Head of Events

Company OverviewOur client is a boutique luxury events and experiential agency specializing in the creation, planning and execution of high-end events and brand experiences for leading international and regional brands.The company has particular expertise in working with clients within the fashion, jewellery, luxury watches, beauty and premium lifestyle sectors, delivering bespoke experiences that combine creativity, design, production and exceptional guest experiences.The Dubai/Middle East operation works closely with international clients, regional stakeholders, creative teams, production partners and luxury brands.Position OverviewThe General Manager / Head of Events / Senior Project Manager will be responsible for leading the company's event operations in the Middle East, with a particular focus on Dubai and the UAE.The role will combine senior event management, project leadership, client relationship management, operational management and business development.The successful candidate will manage projects from the initial client brief and concept development through budgeting, planning, production, execution and post-event evaluation.This individual will also act as a senior representative of the company in the region, developing relationships with existing and prospective luxury clients and identifying opportunities to grow the Middle East business.Key Responsibilities1. Event & Project LeadershipTake overall responsibility for the planning and execution of luxury events and brand experiences.Manage projects from initial brief through concept, planning, production, execution and completion.Develop detailed project plans, timelines, budgets and resource requirements.Manage several projects simultaneously while maintaining exceptional quality standards.Ensure all projects are delivered on time, within budget and according to client expectations.Identify potential project risks and establish appropriate contingency plans.Lead project meetings and maintain clear communication between all stakeholders.2. Luxury Client ManagementDevelop and maintain strong relationships with senior representatives of luxury brands.Act as the primary senior contact for key clients throughout the project lifecycle.Understand clients' brand positioning, objectives, guidelines and expectations.Lead client briefings, presentations, progress meetings and project reviews.Manage client expectations and proactively resolve issues.Develop long-term relationships that generate repeat business.Maintain a high level of discretion when dealing with VIPs, celebrities, senior executives and confidential product launches.3. Business DevelopmentIdentify new business opportunities within the Middle East luxury market.Develop relationships with fashion houses, jewellery brands, luxury watch companies, beauty brands and premium lifestyle businesses.Build and maintain a strong network of luxury industry contacts.Participate in new-business pitches and client presentations.Prepare and review proposals, presentations, budgets and commercial offers.Identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships.Monitor market trends and emerging opportunities within the UAE and GCC.Contribute to the growth of the company's Middle East operation.4. Event Production & ExecutionOversee the planning and execution of:Luxury fashion eventsJewellery launchesLuxury watch launchesProduct launchesVIP client eventsGala dinnersBrand activationsBoutique and store openingsPress and media eventsInfluencer and celebrity eventsPrivate client experiencesCorporate eventsExperiential marketing campaignsPop-up events and installationsInternational and regional brand experiences5. Creative & Concept DevelopmentWork closely with creative teams to develop concepts that reflect the client's brand identity.Translate client briefs into creative and commercially viable event solutions.Collaborate with designers, set designers, production teams, entertainment agencies and technical specialists.Review creative proposals and ensure they are achievable within budget and timeline.Ensure all event elements reflect the premium positioning of the client's brand.Keep abreast of international trends in luxury events, fashion, design, hospitality and experiential marketing.6. Budget & Commercial ManagementPrepare and manage project budgets.Review supplier quotations and negotiate commercial terms.Monitor project costs and profitability.Ensure projects remain within approved budgets.Identify opportunities for cost efficiencies without compromising quality.Manage supplier and production partner negotiations.Review project financial performance and provide regular updates to senior management.Support the commercial team with proposals and pricing.7. Supplier & Partner ManagementDevelop and maintain relationships with high-quality local and international suppliers.Manage production companies, contractors, venues, technical suppliers, designers and other event partners.Source and evaluate suppliers based on quality, reliability and commercial competitiveness.Negotiate supplier rates and contractual terms.Ensure suppliers meet agreed timelines and quality standards.Maintain a reliable network of event-production partners throughout the UAE and GCC.8. Operations & LogisticsManage venue selection, site inspections and event logistics.Coordinate event setup, rehearsals, production and dismantling.Oversee guest management, hospitality, transportation and entertainment requirements.Coordinate event staffing and operational requirements.Ensure permits, venue approvals and other regulatory requirements are addressed.Develop contingency plans for operational and production risks.Ensure smooth execution on event days.9. Team LeadershipLead and coordinate internal event and project teams.Allocate resources according to project requirements.Provide direction and support to project managers, event managers and coordinators.Ensure team members understand project objectives, deadlines and responsibilities.Monitor team performance and project delivery.Develop a collaborative, accountable and high-performance working environment.Build and maintain a network of experienced freelance event professionals where required.10. Regional ManagementSupport the development and growth of the company's Middle East operation.Represent the company professionally within the UAE luxury and events industry.Develop strategic relationships with key industry stakeholders.Monitor the competitive landscape and market opportunities.Provide management with regular updates on projects, business opportunities and market developments.Contribute to the development of the company's Middle East strategy.Candidate RequirementsEducationBachelor's degree in Event Management, Marketing, Business Administration, Hospitality, Communications, Public Relations or a related field.Additional qualifications in event management, luxury brand management, marketing or experiential marketing would be advantageous.Professional Experience8–15+ years of experience in luxury events, experiential marketing, event production, creative agencies or a related environment.Proven experience managing high-end luxury events and brand experiences.Experience working with fashion, jewellery, luxury watches, beauty, hospitality or premium lifestyle brands.Strong UAE/Middle East market experience.Experience dealing with international brands and senior-level clients.Previous experience managing teams, suppliers and complex projects.Strong commercial and business-development exposure.Ideal Candidate ProfileThe ideal candidate will be a senior luxury-events professional with strong UAE/GCC experience and an established network within the fashion, jewellery, watches and luxury lifestyle sectors.The person should be capable of working at both strategic and operational levels. They should be comfortable meeting a CEO or Marketing Director of a global luxury brand in the morning, developing a project strategy in the afternoon and being hands-on with the production team when required.Candidates coming from luxury event agencies, experiential agencies, creative agencies, fashion houses, jewellery companies, luxury watch brands, premium hospitality or luxury retail would be highly relevant.You may also register your profile through our website and apply here: https://nadia-me.com/job/details/661