Event Operations Manager

Location:
Kilifi, Kenya

Reports to:
Director of Operations

Beneath the Baobabs Festival, Kilifi

Beneath the Baobabs is a premier East African music and arts festival located in Kilifi, Kenya. We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Events Operations Manager to oversee and execute the operational logistics of our annual multi-day event. The ideal candidate will be a decisive problem-solver with a strong background in large-scale event operations, particularly within challenging or remote environments.

Role Overview

The Events Operations Manager is a critical, hands-on role responsible for ensuring the guests safety, the physical infrastructure and core services of the festival run safely and smoothly before, during, and after the event. This position involves managing external contractors, directing internal operations teams, and serving as a key point of contact for critical service providers.

Key Responsibilities

Critical Communications and Response

The Operations Manager is the primary contact for immediate operational needs and must respond personally and efficiently to calls from the following core service areas:

• First Aid
• Security
• Accreditation
• Traffic Management

Operational Management and Team Direction

This role involves engaging and directing internal teams and external contractors to manage and solve problems related to core site infrastructure:

• Power:

Overseeing basic lighting installation, generator placement, fuel management, electrical distribution, and rapid response to power related problems.
- Water:

Managing water supply logistics for drinking water and borehole water, storage, distribution points, and sanitation facilities.
- Infrastructure:

Responding to any problems during the event and coordinating the correct specialist and team. IE Carpenter to fix broken steps or Welder to fix damaged trussing.

System Planning and Implementation

The Operations Manager will be responsible for the planning, documentation, and implementation of robust systems for the following critical areas:

Traffic Management

Planning and implementing systems for Traffic Management involves:

• Designing clear ingress and egress routes for vehicles, including public transport, vendors, and emergency services.
• Managing on-site parking logistics and directing the parking team.
• Developing contingency plans for adverse weather affecting roads or parking areas.

Accreditation

Planning and implementing systems for Accreditation involves:

• Designing the flow and security protocols for the Accreditation Centre at the event entrance.
• Managing the production and distribution of wristbands, passes, and vehicle stickers for staff, artists, vendors, and attendees.
• Implementing and managing access control procedures for various zones (e.g., Backstage, VIP, restricted areas).
• Overseeing the accreditation team and ensuring rapid resolution of credential issues.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years experience in operations management for large-scale events, festivals, or similar complex projects.
• Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary teams and contractors.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, especially under pressure.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience working in remote or culturally diverse settings is highly desirable.

Beneath the Baobabs Festival, Kilifi

Beneath the Baobabs is a premier East African music and arts festival located in Kilifi, Kenya. We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Events Operations Manager to oversee and execute the operational logistics of our annual multi-day event. The ideal candidate will be a decisive problem-solver with a strong background in large-scale event operations, particularly within challenging or remote environments.

Role Overview

The Events Operations Manager is a critical, hands-on role responsible for ensuring the guests safety, the physical infrastructure and core services of the festival run safely and smoothly before, during, and after the event. This position involves managing external contractors, directing internal operations teams, and serving as a key point of contact for critical service providers.

Key Responsibilities

Critical Communications and Response

The Operations Manager is the primary contact for immediate operational needs and must respond personally and efficiently to calls from the following core service areas:

• First Aid
• Security
• Accreditation
• Traffic Management

Operational Management and Team Direction

This role involves engaging and directing internal teams and external contractors to manage and solve problems related to core site infrastructure:

• Power:

Overseeing basic lighting installation, generator placement, fuel management, electrical distribution, and rapid response to power related problems.
- Water:

Managing water supply logistics for drinking water and borehole water, storage, distribution points, and sanitation facilities.
- Infrastructure:

Responding to any problems during the event and coordinating the correct specialist and team. IE Carpenter to fix broken steps or Welder to fix damaged trussing.

System Planning and Implementation

The Operations Manager will be responsible for the planning, documentation, and implementation of robust systems for the following critical areas:

Traffic Management

Planning and implementing systems for Traffic Management involves:

• Designing clear ingress and egress routes for vehicles, including public transport, vendors, and emergency services.
• Managing on-site parking logistics and directing the parking team.
• Developing contingency plans for adverse weather affecting roads or parking areas.

Accreditation

Planning and implementing systems for Accreditation involves:

• Designing the flow and security protocols for the Accreditation Centre at the event entrance.
• Managing the production and distribution of wristbands, passes, and vehicle stickers for staff, artists, vendors, and attendees.
• Implementing and managing access control procedures for various zones (e.g., Backstage, VIP, restricted areas).
• Overseeing the accreditation team and ensuring rapid resolution of credential issues.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years experience in operations management for large-scale events, festivals, or similar complex projects.
• Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary teams and contractors.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, especially under pressure.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience working in remote or culturally diverse settings is highly desirable.

Contract Terms

On site in Kilifi

From 26th December - January 5th 

Kenyan Citizens or Residents only 

Remuneration will be based on experience 

Progression opportunities are available for the successful candidate.