Manager - Partnerships & Events

We are representing a leading multinational organisation with a strong regional footprint across the GCC. The firm operates at scale and is highly active across strategic partnerships, large-scale events, and stakeholder engagement initiatives that support both commercial growth and brand positioning.

The organisation is undergoing continued regional and global transformation, with a strong focus on elevating professional standards, optimising ROI, and aligning regional initiatives with global best practices.

The Manager – Partnerships & Events will play a pivotal role in leading and delivering high-profile partnerships and events across the GCC. The role combines strategic planning, operational excellence, stakeholder management, and team leadership.

This individual will lead a dedicated team responsible for the execution of a wide range of initiatives including corporate and internal events, town halls, gala dinners, employee engagement activities, signing ceremonies, delegations, trade shows, and conferences.

The role requires hands‑on execution at a very high standard while simultaneously driving process improvement, cost efficiency, and measurable impact.

Strategy & Planning

• Develop and maintain a regional Partnerships & Events strategy aligned with broader business and brand objectives
• Build and manage an annual GCC events plan with clear priorities, timelines, budgets, and measurable KPIs
• Support the development of events and partnerships strategies in line with communications and commercial plans

Execution & Delivery

• Lead the end‑to‑end delivery of events, ensuring brand consistency, quality control, and operational excellence
• Manage internal teams and external agencies to deliver cost‑effective, high‑impact initiatives
• Oversee on‑ground execution of complex, high‑visibility events

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Build strong relationships with internal business units and senior leadership
• Collaborate with government, public affairs, and external partners on international and regional platforms
• Manage a roster of specialist external agencies, including those aligned with global centres of excellence

Measurement & Continuous Improvement

• Define and track ROI, performance metrics, and post‑event reporting
• Review and enhance existing frameworks, processes, and procedures
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement by leveraging global best practices

Risk & Compliance

• Maintain readiness to respond to short‑term opportunities, unforeseen challenges, and crisis situations
• Ensure compliance with internal governance, brand guidelines, ethical standards, and safety requirements

Experience & Background

• 6–10 years of experience in corporate‑level events and partnerships management
• Proven exposure to large‑scale, high‑profile events within complex, multinational environments
• Strong B2B experience; regional and international exposure highly preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Demonstrated leadership and team‑management capability
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple work streams
• Commercially astute, with experience linking events to business and reputational outcomes
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross‑functional collaboration skills
• High attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to operate both strategically and hands‑on

Education & Personal Attributes

• Tertiary‑level education required
• Excellent written and spoken English
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and judgement
• Self‑starter with a proactive, solutions‑driven mindset