Senior Event Operations Manager

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly experienced and organized Senior Event Operations Manager to oversee the planning, development, and execution of all Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions (MICE), and leisure group programs in Oman. This role is crucial for delivering exceptional experiences that align with our brand promise and commercial targets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare customized proposals aligned with client objectives, including upselling value-added services and enhancements to maximize revenue.
• Manage the end-to-end development and execution of confirmed projects, ensuring timely delivery, budget control, and quality service that exceeds client expectations.
• Oversee the daily activities of the team, including handling leads, quotations, contracts, invoicing, payments, and follow-ups to ensure smooth operations.
• Ensure prompt responses to inquiries and regular follow-up on group quotes to maintain strong conversion ratios and service consistency.
• Attend client site inspections and familiarization trips in coordination with the head of department, ensuring alignment with client and company standards.
• Serve as the escalation point for any operational issues arising during event execution, ensuring quick resolution and maintaining service continuity.
• Submit monthly performance and activity reports highlighting previous month's activity, pipeline status, and upcoming priorities.

Client Relationship Management:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for group clients from pre-sale through execution.
• Engage with hotels, venues, and other service providers to build strategic partnerships, negotiate better commercial terms.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with key corporate, agency, and international partners.
• Conduct client follow-ups and feedback sessions to ensure satisfaction and retention.

Team Leadership:

• Manage and motivate the MICE and Groups team on a day-to-day basis.
• Ensure the team meets deadlines, follows SOPs, and maintains consistent quality standards.
• Monitor performance and provide training and development opportunities.
• Monitor the team's attendance, leave schedule, and public holiday allocation and communicate updates to HR as required.

Supplier & Stakeholder Management:

• Build and maintain relationships with local hotels, venues, DMC partners, and other service providers.
• Negotiate competitive rates and terms while ensuring service quality.
• Maintain preferred supplier databases and contracting records.
• Manage supplier relationships, draw up client contracts aligned with supplier terms, and ensure all documentation is complete and accurate.

Business Development & Sales Support:

• In collaboration with the Head of Commercial – MICE & Leisure Groups, identify new MICE and group travel opportunities in existing and emerging markets.
• Convert leads into confirmed bookings while maintaining strong conversion rates and profitability margins.
• Promote monthly group travel products and create customized experiences for B2B clients.
• Coordinate with the Sales and Marketing teams to promote and drive monthly group packages, adapting offers to market trends and client demand.
• Conduct market research and competitor benchmarking to support product development and pricing strategy.
• Maintain and update the CRM system to ensure accurate pipeline tracking and reporting.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Tourism, Hospitality, Business Administration, Event Management or a related field.
• Professional certifications in MICE, Events, or Hospitality Management are advantageous.
• Industry Experience – Minimum of 4 years of experience in MICE, group travel, or event operations, preferably within a Destination Management Company (DMC), with at least 1 year in a supervisory or management position.
• Technical Acumen – Strong knowledge of group logistics, event planning, costing, and supplier coordination.
• Problem-Solving Skills – Demonstrates initiative in resolving client challenges and delivering high standards under pressure.
• Specialist Knowledge – In-depth understanding of group travel management and destination product knowledge.
• Language Skills – Fluent in English (spoken and written) is essential, Polish language skills would be an advantage.
• IT Proficiency – Comfortable using reservation systems, Microsoft Office, and itinerary planning tools.
• Communication – Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills; able to engage confidently with clients and stakeholders.