Senior Operations Manager job at Loughton, Essex Full Time NEW

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’ll be responsible for ensuring events are delivered safely, efficiently, on budget and to the highest standards, while continually improving operational processes and customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

Event Operations & Delivery

• Lead the end-to-end operational planning and delivery of multiple large-scale exhibitions and conferences.
• Manage all operational elements including venue services, floorplans, exhibitor services, logistics, registration, signage, feature areas, AV and contractor management.
• Act as the senior operational lead during build-up, live event days and breakdown periods.
• Drive continuous improvements to operational processes, systems and event technology.

Supplier & Budget Management

• Manage event operational budgets and ensure delivery within agreed financial targets.
• Lead supplier procurement, negotiations and ongoing performance management.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiencies while maintaining high-quality event experiences.

Exhibitor & Visitor Experience

• Oversee exhibitor operational processes, communications and documentation.
• Ensure a seamless experience for exhibitors, contractors and suppliers throughout the event lifecycle.
• Support initiatives that enhance visitor engagement and onsite experience.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Work closely with Sales, Marketing, Design, Content and Finance teams to deliver successful events.
• Manage and develop an Operations Executive, providing support, coaching and leadership.
• Build strong relationships with venues, suppliers, contractors and key stakeholders.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Lead all aspects of health and safety across the event portfolio.
• Ensure compliance with venue regulations, industry standards and company policies.
• Manage risk assessments, contractor compliance and event safety planning.

About You

• Minimum 5 years’ experience delivering large-scale exhibitions, conferences or B2B events.
• Strong operational management experience, including supplier and budget responsibility.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Strong understanding of exhibition operations, venue regulations and contractor management.
• Experience managing health and safety compliance within live event environments.
• Confident stakeholder manager with strong communication and leadership skills.

Desirable

• Experience within construction, built environment or trade exhibition sectors.
• IOSH Managing Safely qualification or equivalent.
• AutoCAD experience.
• NEBOSH qualification.

What’s in it for you?

• Ownership of a portfolio of market-leading exhibitions.
• High visibility role within a growing events business.
• Direct impact on event delivery, customer experience and operational performance.
• Opportunity to lead and develop a key operational function.
• Strong long-term progression opportunities within a successful events portfolio.