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.
Role Overview
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.
Key Responsibilities
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
Candidate Profile
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 workstreams
- 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
