Operations Manager – Events & Exhibitions

ADNEC Group; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 250,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

ADNEC Group in Abu Dhabi seeks an experienced events operations professional to lead the planning and delivery of exhibitions from preparation to onsite execution and dismantling.

You will manage budgets, coordinate venues, oversee staff and volunteers, and work closely with clients and suppliers to ensure seamless event delivery.

Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with CAD tools.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in event and exhibition operations, including onsite delivery.
• Strong logistical planning and coordination skills, with the ability to manage complex event requirements.
• Experience in budget management, cost control, and resource allocation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with clients, suppliers, and event teams.
• Proven ability to supervise staff and volunteers in a fast-paced event environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to unexpected operational challenges.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management software.
• Knowledge of EFD and AutoCAD is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational planning and execution of events and exhibitions, ensuring all requirements are delivered on time and within budget.
• Develop, monitor, and manage event budgets to ensure financial efficiency and cost control.
• Coordinate event logistics, including venue setup, booth allocations, technical requirements, and event schedules.
• Recruit, train, and supervise event staff and volunteers, ensuring effective deployment and clear responsibilities.
• Work closely with clients to understand their requirements and translate them into operational plans.
• Coordinate with venues, suppliers, contractors, and internal teams to ensure smooth event delivery.
• Address operational challenges and escalated client and attendee enquiries throughout the event.
• Oversee post-event dismantling, booth removal, and venue handover.

Skills

Logistical planning

Budget management

Staff supervision

Client communication

Problem-solving

Time management

Microsoft Office

Project management software

Venue coordination

Event operations

Tools

AutoCAD

Event management software

Job description

Are you an operations professional with strong experience in delivering events and exhibitions?

Join ADNEC Group and oversee the planning and operational delivery of events and exhibitions, ensuring seamless coordination from initial preparation through onsite execution and dismantling.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the operational planning and execution of events and exhibitions, ensuring all requirements are delivered on time and within budget.
• Develop, monitor, and manage event budgets to ensure financial efficiency and cost control.
• Coordinate event logistics, including venue setup, booth allocations, technical requirements, and event schedules.
• Recruit, train, and supervise event staff and volunteers, ensuring effective deployment and clear responsibilities.
• Work closely with clients to understand their requirements and translate them into operational plans.
• Coordinate with venues, suppliers, contractors, and internal teams to ensure smooth event delivery.
• Address operational challenges and escalated client and attendee enquiries throughout the event.
• Oversee post-event dismantling, booth removal, and venue handover.

What You’ll Bring

• Relevant experience in event and exhibition operations, including hands-on responsibility for onsite delivery.
• Strong logistical planning and coordination skills, with the ability to manage complex event requirements.
• Experience in budget management, cost control, and resource allocation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with clients, suppliers, and event teams.
• Proven ability to supervise staff and volunteers in a fast-paced event environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to unexpected operational challenges.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management software.
• Knowledge of EFD and AutoCAD is an advantage.

Ready to play a key role in delivering successful events and exhibitions?