Managing Director -Events-Nairobi at Emerge Egress Consulting

Role Objective

• The Managing Director will provide strategic leadership and overall business direction, driving growth, operational excellence, and commercial success. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in events, experiential marketing, hospitality, or creative industries, with proven ability to build high-performing teams, manage complex projects, grow revenue streams, and deliver exceptional client experiences.
• This role requires a commercially driven leader who can combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution to position the company for sustainable growth and long-term success.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Business Growth

• Develop and execute business strategies that drive sustainable growth, profitability, and market expansion.
• Identify new business opportunities, partnerships, and innovative service offerings to strengthen the company’s market position.
• Provide strategic direction to ensure alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
• Transform creative ideas and concepts into commercially successful event solutions.
• Drive revenue growth and enhance overall business performance.

Operations and Event Delivery Excellence

• Provide oversight of the full event management lifecycle, from concept development and planning to execution and post-event review.
• Establish and continuously improve operational systems, processes, and best practices.
• Ensure all projects are delivered within agreed timelines, budgets, and quality expectations.
• Enhance operational efficiency while maintaining exceptional service delivery standards.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, venues, vendors, and other strategic partners.

Client Relations, Brand Development and Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, sponsors, partners, and industry stakeholders.
• Represent the organization in strategic meetings, business forums, and industry engagements.
• Strengthen brand visibility, reputation, and market positioning.
• Lead negotiations for major contracts, partnerships, and business opportunities.

Leadership and Organizational Development

• Provide strong leadership, mentorship, and direction to teams across the organization.
• Create a culture focused on accountability, innovation, collaboration, and performance.
• Lead talent acquisition, employee development, succession planning, and performance management initiatives.
• Make informed strategic and operational decisions that support business success.

Financial and Commercial Management

• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance management.
• Ensure profitability, cost efficiency, and effective financial control across projects and operations.
• Drive business development initiatives through client acquisition and strategic partnerships.
• Collaborate with finance teams and external auditors to maintain sound financial governance.

Governance and Long-Term Business Sustainability

• Work closely with the Board and Founders to support strategic planning, reporting, and governance.
• Strengthen organizational structures, systems, and processes to support future growth.
• Promote business continuity and long-term sustainability.

  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

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