Senior Event Operations Manager – Contract

Ethara; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Ethara in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Senior Event Operations Manager to lead the operational planning and delivery of complex, large-scale events. You will manage end-to-end operations, from planning and mobilisation through live delivery and close-out, coordinating venues, suppliers, budgets and stakeholders to ensure safety and guest experience.

The role requires strong leadership, commercial awareness and ability to drive operational readiness across multiple workstreams during event

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of progressive experience in event operations, venue operations or related field.
• Minimum 3 years in a management role leading event operations teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Hospitality, Engineering, Project Management or related discipline.
• Certification in project management, health and safety, crowd safety or venue management is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive event operational plans, delivery schedules and contingency arrangements.
• Oversee venue operations, workforce, accreditation, transport, security, catering and logistics.
• Establish governance, reporting structures and decision-making processes.
• Coordinate with clients, venues, authorities, internal departments and external stakeholders.
• Develop scopes of work, procurement requirements and operational budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Risk management

Communication

Negotiation

Problem solving

Microsoft Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

AutoCAD

Project scheduling software

Event management platforms

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Senior Event Operations Manager to join our Event Operations team in Abu Dhabi and lead the operational planning and delivery of complex, large-scale events.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing end-to-end event operations, from initial planning and mobilisation through live delivery and event close-out. The role requires strong leadership, operational expertise and commercial awareness, with responsibility for coordinating multiple workstreams, venues, suppliers, budgets and stakeholders while ensuring operational readiness, safety and high standards of guest experience.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive event operational plans, delivery schedules, readiness trackers, venue plans and contingency arrangements.
• Oversee key operational workstreams, including venue and site operations, workforce, accreditation, transport, traffic and parking, security, medical, cleaning, waste management, catering, logistics and temporary infrastructure.
• Establish clear operational governance, reporting structures, responsibilities, escalation procedures and decision-making processes.
• Manage coordination with clients, venues, authorities, internal departments and external stakeholders to ensure effective planning and delivery.
• Develop scopes of work, procurement requirements, operational budgets and cost plans, ensuring effective commercial control.
• Manage supplier and contractor performance, contractual obligations, operational risks and change requests.
• Review event layouts, technical submissions, schedules, risk assessments, method statements, permits and operational deployment plans.
• Lead operational readiness reviews, site inspections, rehearsals, briefings and final pre-event checks.
• Direct event mobilisation, build-up, live operations and breakdown, ensuring seamless coordination across all operational functions.
• Oversee event control and command structures, resolving operational challenges and escalating incidents where required.
• Manage operational risks, contingency planning and emergency response coordination alongside HSE, security and venue teams.
• Lead, coach and supervise Event Operations Managers, Assistant Managers, Coordinators, temporary staff and suppliers.
• Monitor operational performance, staffing requirements, resource allocation and service delivery standards.
• Prepare management reports covering project progress, budgets, operational readiness, risks and key decisions.
• Lead post-event evaluations, operational debriefs, financial reconciliation and lessons-learned reviews.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, contractual requirements, venue regulations and applicable UAE standards

Job Specifications:

• 8-10 years of progressive experience in event operations, venue operations, major-event delivery or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a management role, leading event operations teams and coordinating multiple operational workstreams.
• Proven track record of successfully planning and delivering complex, large-scale events.
• Strong experience managing venues, suppliers, contractors, operational budgets and senior stakeholders.
• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Hospitality, Engineering, Project Management or a related discipline.
• Recognised certification in project management, health and safety, crowd safety, emergency planning or venue management is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of operational planning, governance, event control structures and readiness management.
• Experience in budget development, procurement evaluation, cost control, supplier management and contract administration.
• Good understanding of crowd management, traffic and transport operations, security, medical services, workforce planning and emergency procedures.
• Ability to review event floorplans, technical drawings, schedules, risk assessments, method statements and operational deployment plans.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, communication, negotiation and decision-making skills.
• Strong organisational, problem-solving and risk-management capabilities, with the ability to perform effectively under pressure.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and operational reporting tools.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, project scheduling software and event management platforms is advantageous.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, evenings, overnight periods, weekends and public holidays during event mobilisation and delivery.