Abu Dhabi Airports Company
Head of Events & Operations
- Permanent
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Experience 10 - 15 yrs
Job expiry date: 31/03/2026
Job overview
Date posted
14/02/2026
Location
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Salary
AED 30,000 - 40,000 per month
Compensation
Comprehensive package
Experience
10 - 15 yrs
Seniority
Senior Manager
Qualification
Bachelors degree
Expiration date
31/03/2026
Job description
The Head of Events & Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for planning, overseeing, and executing all corporate events, brand activations, and operational functions within AD Airportsā Marketing, Brand, and Communications department. This includes strategic event planning, operational governance, budget oversight, stakeholder management, vendor and agency coordination, and team leadership. The role ensures all events align with AD Airportsā brand, strategic objectives, and industry best practices while maintaining operational efficiency, risk compliance, and continuous improvement.
Required skills
Event management and execution
Strategic planning and business alignment
Project management
Budget management and financial oversight
Vendor and agency management
Stakeholder engagement and liaison
Brand strategy and communications
Team leadership and cross-functional coordination
Operational governance and policy compliance
Risk management and audit resolution
Digital and physical asset management
Performance monitoring and KPI reporting
Trade delegations and international events management
Negotiation and contract management
Emerging trends analysis and innovation in events
Key responsibilities
- Develop, manage, and deliver the annual events and activations calendar aligned with corporate strategic objectives.
- Design and implement comprehensive event strategies, ensuring all events reflect the brand identity and meet business goals.
- Lead end-to-end delivery of corporate events, conferences, exhibitions, product launches, trade delegations, roadshows, and international events.
- Act as the primary liaison with internal and external stakeholders, including embassies, government agencies, business partners, and senior management.
- Lead procurement, appointment, and management of third-party agencies and suppliers, ensuring cost control, quality, and timely delivery.
- Manage event budgets effectively, tracking expenditures, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring maximum ROI and brand impact.
- Oversee operational governance within the Marketing, Brand and Communications department, including policy compliance, risk mitigation, audit management, and asset control.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and emerging technologies to maintain brand relevance and enhance event strategies.
- Prepare post-event reports and insights, track KPIs, and recommend continuous improvements for operational excellence.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams, providing leadership, coaching, and mentorship to ensure successful execution of all initiatives.
- Assume full project management responsibility for event programmes, proactively managing risks, timelines, and deliverables.
- Standardize workflows, documentation, and reporting processes across the team to ensure efficiency and consistency.
- Support senior leadership with strategic advice, operational insights, and event-related decision-making.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support the overall objectives of the Marketing, Brand and Communications function.
Experience & skills
- Bachelorās degree in Event Management, Marketing, or related field. Advanced degree is a plus.
- Minimum of 10 yearsā experience in event planning and execution, with at least 5 years in a leadership or senior management capacity.
- Proven ability to manage complex, high-profile events and corporate functions.
- Strong project management and organisational skills with experience managing multiple initiatives simultaneously.
- Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial oversight, vendor management, and contract negotiation.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leadership.
- Experience with brand strategy, marketing communications, and alignment of events to corporate objectives.
- Proficiency with event management tools, software, and digital platforms.
- Leadership capabilities including team management, mentorship, cross-functional coordination, and decision-making.
- Ability to analyze data, track KPIs, and provide actionable insights to drive continuous improvement.
- Familiarity with operational governance, policy compliance, risk management, and audit processes.
- Ability to manage international events, trade delegations, and collaborations with global partners.
- Adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving skills to navigate complex and dynamic event environments.