Technical & Operations Events Manager

About the Role
This position is for an experienced technical and operations events manager based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The role is pivotal in supporting the delivery of large-scale productions, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural initiatives, with an emphasis on operational excellence, safety, and audience experience. The successful candidate will oversee various technical production aspects and logistical operations throughout the year across cultural programs and major live events.

Key Responsibilities

Technical & Operations Management:

• Oversee technical and operational requirements for concerts, exhibitions, installations, special commissions, and large-scale productions.
• Manage venue readiness, including staging, lighting, sound, AV, backline, backstage facilities, and audience areas.
• Supervise event setup, rehearsals, live operations, show calls, breakdown, and venue handover.
• Oversee daily operational activities, including facilities, office operations, equipment, logistics, procurement, inventory, and storage.
• Develop and implement operational procedures, production protocols, and health & safety standards.
• Monitor operational budgets, control expenditure, and optimise resources.
• Coordinate logistical arrangements for artists, performers, technical crews, VIPs, and international guests.
• Conduct post-event reviews and identify opportunities for improvement.

Project & Event Operations

• Lead operational planning and delivery for major productions, cultural programmes, hospitality events, and international delegations.
• Develop project timelines, resource plans, and risk management strategies.
• Work closely with programming and internal departments to translate creative concepts and technical riders into practical operational plans.

Ticketing & Access Management

• Oversee ticketing platforms, access control, seating configurations, box office operations, and guest check-in.
• Coordinate with marketing and audience development teams to ensure smooth ticketing and audience management.
• Monitor ticketing data, attendance trends, and venue capacity.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Coordinate with government entities, venue operators, cultural partners, international institutions, and production companies.
• Manage vendor sourcing, contracts, tenders, and service delivery.
• Maintain strong relationships with technical suppliers, touring companies, and event partners.

Team Leadership

• Supervise technical and operations teams, contractors, and external event staff.
• Identify staffing requirements and oversee recruitment, onboarding, and training of event personnel.
• Monitor team performance, workload, and compliance with operational and safety procedures.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with UAE regulations, venue requirements, and organisational policies.
• Conduct event and venue risk assessments and implement appropriate mitigation measures.
• Maintain health and safety standards for employees, artists, contractors, and audiences.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technical Production, Event Operations, or a related discipline.
• Master's degree or Arts Management qualification is an advantage.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in technical production, event operations, or large-scale project management, preferably within the arts, culture, or live entertainment sectors.
• Proven experience delivering large-scale cultural productions or high-profile live events; international experience is an advantage.
• Strong technical knowledge of AV, staging, lighting, and sound.
• Demonstrated leadership and experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex event operations.
• Strong project management, budgeting, procurement, and vendor management skills.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and problem-solving abilities, with the ability to perform under pressure.