Director of Events

Mandarin Oriental


Date: 1 day ago
City: Abu Dhabi
Contract type: Full time
The Key Responsibilities Of The Role Are

  • Strategic Event Planning & Development
  • Accountable for creating and implementing the resort's long-term events strategy, aligning with the overall business goals and positioning in the ultra-luxury market.
  • Work in partnership with the Sales and Marketing teams to identify key business opportunities that drive event bookings, including exclusive weddings, corporate retreats, fashion shows, product launches, and high-profile social gatherings.
  • Lead market research and competitive analysis to continuously innovate and tailor event offerings that appeal to ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), A-list celebrities, and global corporate leaders.
  • Develop a comprehensive calendar of signature events, ensuring that each event reflects the unique selling points of the resort.
  • Client Relationship Management & VIP Liaison
  • Own the client relationship lifecycle, from initial inquiry to post-event follow-up, ensuring high-touch, personalized service at each stage.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for VIP clients, providing concierge-level support and anticipating their needs to ensure flawless execution of every detail.
  • Work closely with wedding planners, corporate event organizers, and luxury event agencies to build partnerships that drive repeat business.
  • Maintain an extensive database of high-profile clientele, ensuring that tailored communications, offers, and services are delivered to these guests before, during, and after events.
  • Operational Oversight & Event Execution
  • Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of all resort-hosted events, ensuring a flawless and seamless experience across all touchpoints.
  • Oversee multi-departmental coordination for large-scale events, ensuring full collaboration between Food & Beverage, Housekeeping, Guest Services, Security, and external vendors.
  • Create detailed event briefs, timelines, and contingency plans, ensuring every event aspect adheres to the highest standards of luxury service.
  • Hold full accountability for risk management during events, ensuring all health, safety, and legal requirements are met while safeguarding the resort’s reputation.
  • Financial Performance & Revenue Management
  • Full accountability for the financial performance of the events department, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting on all event-related revenue streams.
  • Develop and manage annual departmental budgets in collaboration with the finance team, focusing on cost control without compromising service standards.
  • Implement strategies to optimize revenue by upselling premium services, negotiating contracts with clients and vendors, and ensuring the profitability of each event.
  • Oversee vendor negotiations and ensure that all contracts, from entertainment to catering, reflect the luxury brand standards while also being financially favorable to the resort.
  • Leadership & Team Development
  • Lead, mentor, and develop the events team, ensuring they have the skills, training, and support to consistently deliver exceptional results.
  • Directly manage the performance and productivity of event planners, coordinators, and support staff, conducting regular performance reviews and setting clear objectives aligned with the resort’s business goals.
  • Foster a culture of creativity, professionalism, and collaboration within the department, ensuring the team continuously innovates and exceeds guest expectations.
  • Ensure staffing levels are optimized to meet operational needs, managing team schedules during high and low seasons to ensure efficiency and service excellence.
  • Luxury Guest Experience Management
  • Ensure all events align with the resort's ultra-luxury brand standards, from concept to execution, maintaining impeccable attention to detail and exceptional guest service.
  • Accountable for post-event feedback collection and analysis, using guest insights to improve service delivery and client satisfaction in future events.
  • Create exclusive, tailored experiences that showcase the resort’s premium amenities, natural surroundings, and world-class facilities, ensuring each event is a unique, high-end experience.
  • Vendor and Partner Relationship Management
  • Establish and maintain relationships with top-tier luxury vendors, such as designers, caterers, entertainers, and florists, ensuring access to exclusive, high-quality services.
  • Negotiate contracts and partnerships, holding full accountability for ensuring favorable terms for both the resort and the client while upholding the resort's luxury image.
  • Regularly review vendor performance, ensuring that all services provided align with the resort’s brand and guest expectations.
  • Brand & Marketing Collaboration
  • Work closely with the Marketing team to promote the resort’s event capabilities, ensuring consistent branding across all promotional materials, including brochures, social media, and the resort’s website.
  • Collaborate on PR and marketing initiatives, such as hosting influencer events, media launches, and collaborations with high-end luxury brands to increase visibility and prestige.
  • Drive event PR opportunities by leveraging signature events and high-profile clientele to further the resort's image as a leader in the luxury market.
  • Innovation and Trend Analysis
  • Monitor global event trends, particularly within the ultra-luxury segment, to ensure the resort remains at the forefront of innovation and guest experience.
  • Introduce cutting-edge technology, décor trends, and entertainment concepts that elevate the resort’s events above industry standards.
  • Ensure event spaces and setups are refreshed regularly to maintain an upscale, modern aesthetic that appeals to discerning clients.
  • Sustainability and Social Responsibility
  • Incorporate sustainable practices into event planning, ensuring that the resort meets eco-friendly standards without compromising on luxury.
  • Lead corporate social responsibility initiatives through events, aligning with luxury industry trends that favor sustainability, philanthropy, and community engagement.

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