Event Manager / Festival Operations Manager

The Event Manager / Festival Operations Manager is responsible for the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of events, festivals, and large-scale public programmes. The role oversees all aspects of event delivery, including operational planning, budgeting, logistics, vendor management, production coordination, and on-site execution. The successful candidate will ensure events are delivered seamlessly, within approved budgets and timelines, while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, audience engagement, and overall event experience.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the planning, development, and execution of corporate events, festivals, exhibitions, entertainment programmes, and public gatherings.
* Develop event concepts, operational plans, production schedules, and implementation strategies.
* Manage event budgets, cost estimates, procurement activities, and financial performance.
* Coordinate venues, staging, lighting, sound systems, technical production, transportation, accommodation, and event logistics.
* Oversee vendors, contractors, sponsors, performers, suppliers, and external service providers.
* Supervise event setup, rehearsals, live operations, crowd management, and post-event dismantling.
* Coordinate event personnel, production crews, security teams, and operational staff.
* Identify potential operational risks and implement contingency plans, emergency procedures, and crowd safety measures.
* Monitor event progress and resolve operational challenges to ensure smooth execution.
* Develop relationships with sponsors, partners, government representatives, clients, and other stakeholders.
* Evaluate event performance, audience feedback, operational efficiency, and financial outcomes.
* Prepare event reports, post-event evaluations, and recommendations for future improvements.
Requirements
* Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
* Proven experience in event management, festival operations, entertainment production, or large-scale event coordination.
* Strong knowledge of event planning, production management, logistics, and on-site operations.
* Experience managing event budgets, contractors, suppliers, and multidisciplinary teams.
* Ability to coordinate multiple activities under tight schedules and changing operational conditions.
* Good understanding of crowd management, event safety, emergency planning, and operational risk control.
* Excellent project management, leadership, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
* Strong communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
* Creative mindset with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
* Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public event periods.
* Proficiency in written and spoken English.