Manager - Partnerships & Events (B2B)

The purpose of the Partnerships & Events Manager is to lead on projects and support the events team with the main objective to optimize company’s key and strategic business opportunities within the GCC region. He/she will lead and develop a dedicated team who will focus on operational delivery of special projects covering multiple areas including B2B events.

The Partnerships & Events Manager will lead by example and be tasked with executing events at a very high standard, building high brand visibility and enhancing stakeholder engagement by active development of relationships with internal business units and external entities whilst improving the processes and ROI.

The role reports directly to the Director – Partnerships, Events & Delegations, GCC ; and works closely with the global Centre of Excellence team. CoE’s mission is to deliver and support best-in-class partnerships & events across the organisation to create meaningful connections with high priority stakeholders, resulting in sustainable brand and business value at optimal cost.

The skill sets required cover the full spectrum of capabilities from the management of the events team; through planning and implementing effective and cost-efficient solutions; to the measurement of ROI on events against clearly defined objectives.

Collaborate with the Government & Public Affairs (GRPA) team on international platforms that the Senior Leadership Team is attending and/or participating in alignment with the process.

Support in creating events and partnerships strategy, objectives and KPI’S in line with the communications business plans.

Managing ad hoc events and initiatives when required smartly and efficiently.

Review of event and partnership processes, frameworks and procedures and suggest enhancements.

Manage relationships with a roster of specialist External Agencies, including agencies retained by the global Centre of Excellence on an international basis.

Key Accountabilities:

• Strategy. To develop and maintain a Partnerships & Events strategy for GCC region, based on:

-Supporting agreed Business and Brand Transformation objectives for the region.

-Alignment with the DP World Regional and Global Brand & Communications Strategy.

-Collaboration with the global Brand Partnerships and Sponsorship Centre of Excellence.

• Planning. To develop and manage a GCC region Events Annual Plan, based on:

-Clear and practical priorities agreed with all interested stakeholders.

-Measurable objectives and commercially well justified budgets for exploitation investments.

-Effective project planning, resourcing, and timelines.

• Implementation and Measurement. To drive effective and cost-efficient Implementation of the Plan:

-Ensuring on-brand compliance and consistency of all activities under the brand.

-Managing the quality and cost-efficiency of work by external agencies.

-Establishing (and reporting on) appropriate Measurements to monitor performance.

• Tactical Responsiveness. To maintain the ability to respond to unforeseen changes, including:

short-term opportunities

-Issues or problems which were not anticipated.

-Risk or Crisis Management.

• Continuous Improvement. To encourage and nurture a culture of innovation designed to:

-Test and validate new ideas and approaches.

-Draw on experience and learning from the wider global Partnerships Centre of Excellence.

-Expand and strengthen professional skill sets and best practices.

• Compliance. To constantly adhere to and actively promote behaviours which reflect the DP World Brand Purpose while specifically:

-Maintaining the highest levels of Safety standards

-Complying with DP World Principles, Code of Conduct and Ethical policies.

-Meeting all agreed standards for DP World Brand and Visual Identity.

Qualifications, Experience & Skills:

• The paramount qualification is a proven track record of 6+ years in the management of events, at corporate level. Ideally, in B2B contexts and with multi-national experience.
• The requirement is for an experienced team leader in planning and implementing of mega events, gala dinners, townhalls as well as tradeshows - with evidence of creativity, innovation, and the ability to link the development of reputational capital with commercial performance.
• Experience of project management within complex situations and environments is essential, as is the capability to deliver against agreed objectives and targets. An understanding of how large companies operate and the ability to build cross-functional teams with good stakeholder management skills and experience of rolling out change management programs.
• Leadership qualities are needed, with an emphasis on strong inter-personal skills. Accomplished communication and team working skills are necessary, as are sensitivity to cross-cultural differences and a positive perspective on issues of diversity and inclusiveness.
• Commercial acumen and experience in the analysis and use of both quantitative and qualitative data and insights is essential.
• The successful candidate will be a self-starter, who proactively identifies issues and opportunities with minimal supervision. Able to have a proactive hands-on approach as well as taking a step back and thinking long-term. Excellent time management and organizational skills, multi-tasker, willing to take the initiative.
• Able to manage a team and allow them to thrive in experience. A willingness to push thinking, attack issues from multiple angles and stretch to provide outstanding brand solutions. Accuracy and excellent attention to detail.