Programme Manager -Events

Parker Connect; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading event management company in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Programme Manager to ensure smooth delivery of events, manage logistics, and coordinate with both internal teams and external suppliers. The ideal candidate should possess excellent communication skills, multitasking ability, and a proactive approach to customer service. Travel flexibility is required as the role involves liaising with clients across the GCC and Africa, ensuring high-quality experiences throughout the programme lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Ensure smooth logistical and administrative coordination of the programme.
• Work closely with programme director and faculty.
• Manage relationships with internal and external suppliers.
• Represent the programme to customers/participants at events.
• Gather feedback from participants regarding the programme.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communications skills

Excellent command of computer tools such as MS Word, Excel

Good experience in interpersonal relations

Ability to multi-task and prioritise urgent tasks

Job description

Programme Manager – Events

Main Accountabilities

• Ensures the smooth logistical and administrative coordination of the programme for which he/she has responsibility and provides a service of irreproachable quality to customers/participants.
• Work in close liaison with the programme director and members of the faculty in order to obtain all the necessary information to organise the teaching and the administrative preparation of a programme.
• Seek the cooperation of different operational departments to ensure smooth delivery of programme. He/she is responsible for the good performance of services carried out by these internal suppliers.
• Negotiate and manage all relationships with internal & external suppliers in order to meet deadlines and deliver a high‑quality customer experience in the customer journey.
• In the case of CSP, he/she is in direct contact with the companies to define with them the overall logistical organization of the programme.
• Perform an important public relations role representing with customers/participants through the daily presence and assistance as well as at social events (cocktails, dinners, outings, visits, etc).
• Perform an important role in terms of listening to and gathering the feedback from participants on the programmes progress/content. He/she must demonstrate discernment in rapidly passing on the information to faculty and those responsible in the Executive Education Department.
• Anticipate possible organisational and logistical problems.
• Demonstrate a good sense of organisation since he/she must manage the current programme at the same time as preparing for subsequent one(s).
• Monitor and respect the assigned programme budgets. He/she must submit an accurate and complete billing report at the end of the programme to the Cost & Payment Manager (EDP). This not only ensures that the clients receive the invoiced cost in a timely fashion but also guarantees prompt payment to external suppliers. The job holder is also responsible for tracking and monitoring the reception of bills and receipts.

Key Challenges

• Providing a high level of customer service on a consistent basis.
• Being proactive when dealing with demands from clients and faculty as well as last‑minute requests while respecting all processes and procedures.
• Responsible and accountable to both clients and faculty for the complete process without having direct authority over any internal services nor visibility of their priorities.
• Managing the preparation, running and follow‑up of several assigned programmes simultaneously which are structurally completely different.
• Working in a fast‑paced environment which requires extensive flexibility and frequent travel in the region.

Required Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Excellent command of computer tools such as MS Word, Excel etc
• Good experience in interpersonal relations
• The ability to multi‑task and prioritise the most urgent of tasks

Travel Requirements

Candidates should be able to apply for a Saudi visa or any other visa to GCC/Africa as they will need to travel to KSA/GCC/Africa.

Additional Conditions

Candidates must be open to travel over weekends and holidays.