Portfolio Director (EVENTS)

PN Miller; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading investment platform in Africa seeks a results-oriented Portfolio Director to lead and optimize a portfolio of events and initiatives. This hands-on leadership position requires a strategic thinker with international experience, particularly in Europe or the U.S. Responsibilities include overseeing portfolio performance, managing key projects, and driving innovation in business growth. The ideal candidate should have a proven record in project management and fluency in French is highly advantageous.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in portfolio, program, or project management, ideally within events, conferences, or related industries.
• Strong understanding of the energy or hydrocarbons sector is an advantage.
• Fluency in French is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to manage cross‑functional teams and complex, multi‑market projects.

Responsibilities

• Identify, validate, and launch new event and product ideas to diversify and grow revenue streams.
• Oversee team performance, budgets, schedules, and resource allocation to ensure project delivery within scope and budget.
• Collaborate with programming teams to design impactful event agendas, forums, and publications.
• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of events and projects on time and within budget.

Skills

Strategic planning and execution

Project and stakeholder management

Budgeting and financial oversight

Cross-cultural communication and international collaboration

Business development and revenue generation

Leadership and team management

Education

Minimum 3 years’ experience in portfolio, program, or project management

Job description

Our client, based in Cape Town, is Africa’s leading investment platform for the energy industry. We connect governments, investors, and industry leaders through high-level conferences, exhibitions, investment reports, and strategic advisory and communications services.

Our international, passionate, and forward-thinking team works at the forefront of Africa’s energy transformation – an industry defined by growth, purpose, and impact.

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The Role

We are seeking a results-oriented Portfolio Director to lead and optimise a portfolio of events and initiatives, ensuring strategic alignment, operational excellence, and measurable impact across all projects.

This is a hands-on leadership position suited to a strategic thinker who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about driving business growth through effective portfolio and stakeholder management.

Fluency in French and international experience (particularly in Europe or the U.S.) are highly advantageous.

The Portfolio Director will oversee portfolio performance, managing key projects and collaborating closely with the Executive, Event Management, and Commercial teams to ensure seamless delivery of world-class events. You will define and monitor KPIs, identify growth opportunities, implement scalable systems, and provide strategic guidance that enhances long‑term profitability and market influence.

This role also involves leading investor outreach in key international markets, attracting stakeholders interested in Africa’s energy investment landscape. The ideal candidate will possess a global perspective, a proven record of managing complex projects, and strong leadership capabilities to guide diverse teams across multiple markets.

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Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Stakeholder Engagement

• Identify, validate, and launch new event and product ideas to diversify and grow revenue streams.
• Lead initiatives to develop new forums, themes, and publishing products aligned with industry trends.
• Build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders across the energy value chain.
• Generate new business opportunities through sponsorships, advertising, and strategic partnerships.

Leadership & Management

• Oversee team performance, budgets, schedules, and resource allocation to ensure project delivery within scope and budget.
• Accurately forecast and maximise portfolio revenues.
• Provide operational support to on‑the‑ground teams, including travel, marketing, and logistics coordination.
• Drive innovation by developing new products, services, and platforms that generate additional revenue and enhance market reach.

Programming & Content

• Collaborate with programming teams to design impactful event agendas, forums, and publications that reflect current market drivers.
• Conduct industry research, engage with senior stakeholders, and integrate insights into content strategy.
• Develop coherent brand strategies to maintain and strengthen market relevance.
• Partner with the Commercial Director to define target audiences, sales plans, and value propositions, ensuring alignment between content and commercial objectives.
• Utilise CRM and pipeline tools to forecast performance and optimise sales outcomes.

Marketing

• Collaborate with marketing teams to design and execute effective, cost‑efficient campaigns.
• Oversee copy creation and ensure alignment of promotional materials — including agendas, websites, and digital campaigns — with brand strategy.
• Identify new marketing opportunities and partnerships with media and industry associations to expand brand reach.

Project Management & Operations

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of events and projects on time and within budget.
• Ensure outstanding customer experience for sponsors, speakers, exhibitors, and delegates.
• Supervise post‑event analysis and continuous improvement processes.
• Oversee operational logistics to ensure each event meets brand, quality, and cost‑efficiency standards.

Reporting & Performance

• Prepare and present financial forecasts, management reports, and post‑event analyses.
• Contribute to annual budgeting and monthly performance reviews.
• Provide executive reports during and after events, including attendance, revenue, and impact summaries.
• Monitor and track KPIs, milestones, and budgets to ensure accountability and transparency across all projects.

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Key Performance Areas

• Effective collaboration with internal teams and partners.
• Achievement of revenue and profitability targets.
• Innovation and creativity in developing new initiatives.
• Timely and accurate budget and forecast submissions.
• Consistent progress against milestones and strategic objectives.
• Maintenance of updated project collateral and performance trackers.

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Requirements

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in portfolio, program, or project management, ideally within events, conferences, or related industries.
• Strong understanding of the energy or hydrocarbons sector is an advantage.
• Fluency in French is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to manage cross‑functional teams and complex, multi‑market projects.

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Skills & Competencies

• Strategic planning and execution
• Project and stakeholder management
• Budgeting and financial oversight
• Cross‑cultural communication and international collaboration
• Business development and revenue generation
• Leadership and team management