General Manager - Events

Job Title: General Manager - Events

Location: Dubai, AE

Employment Type: 

Permanent

Job Description:
The General Manager is a pivotal member of UAE’s Leadership Team, tasked with spearheading and overseeing business operations in Dubai. This role encompasses directing local management teams, enhancing agency efficiency, and fostering a positive work culture. Reporting directly to the Managing Director of the region, the General Manager collaborates closely with the EMEAI leadership team to develop effective business strategies and ensure the alignment of local and regional objectives. Key responsibilities include acting as the primary point of contact for both the agency and clients, facilitating smooth operations of client/agency agreements, and driving growth and profitability through strategic initiatives. The successful candidate will lead by example, demonstrate strong leadership qualities, and possess a deep understanding of agency operations, client management, and talent development. This role requires proven experience in senior leadership roles within the UAE, exceptional commercial acumen, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. 

Education, Experience, and Skill Set Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or a related field; Master's degree preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in senior leadership roles within the events, marketing, or advertising industry
• Proven track record of producing and delivering world-class events while effectively building and managing strategic client relationships
• Experience in people development, change management, and building and motivating strong teams
• Strong commercial acumen with a demonstrated ability to drive excellent results for the business, including managing complex budgets and ascertaining the commercial viability of projects
• Ability to adapt effectively to a variety of situations and the resilience and stamina to sustain effective performance under pressure by managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively influence and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to analyse market trends, identify growth opportunities, and recommend strategic initiatives
• Fluency in Arabic would be desirable
• Must be legally eligible to live and work in the UAE

Success Measures:

• Client satisfaction on accounts under the region's purview
• Achievement of agency annual plan/targets (financial and non-financial)
• Development and growth of account leadership teams, resulting in higher client satisfaction and expanded services
• Cultivation of a vibrant, creative work culture conducive to winning business and nurturing client relationships
• Contribution to the companies reputation as a hub for top-tier talent and the creation of industry-leading brand experiences
• Establishment of strong relationships with senior clients, both locally and within assigned regions
• Fostered global collaboration and trust across the organisation and associated project agencies
• High employee satisfaction levels, as evidenced by 360 reviews and annual surveys
• Recognition within the industry for outstanding accounts, campaigns, programs, and projects