Fabrication Manager – Events & Experiential (Freelance)
Talent Blueprint FZ LLC · Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates
Tailor my CV for this job — freeYou'll deliver the build and installation of 60+ booths, plus feature structures, scenic elements, stages and branded installations.This is a fast-paced, hands-on role for someone who has built events before, knows workshops and materials inside out, and can turn designs into high-quality builds that are installed on time.THE ROLE IN SHORTYou'll own fabrication from drawing to installed element: check that designs are buildable, get shop drawings and samples approved, manage the workshop and fabrication contractors, control quality and cost, and lead the delivery, installation and dismantling of 60+ booths and all event structures.Key ResponsibilitiesPre-production and planning Review 3D designs, layouts and drawings, and advise on materials, buildability, durability and cost Prepare or review shop drawings, cutting lists, material specs and finishing schedules Build the fabrication and installation schedule for 60+ booths and feature elements, working back from the opening date Plan standard modules and repeatable booth systems to save time and keep quality consistent Get material samples, finishes and colour approvals signed off before productionFabrication management Brief and manage the workshop and fabrication contractors (carpentry and joinery, metalwork, acrylic, painting and spraying, CNC, printing and graphics) Track daily progress against the schedule and act early on delays Carry out quality checks in the workshop on structure, finishes, edges, graphics, lighting integration and branding Control fabrication costs, quotes and variations against the approved budget Make sure all materials meet safety and fire-rating requirements for outdoor public eventsLogistics and installation Plan packing, labelling, transport and site delivery for all elements and booths Coordinate install sequencing with the site, production, technical and operations teams Lead installation crews on site: setting out, assembly, fixing, finishing, branding and snagging Hand over every booth and structure on time, complete and safe Fix issues during the live event periodDismantling and close-out Plan and supervise dismantling, removal and storage or disposal Track returns of reusable elements and materials Report on fabrication completion, costs and lessons learnedHealth and safety Make sure workshop and site work follows HSE requirements: PPE, safe working at height, tool safety, method statements and permits Make sure structures are stable, secured and safe for heavy public footfallRequirements 5+ years in event, exhibition or experiential fabrication, with 3+ years managing fabrication projects Proven experience delivering multiple booths, stands or kiosks at scale: festivals, exhibitions, brand activations or public events Strong hands-on knowledge of materials and methods: timber and MDF, plywood, metal, aluminium systems, acrylic, paint finishes, CNC, vinyl and large-format print Confident reading and checking technical and shop drawings (AutoCAD a plus) Experience managing workshops, fabrication contractors and installation crews Strong eye for quality and finish Good grasp of fabrication costs, quotes and variations Calm and organised under tight deadlines; able to run many elements at once Currently based in Abu Dhabi and available to start immediately until 25 December 2026 Fluent EnglishNICE TO HAVE Knowledge of Abu Dhabi and UAE fabrication suppliers and workshops Experience on festivals, F1, national events, brand activations or major exhibitions (ADNEC, DWTC) Experience with modular booth or stand systems (Octanorm, aluminium frames) IOSH or NEBOSH safety training Valid UAE driving licence and own transport ArabicWhat We're Looking ForA practical, detail-driven fabrication professional who has been on the workshop floor and on site, who takes ownership, solves problems fast, and is proud of the quality of what they build.CONTRACT DETAILS Freelance contract, starting immediately until 25 December 2026 Abu Dhabi-based, on-site role Monthly rate, discussed with shortlisted candidatesHow To ApplySend your CV and a portfolio or photos of booths, stands or structures you have fabricated and installed, with: your current location in Abu Dhabi your earliest start date your expected monthly rate 2–3 projects where you managed fabrication (scale, number of booths or stands, your role)Only Abu Dhabi-based candidates available immediately will be considered.