MICE Operations Manager

Benchmark Incentive Leisure Travels; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 4,200,000 - 6,600,000; Full time

Job summary

Benchmark Incentive Leisure Travels in Bengaluru is seeking an experienced MICE Operations Manager to lead the planning and execution of high-value corporate travel, incentive, conference, and exhibition projects. The role requires steering teams, budgeting, and maintaining profitability across complex programs.

The ideal candidate will strengthen global supplier partnerships, manage key client relationships, and drive operational excellence across a portfolio of multi-destination MICE

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Travel Tourism, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• 7+ years in MICE operations or corporate travel.
• At least 2 years in team leadership.
• Track record managing large multi-destination MICE projects with full P&L accountability.
• Strong network of global suppliers, DMCs, and Tourism Board contacts.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Project Ownership: end-to-end delivery across multiple MICE projects with profitability targets.
• Team Leadership Development: mentor, train, and manage Operations staff with KPIs.
• Supplier Partner Strategy: negotiate with global partners and secure preferred terms.
• Financial Ownership Reporting: own P&L and review budgets and profitability.
• Client Relationship Management: senior escalation point and account growth.
• On-Site Leadership Crisis Management: oversee on-site execution and crisis resolution.
• Process Systems Improvement: drive tech adoption to improve efficiency and standardise SOPs.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Client relationship management

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Travel Tourism, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field

MBA/PGDM preferred

Tools

HRMS

PM tools

Job description

Job Summary

MICE Operations Manager

We are looking for an experienced MICE Operations Manager to lead the planning and execution of high-value corporate travel, incentive, conference, and exhibition projects. The role involves managing teams, overseeing budgets and profitability, strengthening global supplier partnerships, managing key client relationships, and driving operational excellence across complex MICE projects.

About the Role

Were looking for a seasoned Senior MICE Operations professional to lead our operations function for corporate travel, incentive, conference, and exhibition projects. This role goes beyond individual project execution - the ideal candidate will drive operational strategy, mentor a team of operations executives, and be accountable for overall performance, profitability, and client satisfaction across a full portfolio of projects.

If youve led large-scale MICE operations, built strong teams, and owned a PL, this is your next step.

What You'll Do

Strategic Project Ownership

• Own end-to-end operational delivery across multiple concurrent, high-value MICE projects, ensuring alignment with company objectives and profitability targets.
• Set operational strategy, standards, and best practices for the team, driving continuous improvement in project execution.
• Review and approve critical path timelines, operational plans, and contingency plans prepared by the team for complex or high-risk projects.
• Take direct ownership of the organisations largest, most complex, or highest-visibility accounts.

Team Leadership Development

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Operations Managers/Executives, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback.
• Allocate projects and resources across the team based on complexity, workload, and individual strengths.
• Conduct regular reviews, set KPIs, and drive accountability across the operations team.
• Build a strong bench of talent through coaching, upskilling, and succession planning.

Supplier Partner Strategy

• Lead strategic negotiations with key global partners, hotel chains, DMCs, and airlines to secure preferred rates and long-term partnership agreements.
• Establish and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders at Tourism Boards, embassies, and key destination partners.
• Set vendor evaluation frameworks and standards, ensuring consistent quality across the supplier network.
• Identify and onboard new strategic partners to expand the companys global sourcing capabilities.

Financial Ownership Reporting

• Own the PL for the operations vertical, ensuring cost control, margin protection, and revenue targets are consistently met.
• Review project-level budgets, financial reconciliations, and profitability reports prepared by the team.
• Present operational performance, financial insights, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and process efficiencies across the project lifecycle.

Client Relationship Management

• Act as the senior escalation point for key clients, building long-term relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Lead client review meetings, presenting performance insights and identifying opportunities for account growth.
• Support the sales team in pitching for large or complex accounts, bringing operational expertise to proposals.

On-Site Leadership Crisis Management

• Provide senior oversight for on-site execution of flagship projects, stepping in to manage escalations or high-stakes situations.
• Serve as the final point of decision-making for on-ground crisis management, ensuring swift, effective resolution.

Process Systems Improvement

• Drive the adoption of technology, tools, and systems (e.g., HRMS/project management platforms) to improve operational efficiency.
• Standardise SOPs, checklists, and reporting formats across the team to ensure consistency and scalability.

What Were Looking For

• Bachelors degree in Travel Tourism, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field (MBA/PGDM preferred).
• Minimum 7+ years of experience in MICE operations or corporate travel, including at least 2 years in a team leadership/managerial capacity.
• Demonstrated track record of managing large, complex, multi-destination MICE projects with full PL accountability.
• Strong network of global suppliers, DMCs, and Tourism Board contacts.
• Proven experience mentoring and developing high-performing teams.