Event Operations Manager

The Zora – Delhi Convention Centre is a premium event and convention destination located in the heart of New Delhi. With expansive indoor and outdoor venues, The Zora hosts luxury weddings, corporate events, exhibitions, conferences, large-scale celebrations and prestigious gatherings. We are seeking an experienced and dynamic General Manager – Operations to lead end-to-end venue operations, ensure exceptional service standards, manage large-scale events and drive operational efficiency across all event spaces.

Key Responsibilities

1. Overall Venue Operations

• Lead and oversee daily operations across all venues, including The Zora Ballroom, Myst, Glasshouse, Open Canvas and other operational spaces.
• Ensure seamless planning, coordination and execution of multiple events simultaneously.
• Establish and maintain operational SOPs, service standards and quality benchmarks.
• Ensure the venue is consistently maintained to luxury hospitality standards.

2. Event Planning & Execution

• Supervise end-to-end operational delivery of luxury weddings, corporate events, conferences, exhibitions and high-profile functions.
• Coordinate with clients, event planners, production agencies, decorators, caterers and other stakeholders.
• Oversee event logistics, vendor movements, setup, show operations and dismantling.
• Ensure timely resolution of operational challenges during events.

3. Team Leadership & Management

• Lead and manage operations, housekeeping, engineering, maintenance, security and event execution teams.
• Develop manpower plans, duty rosters and staffing requirements based on event schedules.
• Conduct regular training, performance reviews and operational briefings.
• Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, discipline and service excellence.

4. Guest Experience & Client Satisfaction

• Maintain exceptional guest experience standards across all events.
• Personally oversee VIP, VVIP and high-profile event operations.
• Address client concerns professionally and ensure prompt service recovery.
• Work closely with the Sales and Client Servicing teams to ensure smooth event handovers and delivery of committed services.

5. Financial & Operational Efficiency

• Manage operational budgets, manpower costs and vendor expenditures.
• Optimise resource allocation without compromising service quality.
• Monitor operational expenses and identify opportunities for cost efficiency.
• Review event profitability and operational performance with management.

6. Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, contractors and service partners.
• Monitor vendor performance, service quality and compliance with contractual requirements.
• Ensure effective coordination between internal departments and external agencies.
• Manage vendor negotiations and operational procurement requirements.

7. Safety, Compliance & Facility Management

• Ensure compliance with applicable fire safety, security, hygiene and statutory requirements.
• Oversee preventive maintenance and operational readiness of infrastructure, equipment and utilities.
• Implement risk management, emergency response and crowd management protocols.
• Conduct regular inspections to ensure all event spaces remain safe and operationally ready.

8. Strategic Planning & Process Improvement

• Develop operational strategies to improve efficiency, service standards and guest satisfaction.
• Introduce systems and processes for better event coordination, reporting and resource utilisation.
• Prepare operational MIS reports, performance reviews and management updates.
• Support business growth by ensuring operational scalability and service consistency.

Candidate Requirements

• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in luxury hospitality, five-star hotels, convention centres, large banquet facilities or premium event venues.
• Proven experience in a senior operational leadership role, preferably General Manager, Director of Operations or equivalent.
• Strong experience handling large-scale weddings, corporate events, MICE, exhibitions and high-profile gatherings.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple venues and events simultaneously.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, crisis management and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent understanding of venue operations, hospitality service standards, facility management and vendor coordination.
• Experience managing large teams, operational budgets and cross-functional departments.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure event environment.

Preferred Candidate Profile

We are looking for a hands-on, highly experienced hospitality professional with strong operational leadership, an eye for detail and the ability to manage premium, large-format event operations.

The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in five-star hotel banqueting, luxury event venues or convention centre operations, with the confidence to handle high-profile clientele, large teams and complex events while consistently maintaining exceptional service standards.