Event & Partnerships Manager

The
Event & Partnerships Manager
leads Dao Desserts' event strategy, overseeing all
brand events, catering projects, sponsorships, and collaborations
that strengthen the company's presence in both consumer and corporate markets.

This role manages the
full event lifecycle
— from enquiry handling, proposal, and quotation to planning, execution, and post-event reporting. It also builds
strategic partnerships
that enhance brand reach and long-term revenue opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Event Enquiries, Proposals & Quotations

• Be the
  main point of contact

for all incoming event and partnership enquiries (corporate, wedding, sponsorship, and collaborations).
- Respond promptly and professionally to potential clients via email, phone, or social media.
- Prepare customized
quotations and proposals

based on client requirements, event size, and menu selection.
- Liaise with
Operations and Central Kitchen

for costing, stock availability, and delivery timelines before confirming quotes.
- Follow up on leads, close event bookings, and ensure proper documentation and payment collection.
- Maintain a database of enquiries, leads, and conversion rates for management tracking.

2. Event Planning & Execution

• Plan, organize, and oversee all Dao events and activations:
• Corporate catering & bulk orders
• Weddings and private functions
• E
  xhibitions and trade fairs
• Sponsorships and collaborative events
• Develop creative event concepts aligned with Dao's brand identity and marketing objectives.
• Prepare event proposals, layouts, and manpower plans.
• Coordinate with internal teams for logistics, stock preparation, and setup.
• Supervise on-site execution to ensure a smooth event experience.

3. Partnerships & Collaborations

• Identify and secure high-value event and partnership opportunities that enhance Dao's visibility.
• Build long-term relationships with event organizers, wedding planners, corporates, and lifestyle brands.
• Negotiate participation fees, sponsorship deliverables, and partnership benefits.

4. Brand Experience & Representation

• Ensure that Dao's booth, setup, and staff always reflect
  brand aesthetics and service quality

.
- Maintain brand consistency in event signage, décor, and promotional materials.
- Train event staff to communicate dao's story and product knowledge effectively.
- Ensure high standards of product presentation and customer service during every event.

5. Coordination & Communication

• Liaise with internal departments for seamless execution:
• Marketing

– for visuals, social content, and promotions.
- Operations / Central Kitchen

– for production schedules, inventory, and logistics.
- Finance

– for budget approval, quotations, and invoicing.
- Retail

– for cross-promotional campaigns or shared manpower.
- Prepare detailed event briefs, checklists, and SOPs to ensure clarity and accountability.
- Conduct post-event debriefs to gather feedback and improvement points.

6. Reporting & Performance Tracking

• Track event performance and ROI (sales, leads, exposure, engagement).
• Maintain a record of all events, inquiries, and conversions.
• Prepare monthly activity reports and present key outcomes to the Head of Marketing.
• Continuously evaluate event effectiveness and suggest improvements.

7. Team & Vendor Management

• Lead and mentor the
  Event Coordinators

and
Event Crew

.
- Oversee manpower planning, training, and performance.
- Build a strong network of reliable vendors — booth suppliers, decorators, logistics partners, rental companies, etc.
- Negotiate vendor terms and ensure cost efficiency without compromising quality.

Key Deliverables

• Timely responses to all event and partnership enquiries.
• Accurate and competitive client quotations.
• Seamless execution of all events and activations.
• Monthly event performance and ROI report.
• Updated database of clients, partners, and vendors.

Required Skills & Attributes

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong negotiation and client servicing abilities.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized with multitasking capability.
• Creative in event planning with strong brand awareness.
• Able to manage budgets and work within timelines.
• Team player with leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Event Management, or Business.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in events, catering, brand activations, or partnerships (preferably in F&B or hospitality).
• Proven ability to manage end-to-end events and client relationships.
• Familiar with quotation preparation, vendor sourcing, and budgeting.

About the company

dáo desserts is a specialty dessert café offering traditional soy-based desserts with a twist. Established in 2018, dáo aims to bring a family recipe perfected over three generations to people outside of Ipoh. Stemming from "Woong Kee Beancurd" in Ipoh, which has been operating since 1994, dáo believes in the principle that "a good product will speak for itself." Today, dáo remains dedicated to sharing and appreciating this traditional delicacy with a broader audience.