Events Manager – Operations

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end operational delivery of live events.
• Develop event operational plans, schedules, staffing requirements and venue readiness checklists.
• Coordinate event-day activities across front-of-house, security, cleaning, facilities, parking, access control and other operational functions.
• Ensure all event spaces, entrances, exits, public areas and support areas are ready before doors open.
• Lead pre-event operational meetings, briefings and venue walkthroughs.
• Coordinate with event organizers and internal teams to identify operational requirements for each event.
• Manage crowd flow, guest entry and exit, queue management and access arrangements.
• Coordinate accreditation, passes and access requirements for staff, contractors, suppliers and event personnel.
• Develop staffing plans, shift schedules and deployment requirements.
• Supervise outsourced service providers and contractors to ensure agreed service standards are achieved.
• Coordinate security, stewarding, cleaning, parking and other event support services.
• Monitor venue readiness and resolve operational issues before and during events.
• Act as a key point of contact for operational matters during live events.
• Coordinate emergency access, evacuation readiness and operational safety requirements.
• Ensure compliance with venue policies, event procedures and health and safety requirements.
• Manage incident escalation and support rapid resolution of event-day operational issues.
• Monitor guest movement and venue capacity to maintain safe and efficient circulation.
• Coordinate post-event venue clearance, cleaning, handover and reset activities.
• Support event operational budgets, manpower planning and contractor cost control.
• Review supplier performance and ensure services are delivered according to agreed scope and standards.
• Conduct post-event debriefs and prepare reports covering incidents, operational challenges and improvement actions.
• Identify opportunities to improve event procedures, staffing efficiency and overall venue operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant qualification in Event Management, Hospitality, Venue Management, Business Administration or a related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in event operations, venue operations or large-scale event delivery.
• Previous experience within an arena, stadium, convention centre, entertainment venue or major event environment is highly preferred.
• Proven experience supporting concerts, sporting events, exhibitions, conferences or large-scale public events.
• Strong understanding of event-day operations, crowd management, guest flow and venue readiness.
• Experience managing security, cleaning, stewarding, parking and outsourced service providers.
• Strong experience coordinating multiple operational teams and contractors.
• Good understanding of event health, safety, emergency and crowd-management procedures.
• Strong planning, scheduling and manpower-management skills.
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to make quick and effective decisions in high-pressure event environments.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and operational workstreams simultaneously.
• UAE or GCC event operations experience is highly preferred.
• Experience working in Abu Dhabi or with major UAE venues would be an advantage.
• Must be flexible to work evenings, weekends, public holidays and extended hours according to the event calendar.