Senior Event Manager

SENIOR EVENT MANAGER – FREELANCE

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE preferred | UAE-based candidates considered

Engagement: Freelance / Project-Based

Availability: ASAP to 31 Dec 2026 - 4 months contract

Level: Senior Manager / Director

Openings: 3

About the Opportunity

We are seeking three highly experienced Senior Event Managers to join a major event project on a freelance basis during Q4 2026.

This is a senior-level opportunity for professionals who are confident operating independently, leading high-profile client relationships and taking full ownership of complex proposals and projects from initial brief through to delivery.

We are looking for proven event leaders who can step in immediately, take ownership and deliver with minimal onboarding or supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior client lead and primary point of contact for assigned events and projects.
• Lead client meetings, calls, presentations and senior-level stakeholder engagements.
• Manage and build relationships across complex stakeholder groups, potentially involving up to 20 stakeholders.
• Take end-to-end ownership of RFPs, tenders and proposals, from initial brief through strategy, development, costing, presentation and award.
• Develop clear, compelling and commercially viable event proposals in collaboration with internal teams.
• Maintain accountability for the project from proposal stage through delivery, including after formal handover to the production team.
• Translate client requirements into clear internal briefs and align creative, production, technical, operations and other project teams.
• Lead the transition from proposal to delivery, ensuring continuity of client expectations, scope, timelines and commercial commitments.
• Monitor project progress, deliverables, approvals, risks and stakeholder expectations.
• Proactively identify and resolve issues, ensuring a high level of client satisfaction.
• Work closely with the Event Director and General Manager on strategic, commercial and operational matters.
• Represent the organisation confidently and professionally with senior client stakeholders, partners and suppliers.

• Candidate Profile
• We are looking for seasoned event professionals with a proven track record of owning major events, client relationships and complex projects.
• The ideal candidate will have:

• 10+ years of relevant experience, ideally within events, experiential, live entertainment, sports, brand experience or creative agencies.
• Previous experience at Senior Event Manager, Event Director, Senior Manager, Account Director or equivalent senior level.
• Strong experience managing RFPs, tenders and end-to-end proposal processes.
• Proven ability to lead client relationships and independently manage senior stakeholders.
• Experience managing multiple stakeholders across client and internal teams.
• Strong commercial awareness, negotiation and presentation skills.
• Excellent understanding of the event lifecycle from proposal and strategy through production and delivery.
• The confidence and maturity to take accountability for outcomes rather than simply managing individual tasks.
• Strong communication, leadership, organisation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure event environment.
• A hands-on, ownership-driven approach with the ability to start immediately and add value without extensive training.

Preferred Background

Experience across any of the following will be highly advantageous:

Major Events | Experiential | Brand Experience | Sports & Entertainment | Corporate Events | Live Events | Government Events | Destination Events | Large-Scale Activations | Opening & Closing Ceremonies

Location & Availability

Abu Dhabi-based candidates are strongly preferred. However, exceptional UAE-based candidates will also be considered.

Candidates must be available for a freelance engagement during Q4 2026.

Why This Opportunity

This is an opportunity to join a significant event environment where your seniority, client leadership and ability to take ownership will have a direct impact on the success of major projects.

If you are an experienced event leader who can walk into a complex client environment, take control of the relationship, own the proposal and remain accountable through delivery, we would like to hear from you.

Apply with your updated CV and LinkedIn profile.