Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and deliver exciting B2B exhibitions and events globally.
- Company: Join a respected publisher and event organiser with a dynamic portfolio.
- Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for mentorship, travel, and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team, making impactful events while honing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in exhibition operations is essential; degree preferred but not mandatory.
- Other info: Willingness to travel internationally for 2-4 weeks per year is required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our client, a well-respected publisher and event organiser, is looking for an experienced member of their Exhibition Operations team to deliver B2B exhibitions internationally. You will work closely with and support the sales and marketing teams across their portfolio, ensuring seamless delivery of events whilst maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and strict budget control. Additionally, you will have a key role in managing the day-to-day operations of the team, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and maintaining a high standard of performance.
Responsibilities
- Event Delivery: Manage the operational delivery of a number of small-large scale events including exhibitions, with conferences and gala dinners.
- Budget Management: Manage event operation budgets, future planning & forecasting in line with budget expectations and report to Operations Director.
- Team Leadership: Oversee and provide day-to-day management of the Operations team where necessary, ensuring tasks are allocated efficiently and deadlines are met.
- Mentorship & Development: Support and mentor junior team members, providing guidance and training to enhance their professional growth.
- Project Management: Work across a successful portfolio of shows, planning and managing multiple events/projects at the same time.
- Stakeholder Management: Supplier sourcing, contract negotiation and management of relationships with venues and key contractors.
- Contract Knowledge: Understanding the principles of venue contracts and terms and conditions terminology to ensure standards are met.
- Technical Delivery: Production and timely communication of correct and detailed technical information for exhibitors, including producing an exhibitor manual/zone.
- Sponsorship/Exhibitor Packages: Ensure delivery and fulfilment of all sponsorship and exhibitor packages as sold by the sales team; stands, branding, branded items, features etc.
- Floorplan Design: Responsible for designing and managing floorplans using ExpoCAD.
- Tender Process: Manage the tender process for the design, build and delivery of features.
- Health & Safety: Consideration and management of health and safety issues and decisions; compiling a health and safety file for the events including a risk assessment and construction phase plan.
- Event Services: Order all necessary exhibition and conference services including but not limited to; catering, furniture, signage, AV, IT, features, staffing, freight, registration, stand fitting, carpet, electrics, and security.
- Travel Arrangements: To arrange travel and hotel arrangements for staff within a budget.
Key Skills
- Technology: Proficient in using technology and software tools to support operations, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), AutoCAD (ExpoCAD) and CRM Systems.
- Exhibitor Manual: An excellent understanding of on-line exhibitor manual software.
- People Management: Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience in overseeing daily operations, delegating tasks effectively, and fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
- Stand Build Regulations: A good knowledge of stand build regulations.
- Venue Rules: A strong understanding of venue rules and regulations relating to the build of exhibitions and events.
- Health & Safety: Proven experience in dealing with Health and Safety standards with trade exhibition venues.
- Overseas Travel: Willing and able to travel and work overseas 2-4 weeks per year, and as required.
Essential Experience
- Exhibition Operations Experience: Senior level operations experience in organising and delivering exhibitions – both exhibitions and conferences.
- Education: Educated to degree level/qualification is a bonus, but not mandatory.
- Training: IOSH training is preferred.
Contact Detail:
ESP Recruitment London (Events) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Exhibition Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the exhibition and events industry. Attend relevant trade shows, conferences, or networking events to meet potential colleagues and employers. Building relationships can often lead to job opportunities that aren't advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in event management. Being knowledgeable about tools like ExpoCAD and CRM systems will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any previous experience managing teams or projects. Highlight specific examples where you successfully mentored junior staff or improved team performance, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with budget management and health and safety regulations. Be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively managed budgets for events and ensured compliance with safety standards, as these are crucial for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Exhibition Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in exhibition operations, project management, and team leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage budgets and deliver successful events.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for event management and your understanding of the role. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly in areas like budget management and stakeholder relations.
Highlight Technical Skills: Emphasise your proficiency in software tools mentioned in the job description, such as Microsoft Office and ExpoCAD. Provide examples of how you've used these tools in past roles to enhance operational efficiency.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Detail your experience in managing teams and mentoring junior staff. Highlight specific instances where you successfully led a team through a challenging project or improved team performance.
How to prepare for a job interview at ESP Recruitment London (Events)
✨Showcase Your Event Management Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in managing exhibitions and events. Highlight specific examples where you successfully delivered projects, managed budgets, and ensured customer satisfaction.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves team leadership, be ready to share instances where you have effectively led a team. Discuss how you allocate tasks, mentor junior members, and maintain high performance within your team.
✨Understand Budget Management
Familiarise yourself with budget management principles. Be ready to explain how you have previously managed event budgets, forecasted expenses, and reported on financial performance to senior management.
✨Know Your Health & Safety Regulations
Given the importance of health and safety in event management, brush up on relevant regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you have handled health and safety issues in past roles, including risk assessments and compliance with venue rules.
