PROJECT MANAGER - EVENTS

Kershaw Leonard; Dubai; Hybrid; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading events management firm in Dubai is seeking a Project Manager to oversee the end-to-end planning and execution of corporate and public events across the GCC. This role demands strong vendor management skills, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to deliver projects on time and within budget. Candidates should have 4-6 years of experience in event management, a Bachelor's degree in a related field, and proficiency in project management tools. The position involves regular on-site presence and regional travel.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Regional travel opportunities

Qualifications

• 4-6 years' experience in event or project management within the GCC region.
• Proven experience managing large-scale events or exhibitions.
• Strong understanding of GCC event logistics.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, execution, and delivery of corporate and public events.
• Manage multiple vendors and partners during event delivery.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations and company policies.

Skills

Event project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Vendor negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Events Management

Tools

MS Project

Asana

Excel

Job description

Client: Our client is a well‑established multi‑national leader in the events industry who describe their mission as solving their clients' key challenges and shaping their tomorrow through Live and Virtual events, Strategic and Digital communications, Consulting and Community solutions.

Role Purpose: The Project Manager – Events oversees the end‑to‑end planning, execution, and delivery of corporate and public events across the GCC region. The role ensures projects are completed on time, within budget, and in alignment with brand, marketing, and stakeholder objectives. Acting as the central coordination point, the Project Manager drives operational excellence, manages multiple vendors and partners, and ensures flawless event delivery from concept to completion. The role may be focused on specific areas (such sponsorship & exhibition management) for some larger mandates.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Planning & Management
   • Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets for multiple concurrent events.
   • Define scope, deliverables, and success metrics for each event in collaboration with stakeholders.
   • Implement project management frameworks (Gantt charts, trackers, risk logs, reporting tools).
   • Ensure compliance with company policies, contracts, and regional regulations.
2. Event Design & Execution
   • Lead event concept development, creative briefing, and experience design.
   • Good destination knowledge of major congress destinations with our region.
   • Oversee logistics including venue selection, technical setup, vendor sourcing, permits, and hospitality.
   • Supervise on‑site operations and manage teams to ensure timely setup and smooth execution.
   • Coordinate with marketing teams for branding, digital promotion, and attendee engagement.
3. Vendor & Stakeholder Management
   • Source, evaluate, and manage suppliers (AV, production, décor, transport, catering, staffing).
   • Negotiate contracts and ensure service delivery meets quality and budget expectations.
   • Serve as the primary liaison between internal departments, clients, and external agencies.
   • Manage approvals, briefings, and reporting with senior management and partners.
4. Budget & Reporting
   • Prepare and control project budgets, ensuring cost efficiency and transparency.
   • Track expenditure, issue POs, and maintain accurate reconciliations.
   • Deliver post‑event evaluations including performance analysis, ROI metrics, and lessons learned.
5. Compliance, Risk & Quality Control
   • Ensure all events comply with local government and venue regulations (permits, HSE, insurance, data protection).
   • Identify potential risks and develop mitigation plans.
   • Maintain brand consistency and uphold company standards of excellence.
   • Awareness of event risk assessment and health and safety implications.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Events Management, Marketing, Business Administration, or related field.
• 4-6 years’ experience in event or project management within the GCC region (agency or corporate).
• Proven experience managing large‑scale events, exhibitions, or experiential activations.
• Strong understanding of production workflows, vendor ecosystems, and GCC event logistics.
• Certified PMP or PRINCE2 preferred (or equivalent project management training).
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills in English; Arabic an advantage.
• Proficiency in MS Project, Asana, Monday.com, or similar tools; experience with event tech platforms preferred.
• Pivot Table – Dynamic tables for Excel.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple projects, and travel frequently across the GCC.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Delivery of events on time, within budget, and to client satisfaction.
• Achievement of project ROI and post‑event success metrics.
• Quality of stakeholder engagement and communication effectiveness.
• Operational efficiency (vendor management, risk mitigation, compliance).
• Continuous improvement and innovation in event execution processes.

Working Conditions

• Office‑based with frequent on‑site presence at events.
• Requires flexibility with working hours, including evenings/weekends during event periods.
• Regional travel (GCC) required for planning and event delivery.