Hospitality & Protocol Manager

Black Pearl Consult; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in the UAE is seeking an experienced Hospitality Manager to oversee hospitality strategies and VIP guest management for various events. The ideal candidate must have a bachelor's degree and 7-10 years of experience in hospitality or event management, with strong knowledge of UAE protocol. Responsibilities include coordinating logistics, managing guest experiences, and ensuring high-quality service delivery during events. This role requires excellent relationship management and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in hospitality, protocol, or event management.
• Strong knowledge of UAE protocol, cultural norms, and etiquette.
• Proven ability to manage complex events under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of hospitality strategies for events.
• Manage guest experience journeys ensuring seamless coordination.
• Coordinate logistics for transportation and accommodation of VIPs.

Skills

Hospitality Management

Event Management

Protocol Standards

Stakeholder Engagement

Relationship Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management or related field

Job description

Hospitality & Guest Experience

• Lead the development and execution of hospitality strategies for exhibitions, festivals, cultural programs, VIP visits, and external engagements.
• Manage guest experience journeys ensuring seamless coordination before, during, and after events.
• Oversee arrangements for VIP guests, artists, international partners, delegations, and government entities.
• Ensure high-quality hospitality services including welcome protocols, seating arrangements, lounge operations, refreshments, and guest flow.

Protocol & VIP Management

• Implement and monitor protocol standards aligned with UAE cultural, governmental, and organizational guidelines.
• Liaise with protocol offices, embassies, government authorities, and international partners for coordination of high‑profile visits.
• Prepare detailed protocol briefs, itineraries, seating charts, and hospitality plans for senior leadership and VIP events.
• Ensure official ceremonies, signings, photo opportunities, and receptions follow the proper decorum.

Event Coordination & Operations

• Work closely with internal teams (Events Production, Cultural Affairs, Communications, Education) to ensure hospitality and protocol requirements are integrated into all event plans.
• Oversee onsite execution of events and ensure all hospitality & protocol elements are delivered to the highest standards.
• Coordinate logistics including transportation, accommodation, schedules, and special requests for artists and VIP guests.
• Support production teams in the delivery of major festivals, concerts, workshops, conferences, and public programs.

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with cultural partners, embassies, government offices, sponsors, and international institutions.
• Serve as a main point of contact for VIP guests, international artists, high‑level delegations, and dignitaries.
• Ensure clear and professional communication with internal and external stakeholders throughout event planning and execution.

Planning, Administration & Reporting

• Develop hospitality budgets, negotiate vendor contracts, and ensure cost‑effective delivery of services.
• Maintain accurate records of all protocol activities, guest lists, VIP itineraries, and hospitality plans.
• Conduct post‑event evaluations and prepare reports highlighting successes, challenges, and recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, health & safety standards, and cultural sensitivities.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Business Administration, Cultural Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 7‑10 years of experience in hospitality, protocol, VIP relations, or event management within arts, culture, government, luxury, or hospitality sectors.
• Strong knowledge of UAE protocol, cultural norms, and etiquette.
• Experience working with high‑profile individuals, artists, international delegations, and government offices.
• Proven ability to manage complex events and VIP programs under pressure.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Our client is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability. Please refer to the legal EEO statement for more information.