Senior Operations Manager

Senior Operations Manager – Exhibitions & Events

We’re working in partnership with a fast-growing, highly respected events and media business to recruit a Senior Operations Manager for a portfolio of market-leading exhibitions within the built environment sector.

This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of the operational delivery of some of the UK's largest and most influential B2B events, ensuring exceptional experiences for exhibitors, sponsors and visitors alike.

If you thrive in a fast-paced events environment and enjoy managing complex exhibition operations from planning through to onsite delivery, this role offers significant responsibility, visibility and long-term career progression.

The Role

As Senior Operations Manager, you will lead the operational planning and delivery of a portfolio of large-scale exhibitions and conferences, working closely with commercial, marketing, content, design and senior leadership teams.

You will be responsible for ensuring events are delivered safely, efficiently, on budget and to the highest standards, whilst continually improving operational processes and customer experience. The role covers all aspects of event operations including venue management, floorplans, exhibitor services, logistics, registration, signage, feature areas, AV, contractor management and onsite delivery. You will act as the senior operational lead throughout build-up, live event days and breakdown periods.

You will also manage event operational budgets, oversee supplier procurement and contract negotiations, monitor supplier performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiencies while maintaining a first-class exhibitor and visitor experience.

Working closely with internal teams across Sales, Marketing, Design, Content and Finance, you will help deliver successful events while ensuring all operational objectives are achieved. The role also includes line management responsibility for an Operations Executive, providing leadership, coaching and ongoing development.

A key part of the position will involve overseeing health and safety compliance across the event portfolio, ensuring all events are delivered in line with venue regulations, industry standards and company policies. This will include managing risk assessments, contractor compliance and operational safety planning.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have a minimum of five years' experience delivering large-scale exhibitions, conferences or B2B events within a senior operations capacity. You will possess strong project management and organisational skills, along with experience managing operational budgets, suppliers, contractors and onsite event delivery.

You should have a strong understanding of exhibition operations, venue regulations, stand build processes and health and safety requirements. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills are essential, along with the ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Experience within the construction, built environment or trade exhibition sectors would be advantageous, as would an IOSH Managing Safely qualification, NEBOSH certification or AutoCAD experience.

What's in it for you?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a portfolio of market-leading exhibitions within a growing and highly successful events business. You'll play a key role in shaping event delivery, driving operational excellence and enhancing customer experience, whilst benefiting from strong long-term career progression and high visibility within the organisation.