Events Manager – Operations

The Events Manager – Operations will lead the operational planning and delivery of live events, ensuring venue readiness, staffing, guest flow, contractor coordination and smooth event-day execution. The role manages operational teams and service providers to ensure events are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with venue standards.

Manage the end-to-end operational delivery of live events.

Develop event operational plans, schedules, staffing requirements and venue readiness checklists.

Coordinate event-day activities across front-of-house, security, cleaning, facilities, parking, access control and other operational functions.

Ensure all event spaces, entrances, exits, public areas and support areas are ready before doors open.

Lead pre-event operational meetings, briefings and venue walkthroughs.

Coordinate with event organizers and internal teams to identify operational requirements for each event.

Manage crowd flow, guest entry and exit, queue management and access arrangements.

Coordinate accreditation, passes and access requirements for staff, contractors, suppliers and event personnel.

Develop staffing plans, shift schedules and deployment requirements.

Supervise outsourced service providers and contractors to ensure agreed service standards are achieved.

Coordinate security, stewarding, cleaning, parking and other event support services.

Monitor venue readiness and resolve operational issues before and during events.

Act as a key point of contact for operational matters during live events.

Coordinate emergency access, evacuation readiness and operational safety requirements.

Ensure compliance with venue policies, event procedures and health and safety requirements.

Manage incident escalation and support rapid resolution of event-day operational issues.

Monitor guest movement and venue capacity to maintain safe and efficient circulation.

Coordinate post-event venue clearance, cleaning, handover and reset activities.

Support event operational budgets, manpower planning and contractor cost control.

Review supplier performance and ensure services are delivered according to agreed scope and standards.

Conduct post-event debriefs and prepare reports covering incidents, operational challenges and improvement actions.

Identify opportunities to improve event procedures, staffing efficiency and overall venue operations.

Skills

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant qualification in Event Management, Hospitality, Venue Management, Business Administration or a related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in event operations, venue operations or large-scale event delivery.
• Previous experience within an arena, stadium, convention centre, entertainment venue or major event environment is highly preferred.
• Proven experience supporting concerts, sporting events, exhibitions, conferences or large-scale public events.
• Strong understanding of event-day operations, crowd management, guest flow and venue readiness.
• Experience managing security, cleaning, stewarding, parking and outsourced service providers.
• Strong experience coordinating multiple operational teams and contractors.
• Good understanding of event health, safety, emergency and crowd-management procedures.
• Strong planning, scheduling and manpower-management skills.
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to make quick and effective decisions in high-pressure event environments.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and operational workstreams simultaneously.
• UAE or GCC event operations experience is highly preferred.
• Experience working in Abu Dhabi or with major UAE venues would be an advantage.
• Must be flexible to work evenings, weekends, public holidays and extended hours according to the event calendar.

#J-18808-Ljbffr