial tools for evaluating investment opportunities and forecasting financial impact.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM systems, an understanding of how CRM data and marketing automation platforms support customer insights and GTM execution is beneficial.

• Collaboration Suites: Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, Office Suite) or Google Workspace is essential for daily operations and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes tools used for strategic planning, market intelligence, data analysis, and communication. Proficiency in these areas is critical for developing and presenting data-driven strategies and roadmaps.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Visionary & Forward-Thinking: A commitment to anticipating future trends and proactively shaping the product landscape rather than reacting to market shifts.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A core belief in using robust data analysis and market intelligence to inform strategic choices and validate hypotheses.

• Collaborative & Inclusive: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional collaboration is the norm for achieving shared goals.

• Innovation & Experimentation: Encouraging a culture that embraces calculated risks, learns from experimentation, and continuously seeks novel solutions.

• Excellence & Impact: A drive to deliver world-class products and experiences that achieve significant business outcomes and leave a lasting impression.

Collaboration Style:

• Strategic Alignment Focus: Collaboration is centered around achieving alignment on strategic objectives and ensuring that all initiatives contribute to the overarching vision for Gaming and Esports at Qiddiya.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: A proactive approach to building strong relationships with various departments, facilitating seamless communication and integrated planning.

• Constructive Challenge & Feedback: An environment where ideas are openly discussed, challenged constructively, and refined through collective input to ensure the strongest possible outcome.

• Knowledge Sharing & Best Practices: Emphasis on sharing insights, learnings, and best practices across teams to elevate the collective expertise and drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes forward-thinking, data-driven strategies, and robust collaboration, all crucial for a role that defines future product offerings and their market introduction.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pioneering a New Market: As a new, massive development, Qiddiya faces the challenge of establishing its brand and offerings in highly competitive global markets, requiring innovative strategies to capture attention and market share.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: The gaming and esports landscape evolves at an unprecedented pace. Staying ahead of technological shifts, consumer preferences, and emerging platforms requires continuous learning and adaptability.

• Balancing Innovation with Execution: Integrating cutting-edge innovations into a large-scale, complex development project requires careful planning, robust governance, and effective stakeholder management to ensure successful implementation.

• Cross-Cultural Market Dynamics: Understanding and catering to diverse global audiences, while also adhering to regional cultural nuances and regulations, presents a strategic challenge in product development and GTM.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Leadership Forums: Opportunities to attend and present at leading global gaming, esports, and entertainment technology conferences.

• Specialized Training: Access to advanced training programs in areas like emerging technology (AR/VR, AI), strategic foresight, and advanced product management.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from seasoned industry leaders within Qiddiya or its strategic partners.

• Exposure to Mega-Project Development: Invaluable experience in the planning and execution of one of the world's largest entertainment and leisure destinations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic and pioneering nature of the role, requiring strategic foresight and adaptability. The learning opportunities are geared towards keeping pace with industry evolution and gaining experience in mega-project development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a product vision for a new market or technology. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your strategic framework, market analysis, and ability to articulate a compelling future state.)

• "How do you identify and evaluate emerging trends and technologies for potential strategic application in the entertainment or gaming sector?" (Highlight your research methodologies, analytical skills, and ability to assess commercial viability.)

• "Walk me through your process for translating high-level business requirements into actionable product and technology considerations." (Demonstrate your structured approach to requirements gathering, definition, and stakeholder alignment.)

• "How would you prioritize investment opportunities for new gaming and esports products or experiences within a large-scale development project like Qiddiya?" (Showcase your understanding of ROI, risk assessment, and strategic alignment.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Qiddiya's vision and its role in the future of entertainment and esports?" (Research Qiddiya's mission, values, and specific gaming/esports initiatives.)

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and collaboration within a strategic product team?" (Discuss your leadership style, team-building strategies, and approach to managing diverse perspectives.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to influence senior stakeholders to adopt a new strategic direction or product idea. What was your approach?" (Emphasize your communication, negotiation, and persuasion skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Frame each portfolio piece as a narrative – the challenge, your strategic approach, the execution, and the measurable impact.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics and data to demonstrate the success of your strategies (e.g., market share gained, revenue increase, engagement improvement, ROI of investments).

• Focus on "Why": Clearly articulate the strategic rationale behind your decisions and recommendations. Why this product? Why this technology? Why now?

• Tailor to Qiddiya: Whenever possible, connect your past experiences and strategies to the specific context and potential of Qiddiya's gaming and esports ambitions.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodologies, decision-making processes, and the challenges you encountered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, industry knowledge, and leadership. A well-prepared portfolio presentation that clearly articulates impact and strategic rationale is crucial for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Director - Gaming & Esports Innovation Product Strategy position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 10+ years of experience in strategy, product innovation, and digital experiences, with a specific focus on achievements in the gaming, esports, or entertainment technology sectors. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 3-5 key projects that best showcase your ability to develop product visions, drive innovation, analyze markets, and influence strategic investments. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your strategic approach, methodologies used, and quantifiable impact.

• Research Qiddiya: Deeply understand Qiddiya's vision, its ambitious project scope, and its specific plans or aspirations within the gaming and esports domain.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering common strategy and leadership questions, focusing on clear articulation of your thought process and impact.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.