Project Manager - Freelancer

Evolution Services; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 167,000 - 234,000; Full time

Job summary

Evolution Services seeks an experienced Freelance Project Manager for a fixed-term contract based in Abu Dhabi from October to December 2026, with exact dates to be confirmed.

The Project Manager will lead planning, coordination and delivery of a single live event project, acting as the liaison between client, creative teams, production departments and suppliers, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery while upholding our standards of safety, quality and audience experience.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Project Manager in live events or experiential production.
• Ability to manage a complete project lifecycle from briefing to on-site delivery.
• Excellent client servicing and communication skills.
• Strong budgeting, scheduling and supplier negotiation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead project planning and scheduling from concept through delivery.
• Maintain budgets, quotes, and cash flow monitoring.
• Coordinate with client, creative, production and suppliers.
• Prepare documentation including risk assessments and closure reports.
• Manage third-party suppliers and staffing plans.
• Ensure on-site delivery meets safety and quality standards.

Skills

Project management

Client liaison

Budgeting

Scheduling

Procurement

Staffing

Leadership

English fluency

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Freelance Project Manager for a fixed-term contract based in Abu Dhabi from October to December 2026, with exact dates to be confirmed.

The Project Manager will assist with the planning, coordination and delivery of one specific live event project. Acting as the main link between the client, creative teams, production departments and appointed suppliers, the role will cover concept development, project scheduling, budgeting, procurement, staffing, documentation and on-site delivery.

The successful candidate will take ownership of the complete project lifecycle, ensuring that all creative, technical and operational requirements are delivered safely, accurately, on schedule and within budget while maintaining Evolution’s standards for quality, client service and audience experience.

2. Key Responsibilities

• Manage the assigned project from the initial client briefing and concept-development stages through planning, production, live delivery, dismantling and project closure.
• Prepare and maintain a detailed project schedule covering designs, approvals, procurement, staffing, fabrication, technical production, logistics and on-site delivery.
• Translate the client’s objectives, audience, messaging and scope into clear briefs, proposals, mood boards, guest journeys and practical delivery plans.
• Coordinate with creative, production and third-party teams to develop integrated solutions covering scenic, technical, furniture, branding and site requirements.
• Prepare and manage the project budget, quotations, payment schedules and cash flow while monitoring expenditure, profitability and changes to the agreed scope.
• Act as the primary client contact, establishing clear expectations and maintaining professional communication throughout the planning and delivery process.
• Source, brief and manage third-party suppliers, including preparing scopes of work, reviewing quotations, negotiating costs and monitoring delivery milestones.
• Develop staffing plans, coordinate project resources and ensure that internal teams, freelancers and suppliers are fully briefed on responsibilities and deadlines.
• Prepare and maintain project documentation, including action trackers, status reports, work permits, risk assessments, health and safety records and closure reports.
• Identify potential creative, technical, commercial or operational risks and prepare contingency plans to protect the project schedule, budget and delivery standards.

3. Qualifications & Requirements

• Based in Abu Dhabi or able to commute easily to the project site.
• Professional fluency in English, written and spoken.
• Proven experience as a Project Manager or in a similar role within live events, experiential production, exhibitions or temporary event environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing a complete project lifecycle, from client briefing and concept development through on-site delivery and closure.
• Strong understanding of event production processes, including scenic fabrication, technical production, temporary structures, furniture, branding and site operations.
• Practical knowledge of production materials, structural considerations and audio, lighting, video, staging and rigging requirements.
• Strong project scheduling, budgeting, cost estimation, cash-flow management and commercial negotiation skills.
• Experience preparing client proposals, creative briefs, scopes of work, supplier documentation, status reports and project closure records.
• Excellent client-servicing and presentation skills, with the ability to translate feedback into practical and deliverable solutions.
• Proven supplier-management and procurement experience, including sourcing, briefing, negotiating and monitoring third-party contractors.
• Strong leadership and coordination skills, with the ability to manage internal teams, freelancers, suppliers and multiple project stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage changing requirements and respond effectively to last-minute adjustments and tight project deadlines.
• Availability for the full freelance contract period from October to December 2026, with exact dates to be confirmed.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, evenings and weekends when required during production, installation and live-event delivery.

