Events Operations Manager

Handle recruitment are looking for an adaptable and driven Events Operations Manager to join our award winning producer of events and conferences. Salary: £40,000 dependent on experience Location: South London (International travel required) 3 days in the office, 2 days at home

About our client:

We have an exciting opportunity to join our clients Confex Operations team as an Operations Manager. The role will focus on delivering and managing the operations for conferences and exhibitions primarily within one portfolio. The portfolio is focused on developing energy for Africa and has events taking place across Europe, America and Africa.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in delivering high quality events and an ability to cope in high pressure situations within a fast-paced environment, whilst never taking their eye off the important details.This role is hybrid (3 days in the office) and mainly office-based with on site working during events, requiring international travel/work over some weekends and evenings.Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the operational delivery of 4-6 events taking place across Africa, Europe and America from conception to completion.
• Manage event operations budgets, future planning, and forecasting in line with budget expectations.
• Reporting to and working with the Portfolio Director on operational strategy for each event.
• Responsibility for event timelines and task allocation to team members as required.
• Supplier sourcing, rigorous contract negotiation and management of relationships with venues and key contractors.
• Knowledge and understanding of venue contract and terms and conditions terminology.
• Consult with the event team on production, marketing, sales, and finance to ensure maximum awareness of all event elements.
• Production and timely communication of correct and detailed technical information for exhibitors, including producing an exhibitor manual/zone.
• Ensure delivery and fulfilment of all sponsorship and exhibitor packages as sold by the portfolios for stands, branding, branded items, features etc.
• Design and manage the floor plans, the event signage and showguide.
• Management of health and safety issues and decisions; compiling a full and comprehensive health and safety file for all events including risk assessments and Construction Phase Plan, ensuring all documents are thoroughly checked and verified.
• Post show evaluation and development.
• Attend training courses as directed by your Line Manager.
• Available to travel worldwide.
• Flexible to work long hours in the run up to an event when required.
• Willing to work across other events within Clarion where schedules require.

Staff Management:

• Day to day management of up to one junior operations team member.
• Demonstrate clear and effective communication of ideas and processes to reporting staff.
• Coach, encourage and inspire reporting staff with ideas, objectives, and goals to improve their personal performance and personal development.
• Monitor daily tasks within your team ensuring completion of tasks to agreed timelines.
• Evaluate reporting staff progress, and report this up to Head of Operations.
• Complete staff appraisals, as necessary.
• Able to identify and assist management with improvement and implementation of best practice.

• Proven experience in the international conference and exhibition industry.
• Experience in designing and coordinating feature builds for exhibitions.
• Experience of working on multiple projects at one time.
• Proven experience of creating and managing event operations budget, future planning, forecasting, and delivering on target.
• Familiar with e-Guide and g-Guide and experience of managing onsite Health & Safety.
• Health & Safety Course qualification - preferably IOSH Managing Safely.
• Ability to think outside the box and produce innovative ideas to ensure events stand out.
• Analytical brain to continually assess and improve processes.
• Keen to embrace and learn new technology and IT systems.
• Self-motivated, pro-active, and takes on responsibility.
• Ability to meet deadlines and resolve problems under pressure.
• Strong social and communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively with all levels and departments.
• A customer-first mind-set.
• An astute negotiator.

Apply today to progress to the next stage in our hiring process if you believe you have the suitable skills!

Handle actively welcomes applicants from under-represented backgrounds - we pride ourselves on attracting the best talent for every opportunity through a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.