Technical & Operations Event Manager

Black Pearl Consult is hiring for a Technical & Operations Event Manager in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This opportunity suits an experienced events professional with expertise in technical production, operations and logistics across year-round cultural programmes and major live events. The role supports the delivery of large-scale productions, concerts, exhibitions and cultural initiatives, with a strong focus on operational excellence, safety and audience experience.

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.