Managing Director- Events- Nairobi at Emerge Egress Consulting

Role Objective

This is an exciting leadership opportunity for a professional with a strong track record in events or experiential marketing. You will lead the company to achieve business targets, build a high-performing team, and ensure operational excellence. The successful candidate will oversee strategic growth, optimize processes, manage finances, and maintain strong client relationships, while shaping the future of a creative and dynamic organization.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute short- and long-term business strategies
• Drive profitability, business growth, and market expansion initiatives. 
• Translate creative ideas into commercially viable event concepts. 
• Oversee the full event lifecycle, ensuring excellence in planning, execution, and post-event evaluation. 
• Establish and enhance SOPs, internal systems, and operational controls. 
• Ensure consistent delivery of projects within set quality standards, timelines, and budgets. 
• Manage relationships with vendors, suppliers, venues, and key stakeholders. 

Team Leadership & Culture

• Lead, mentor, and develop internal teams.  
• Build a high-performing, accountable, and innovative organizational culture. 
• Oversee recruitment, succession planning, and performance management. 
• Act as the key decision-maker in daily operations. 

Financial & Commercial Management

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and overall financial performance. 
• Drive revenue growth through new client acquisition, partnerships, and service offerings. 
• Ensure cost efficiency and profitability across all events. 
• Work closely with finance teams and auditors. 

Stakeholder & Brand Management

• Represent the organization to key clients, partners, and sponsors. 
• Strengthen brand positioning and enhance market reputation. 
• Lead negotiations for high-value contracts and strategic partnerships. 

Governance & Transition

• Collaborate with the Board and Founders on governance matters and reporting. 
• Support long-term sustainability and organizational readiness for growth.
• Work closely with the Board/Founders on governance and reporting 
• Support long-term organizational sustainability and governance readiness 

  Job Specifications and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Event Management, Hospitality, Communications, or related field 
• Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) is a strong advantage 
• Minimum 6 years’ professional experience, including at least 2 years in a senior leadership role 
• Proven experience in events, experiential marketing, hospitality, or creative industries 
• Demonstrated success in scaling operations and managing complex, high-profile events 
• Experience managing budgets, teams, and high-value clients

    Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills 
• Strategic thinking with practical execution ability 
• Excellent financial and commercial understanding 
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management 
• Ability to manage multiple projects under pressure 
• High integrity, accountability, and professionalism 
• Entrepreneurial mindset with operational discipline