Event Operations Manager

Job Overview
We are looking for an Event Operations Manager who can take ownership of the end-to-end execution and operational management of events. The role will be responsible for ensuring that every event is delivered smoothly, on time, within budget, and to the expected quality standards.
The ideal candidate should be highly organised, solution-oriented, hands-on, and comfortable managing multiple stakeholders, vendors, teams, and deadlines simultaneously.
Key Responsibilities
Event Planning & Execution
Manage end-to-end event operations from planning and pre-production to on-ground execution and closure.
Develop detailed event execution plans, timelines, checklists, and operational schedules.
Coordinate with internal teams including Creative, Client Servicing, Production, Design, and Accounts.
Ensure all event requirements, deliverables, manpower, materials, and technical elements are planned well in advance.
Manage event setup, rehearsals, show flow, event-day execution, and dismantling.
Be the primary operational point of contact during event execution.
Vendor & Partner Management
Identify, brief, coordinate, and manage external vendors and production partners.
Negotiate with vendors and ensure commercial terms are aligned with approved budgets.
Track vendor deliverables, timelines, quality, and payments.
Build and maintain a reliable network of event vendors, fabricators, technicians, manpower agencies, AV partners, decorators, and other service providers.
On-Ground Operations
Lead and supervise event-day operations and execution teams.
Conduct venue recce and assess logistical, technical, and operational requirements.
Coordinate venue access, permissions, loading/unloading, setup, branding, seating, AV, lighting, power, backstage, hospitality, and other event requirements.
Ensure all production elements are installed and tested within timelines.
Troubleshoot operational issues quickly and implement contingency plans wherever required.
Ensure smooth coordination between all teams during live events.
Budget & Cost Management
Work closely with Accounts/Finance to manage event budgets and operational costs.
Obtain and compare vendor quotations.
Track production and operational expenses against approved budgets.
Identify opportunities for cost optimisation without compromising event quality.
Ensure timely submission and closure of vendor bills and event-related expenses.
Team Management
Allocate responsibilities to internal and external teams based on event requirements.
Brief teams clearly on timelines, responsibilities, escalation points, and event protocols.
Manage freelancers, event crew, technicians, and temporary manpower where required.
Ensure teams adhere to timelines, quality standards, and safety protocols.
Client & Stakeholder Coordination
Coordinate with clients and stakeholders on operational requirements whenever required.
Translate client requirements into actionable operational plans.
Provide regular updates on event readiness, production status, risks, and dependencies.
Manage last-minute changes and ensure they are executed with minimum disruption.
Post-Event Closure
Oversee dismantling and material movement after the event.
Ensure venue handover is completed smoothly.
Track pending vendor deliverables, payments, and documentation.
Conduct post-event reviews and document learnings for future events.
Maintain event reports, vendor records, checklists, and operational documentation.
Key Skills & Competencies
Strong event planning and execution skills.
Excellent vendor and stakeholder management.
Strong negotiation and budgeting skills.
Ability to manage multiple events/projects simultaneously.
Excellent communication and coordination skills.
Strong problem-solving and crisis-management abilities.
Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
Ability to work under pressure and manage tight deadlines.
Hands-on approach to event execution.
Strong understanding of event production, logistics, AV, fabrication, branding, and venue operations.
Proficiency in MS Office / Google Workspace and basic project-management tools.
Experience
4–7 years of experience in event operations, event production, experiential marketing, or event management.
Experience handling corporate events, brand activations, conferences, launches, exhibitions, or large-scale experiences is preferred.
Proven experience in managing vendors, production teams, budgets, and on-ground execution.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Timely and smooth execution of events.
Adherence to approved event budgets.
Vendor performance and cost efficiency.
Quality of event execution and production.
Timely completion of pre-event deliverables.
Effective management of event-day issues and escalations.
Client/stakeholder satisfaction.
Successful post-event closure and documentation.

Work arrangement
No