Events Manager

We are seeking a commercially astute, highly driven
Events Manager — MICE
to lead and grow our Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Events business. The perfect candidate is a self-starter with a proven track record in luxury hotel MICE sales, deep knowledge of the Kenyan events market, and the ability to build a large corporate client portfolio quickly. This person will combine strategic sales thinking, exceptional client service, and operational know-how to deliver outstanding events and consistent revenue growth.

Key responsibilities

• Own the hotel's MICE sales pipeline and deliver against revenue, occupancy and profit targets for the events segment.
• Proactively identify, qualify and close new corporate, association, NGO and government accounts; convert RFPs into signed business.
• Build and maintain a large, high-value client portfolio through targeted prospecting, networking, cold outreach and relationship management.
• Prepare competitive proposals, negotiate commercial terms and close contracts while protecting hotel profitability and standards.
• Work closely with Banqueting, Food & Beverage, Operations and Front Office teams to ensure flawless event delivery and exceptional guest experience.
• Manage end-to-end event coordination for key accounts — pre-event planning, on-site execution, post-event follow up and billing reconciliation.
• Analyse market trends, competitor activity and customer feedback to shape the MICE sales strategy and promotional plans.
• Maintain accurate CRM records, produce reliable forecasts, pipeline reports and weekly/monthly performance analysis.
• Represent the hotel at industry events, trade shows and local business networks; lead site inspections and client site visits.
• Train and mentor MICE sales coordinators; lead by example on sales activity and client servicing standards.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, health & safety, and local regulatory requirements for events.

Candidate profile

• Proven track record
  of closing and growing MICE business in luxury hotel environments.
• Minimum 2 years' experience
  as a
  MICE Manager
  within a large luxury hotel operation.
• Deep, current understanding of the
  Kenyan events sales market
  , key corporate sectors, association circuits, NGO and government buying behaviours.
• Demonstrated ability to
  build a large corporate client portfolio in a short period
  and convert prospects into repeat business.
• Strong
  business acumen
  — commercial mindset, contract savvy, margin protection and pricing discipline.
• Self-starter attitude: proactive, driven, resilient and able to perform under pressure.
• Exceptional interpersonal and presentation skills — persuasive negotiator with polished client-facing presence.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to multi-task and manage simultaneous, complex events.
• Collaborative leader who can work cross-functionally and motivate a small team.
• Fluent in English; Swahili and other local languages an advantage.
• Able and willing to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and to attend off-site events.

Qualifications & technical skills

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business, Marketing, Events Management or related field preferred.
• Professional event/hospitality certification advantageous (e.g., CMP, CEM).
• Proven experience with CRM and RFP management tools (Cvent, Delphi, Salesforce or similar) and MS Office.
• Strong analytical ability to forecast, set targets and report performance.
• Knowledge of venue logistics, AV basics, F&B configuration, contract clauses and event budgeting.

Success measures (KPIs)

• MICE revenue vs target and year-on-year growth.
• Number of new corporate accounts secured and size of portfolio growth.
• RFP conversion rate and average event value.
• Repeat business / client retention rate.
• Client satisfaction (post-event feedback) and operational delivery metrics.
• Accuracy of sales forecasting and pipeline health.