Operations Director- Events- Nairobi at Emerge Egress Consulting

Role Objective

We are seeking a highly experienced and visionary Operations Director to lead the strategic growth, operations, and commercial performance of our events company.  This role is designed as a transitionary leadership position, with the successful candidate expected to evolve upon meeting agreed performance and leadership milestones. 

The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in the events industry, strong business acumen, proven leadership ability, and the capacity to scale a creative, fast-paced organization. 

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company’s short- and long-term strategic plans 
• Drive business growth, profitability, and market expansion 
• Translate creative vision into commercially viable event concepts 
• Prepare the organization for scale, partnerships, and major clients Operations & Execution 
• Oversee end-to-end event delivery, ensuring excellence in planning, execution, and post-event evaluation 
• Establish and improve SOPs, systems, and internal controls 
• Ensure quality standards, timelines, and budgets are consistently met 
• Manage vendors, suppliers, venues, and key stakeholders 
• Financial & Commercial Management 
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance 
• Drive revenue growth through client acquisition, partnerships, and new offerings 
• Ensure cost control and profitability across all events 
• Work closely with finance teams and auditors Team Leadership & Culture 
• Lead, mentor, and develop internal teams 
• Build a high-performance, accountable, and creative culture 
• Oversee recruitment, performance management, and succession planning 
• Act as the senior decision-maker in day-to-day operations 
• Serve as a senior representative of the company to key clients, partners, and sponsors 
• Strengthen brand positioning and market reputation 
• Lead negotiations for high-value contracts and partnerships Governance & Transition 
• 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 a related field 
• Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) is a strong advantage 
• Minimum 6 years of professional experience, with at least 2 years in a senior leadership role
• Proven experience in the events, experiential marketing, hospitality, or creative industry
• Demonstrated success in scaling operations and managing large, complex events
• Experience managing budgets, teams, and high-value clients 

 Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and people-management skills 
• Strategic thinking with hands-on execution ability 
• Excellent financial and commercial acumen 
• Outstanding communication and negotiation skills 
• Ability to thrive under pressure and manage multiple projects 
• High integrity, accountability, and professionalism 
• Entrepreneurial mindset with corporate discipline