General Manager – Events & Exhibition Hall

Job Overview Saeed Ahmed Lootah Charity Foundation (SALCF) is seeking an experienced and commercially driven General Manager – Events & Exhibition Hall to oversee the overall business, financial, commercial, and operational management of its multipurpose events venue in Dubai. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing the venue into a preferred destination for weddings, exhibitions, conferences, corporate functions, graduation ceremonies, cultural gatherings, and community events. This role requires a hands-on leader with a proven track record in venue management, business development, revenue generation, profitability, and customer experience, while ensuring alignment with the Foundation's values and community objectives. Key Responsibilities • Business Development: Develop and implement business strategies to increase venue bookings, utilisation, revenue, and profitability. • Sales & Marketing: Lead sales and marketing initiatives, establish competitive pricing and packages, and build relationships with corporate clients, wedding planners, event organisers, schools, universities, and government entities. • Commercial Management: Drive revenue growth, manage the sales pipeline, negotiate contracts, secure major bookings, and develop strategic business partnerships. • Venue Operations: Oversee daily venue operations and ensure the successful delivery of weddings, exhibitions, conferences, corporate events, and other functions. • Financial Management: Prepare annual budgets, monitor revenue and operating costs, manage cash flow, and implement effective cost-control measures. • Customer Experience: Maintain high standards of hospitality and service excellence, manage VIP events, resolve client concerns, and build long-term customer relationships. • Facilities Management: Oversee venue maintenance, equipment, infrastructure, housekeeping, and asset preservation. • Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure compliance with applicable Dubai and UAE regulations, licensing requirements, health and safety standards, and event permits. • Team Leadership: Recruit, manage, and develop teams across sales, events, operations, administration, facilities, and customer service. • Stakeholder Management: Work closely with SALCF leadership, educational institutions, community organisations, suppliers, and government stakeholders. • Performance Reporting: Monitor KPIs, including revenue, profitability, occupancy, conversion rates, customer satisfaction, operating costs, and operational efficiency. • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Event Management, Marketing, or a related field. • Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience , including at least 5 years in a General Manager or senior management role . • Proven experience managing a multipurpose events hall, exhibition centre, convention centre, wedding venue, hotel banqueting operation, or similar commercial venue. • Strong preference for candidates with at least 5 years of relevant experience in Dubai or the UAE. • Demonstrated success in generating revenue, increasing venue utilisation, developing new business, and managing profitability. • Established industry contacts with event organisers, wedding planners, exhibition companies, corporate clients, and institutional customers. • Strong knowledge of Dubai's events industry, venue operations, supplier networks, and relevant regulatory requirements. • Proven financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and commercial negotiation skills. • Excellent leadership, communication, customer relationship, and problem-solving abilities. • Excellent command of English and Arabic , both written and spoken. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, CRM platforms, booking systems, and event management software. • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays as required. An MBA, postgraduate qualification, or professional certification in hospitality, events, or venue management will be an advantage.