Exhibition Operations Manager

Exhibition Operations Manager

• Full-time

Company Description

Informa Markets, a division within Informa, creates global platforms for industries to trade, innovate and grow. We organise over 450 large-scale branded and transaction-led events in over a dozen specialist markets. These are typically not-to-be-missed live and on-demand B2B events where industries convene and people gather to do business.

We also provide data and digital content, as well as year-round online platforms where companies showcase their businesses and products and buyers conduct research, generating valuable leads.

Job Description

This role is based in our 428 Ari Hills Building office.

Role Overview

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning, logistics, and execution of exhibitions. This role requires strong organizational skills, strategic planning, and leadership capabilities to ensure smooth operations and exceptional event experiences. The Operations Manager will collaborate with various departments, vendors, and clients to manage timelines, budgets, and ensure high-quality service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operations Planning & Execution

• Plan and execute end-to-end exhibition operations, including setup and teardown.
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure smooth delivery.
• Manage venue and onsite operations, ensuring quality and resolving issues.

2. Vendor & Supplier Management

• Source, negotiate, and manage vendors (construction, utilities, logistics, AV, security, cleaning, etc.).
• Ensure timely delivery, cost control, and compliance with quality and safety standards.
• Oversee venue setup, stand construction, utilities, logistics, and onsite operations.

3. Budget & Financial Management

• Manage event budgets, monitor expenses, and ensure cost efficiency.
• Work with finance on reporting and post-event cost analysis.

4. Client Relations

• Serve as the main client contact throughout planning and execution.
• Ensure high client satisfaction and build long-term relationships.

5. Health, Safety & Sustainability

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sustainability standards.
• Prepare risk assessments, contingency plans, and required reports.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in operations management, event planning, or a similar role, preferably in exhibitions or trade shows.
• Skills:
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills.
  • Proficient in budget management and financial analysis.
  • Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
  • Knowledge of health, safety, and legal requirements for exhibitions.
  • Proficiency in event management software and MS Office Suite.

Additional Information

We believe that great things happen when people connect face-to-face. That's why we work in-person with each other, or with customers and partners. This position will be required to work in-person in the office five days a week.

We work hard to make sure Life at Informa is rewarding, supportive and enjoyable for everyone. Here’s some of what you can expect when you join us. But don’t just take our word for it – see what our colleagues have to say at LifeAt.Informa.com

Our benefits include:

• Great community: a welcoming culture with in-person and online social events, our fantastic Walk the World charity day and active diversity and inclusion networks
• Broader impact: take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding available too
• Career opportunity: the opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms and on-demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning. When it’s time for the next step, we encourage and support internal job moves
• Time out: annual leave plus a birthday leave day
• A flexible range of personal benefits to choose from, plus company funded, private medical cover
• A ShareMatch scheme that allows you to become an Informa shareholder with free matching shares
• Strong wellbeing support through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders and more
• Recognition for great work, with global awards and kudos programmes
• As an international company, the chance to collaborate with teams around the world

We’re not solely focused on a checklist of skills. We champion energy and ambition and look for colleagues who will roll their sleeves up, join in and help make things happen. If it sounds like a match and you have most – although not all – of the skills and experience listed, we welcome your application.

If you would like to request reasonable adjustments or accommodations to assist your participation in the hiring process and, or in the advertised position, please inform the appropriate Talent Acquisition Partner for the role once they have been in touch. Your request will be reviewed and considered in confidence.

At Informa, you'll find inclusive experiences and environments where all perspectives and backgrounds are welcomed. As part of this approach and our diversity and inclusion commitments, we are also formally an Equal Opportunities Employer. This means we base decisions on relevant qualifications and merit and do not discriminate on the basis of key characteristics and statuses, including all of those protected by law. Ask us or see our website for full information.

See how Informa handles your personal data when you apply for a job here.