Assistant Director of Events Planning
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Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Job summary
Assistant Director of Events Planning AT JW Marriott
About this role
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About the Job
Job Details
Job Number: 26111371
Job Category: Event Management
Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE
Schedule: Full Time
Position Type: Management
Work Location: On-site
About JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is a five-star luxury hotel located in the heart of Downtown Dubai along Sheikh Zayed Road. The property features two towers with 1,608 rooms and offers extensive facilities, including restaurants and lounges, leisure amenities, spa services, and approximately 80,000 square feet of flexible event space comprising indoor and outdoor venues.
The hotel provides an international environment with opportunities for professional development, global career mobility, training, recognition programs, employee accommodation, meals while on duty, transportation, insurance, and discounted stays and dining across participating Marriott properties.
Job Summary
The role is responsible for leading the hotel's event management function and ensuring that departmental strategies, brand standards, and business initiatives are effectively implemented.
The successful candidate will oversee the complete event lifecycle, ensuring a smooth transition between sales and operations and maintaining strong coordination throughout the process. The position is also accountable for meeting guest and customer expectations, supporting associate engagement, increasing event-related revenue, and improving the department's overall financial performance.
Scope and Business Context
Full-time management position based at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai.
Responsible for approximately 16–20 direct reports.
Direct reports include Event Planning Managers, Event Planning Executives, Event Planning Coordinators, Event Billing Executives, Event Billing Coordinators, Group Housing Managers, Group Housing Executives, and Group Housing Coordinators.
Key Responsibilities
Event Operations and Coordination
Maintain consistent communication across all areas involved in event delivery, including BEO meetings, pre-event briefings, staff meetings, food and beverage operations, and culinary teams.
Communicate departmental objectives clearly and ensure the team understands the priorities required to achieve business results.
Identify the main factors influencing event performance and keep the team focused on the activities that have the greatest impact.
Incorporate departmental objectives into operational plans and event strategies.
Ensure Marriott brand and regional initiatives are implemented and communicate required follow-up actions to the team.
Review upcoming events with direct reports and identify potential operational issues, conflicts, or service challenges before they arise.
Ensure the wider hotel team is informed about groups and events that could affect hotel operations.
Personally oversee selected high-profile or financially significant groups when necessary.
Supervise the event planning team responsible for preparing BEOs and event resumes.
Encourage thoughtful commercial initiatives that can generate additional revenue while maintaining excellent guest service.
Maintain event spaces and relevant back-of-house areas to the required cleanliness and presentation standards.
Ensure furniture and event equipment are properly maintained and inventory levels remain within company requirements.
Create an event operation environment that consistently meets or exceeds guest expectations.
Work closely with the culinary department to ensure food handling and sanitation requirements are followed.
Business Development and Revenue
Monitor competitor offerings, including new products, pricing structures, and services.
Identify opportunities and present innovative ideas to leadership that can strengthen the hotel's competitive position.
Build effective partnerships with external suppliers and vendors.
Negotiate suitable pricing and service agreements with vendors to improve event delivery and create additional revenue opportunities.
Support initiatives that increase event revenues and strengthen the department's financial results.
Apply knowledge of budgets, forecasting, profitability, and financial reporting when making operational decisions.
Candidate Profile
Experience
More than 5 years of experience in event operations or event planning within a conference hotel, resort, or comparable hospitality environment.
More than 5 years of experience managing and leading teams.
Education and Certification
Candidates should meet one of the following pathways:
High school diploma or GED together with at least 4 years of professional experience in event management, food and beverage, sales and marketing, or a related field.
A two-year degree from an accredited institution in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or a related discipline, together with at least 2 years of relevant professional experience.
Skills and Knowledge
Strong reading and writing skills with the ability to understand and prepare work-related documentation.
Effective verbal communication and active listening abilities.
Strong understanding of customer service principles and methods for evaluating and improving guest satisfaction.
Basic proficiency with computers, word-processing applications, internet browsers, and other workplace technology.
Knowledge of applicable Standard Operating Procedures and Local Standard Operating Procedures.
Strong analytical and critical-thinking abilities, including evaluating information, identifying patterns, assessing risks, solving problems, and comparing alternative approaches.
Understanding of accounting and business concepts, including profit and loss statements, operating budgets, forecasting, scheduling, and financial reporting.
Ability to manage financial resources responsibly and monitor departmental expenditure.
Knowledge of management principles covering strategic planning, resource allocation, staffing, leadership, operational methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Strong numerical ability and confidence working with figures.
Creativity and originality when developing solutions, services, and ideas.
Strong commercial awareness and understanding of market conditions, business objectives, opportunities, risks, and competitive strengths and weaknesses.
Ability to translate business strategies into practical plans and actions that deliver measurable results.
Knowledge of personnel and human resources practices, including recruitment, selection, training, development, compensation, employee relations, and related systems.
About Marriott
Marriott International promotes an inclusive and people-focused workplace where employees from diverse backgrounds are valued and provided with equal opportunities. The company is committed to non-discrimination on protected grounds, including disability, veteran status, and other categories protected by law.
JW Marriott forms part of Marriott International's luxury hotel portfolio, with properties located in major cities and distinctive resort destinations worldwide. The brand places strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, professional development, recognition, teamwork, and creating an environment where associates can pursue their interests while working in a luxury hospitality setting.
Employees joining JW Marriott become part of a global organization that emphasizes exceptional guest care beginning with the way its associates are treated, supported, trained, and developed.