3 month Contract

on Site

About Evolution

Evolution Services is a full-service event partner, delivering specialist solutions across Scenic, Technical, Site Services, Furniture, and Prop Shop. From our facilities in Dubai and Riyadh, we operate one of the region’s largest inventories—covering everything from technical production and site infrastructure to scenic fabrication, prop creation, and custom furniture rentals.

With in-house design, creative, and production teams, we support agencies, producers, and clients across the GCC—whether providing individual services or managing full event delivery. Our experienced teams combine creativity, functionality, and precision to bring standout experiences to life, no matter the scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous event industry experience?

Not always. While some specialist roles require relevant qualifications or industry experience, we also welcome applications from people with transferable skills, practical experience and a willingness to learn. Every application is considered on its own merits.

What types of roles are available at Evolution?

Our specialist companies recruit across a wide range of disciplines, including project management, event operations, scenic fabrication, carpentry, metalwork, technical production, lighting, audio visual, logistics, warehousing, furniture operations, administration, finance, HR, marketing and creative services. Opportunities vary throughout the year depending on project requirements and business growth.

Which Evolution companies could I work for?

Career opportunities may be available across Evolution Events, Evolution Scenic, Evolution Technical, Evolution Site Services, Evolution Furniture, Evolution Prop Shop, Evolution Table Art, Evolution Flight cases and other specialist businesses within the Evolution group. Depending on the role, some positions may also support multiple companies across the group.

Where are Evolution's offices and facilities located?

Evolution operates from major facilities in Dubai and Riyadh — including our 180,000 sq. ft. Dubai hub in Jebel Ali Industrial Area and our 160,000 sq. ft. facility in Riyadh — supporting projects throughout the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC. Some positions are office-based, while others involve workshop, warehouse or on-site project environments.

What is it like to work at Evolution?

With over 280 team members and 1,000+ skillsets across the group, Evolution brings together specialists from every discipline of live event production under one roof. Our teams work collaboratively across departments, often supporting some of the largest and most technically complex events in the region — from concept through to on-site delivery.

Can I submit my CV even if there isn't a suitable vacancy advertised?

Yes. We're always interested in hearing from talented people. If your skills and experience match future opportunities within the Evolution group, our recruitment team may contact you when a suitable position becomes available.

Do you offer internships or graduate opportunities?

From time to time we offer internships, graduate positions and entry-level opportunities across different areas of the business. If you're interested in starting your career with Evolution, we'd encourage you to submit your CV and tell us about your interests.

What does the application process look like?

Applications are submitted online through our careers page. Our recruitment team reviews every submission against current and upcoming role requirements, and shortlisted candidates are contacted directly to discuss next steps, which may include an interview and, for some roles, a practical assessment.

Will I be contacted after submitting my application?

Every application is reviewed by our recruitment team. If your experience matches a current or future opportunity, we'll be in touch. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we're not always able to respond individually to every submission.

Do you support relocation or visa sponsorship?

Evolution support visa sponsorship and relocation for candidates joining us from outside the UAE or Saudi Arabia. Details are discussed directly with shortlisted candidates as part of the offer process.

Are there opportunities for career growth within the group?

Yes. Many of our team members progress across roles and specialist companies as they build experience, and we support ongoing training and development. Working across such a broad range of disciplines means there's often room to grow in a direction that fits your interests.

What qualities do you look for when recruiting?

Core skills and relevant experience are important, but so are attitude, teamwork, reliability and a commitment to delivering high-quality work. We're looking for people who enjoy solving problems, working collaboratively and taking pride in helping deliver successful projects.