Events Business Unit Director

Ad Talent Africa; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Ad Talent Africa is seeking a commercially driven senior events leader in Johannesburg to lead and scale a global events division. You will be responsible for driving revenue, profitability, and overseeing event marketing, launches, and audience strategies.

The ideal candidate will have 7–10 years of experience in large-scale events, agency experience, and strong project management skills. Exceptional leadership and communication abilities are crucial for ensuring successful event execution and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years’ experience in large-scale events or experiential environments.
• Previous agency experience is essential.
• 5+ years’ experience leading teams across sales, marketing, and operations.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple high-pressure projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow the global events business unit.
• Drive revenue, profitability, attendance, and sales targets.
• Oversee event marketing, launches, and audience growth strategies.
• Manage end-to-end event planning, logistics, and delivery.
• Ensure exceptional event execution and customer experience.

Skills

Commercial and revenue-growth experience

Project management

Leadership and communication

Digital marketing knowledge

Team management

Analytical mindset

Job description

Who Are We?

We are a global organisation delivering premium live events, educational programs, workshops, and transformational learning experiences worldwide.

Our business combines education, events, marketing, and audience engagement in a fast-paced, high-performance environment focused on growth, excellence, and impact.

Who Are We Looking For?

We are looking for a commercially driven senior events leader with strong agency experience to lead and scale a global events division.

You are strategic, highly organised, results-driven, and thrive in fast-moving environments managing multiple projects, teams, and deadlines simultaneously.

What Will You Do?

• Lead and grow the global events business unit
• Drive revenue, profitability, attendance, and sales targets
• Oversee event marketing, launches, and audience growth strategies
• Manage end-to-end event planning, logistics, and delivery
• Lead sales performance, conversion strategies, and affiliate partnerships
• Manage speaking opportunities, collaborations, and growth initiatives
• Oversee budgets, forecasting, reporting, and operational performance
• Lead multidisciplinary teams across sales, events, operations, and contractors
• Ensure exceptional event execution and customer experience

What Do You Need?

• 7–10+ years’ experience in large-scale events or experiential environments
• Previous agency experience is essential
• 5+ years’ experience leading teams across sales, marketing, and operations
• Strong commercial and revenue-growth experience
• Excellent project management and organisational skills
• Strong understanding of digital marketing, CRM systems, and conversion funnels
• Ability to manage multiple high-pressure projects simultaneously
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• KPI-driven, analytical, and solutions-focused mindset