Event Operations Manager - International Events

About the Company

Climate Action was founded in 2007 and has been working at the intersection of climate change policy, innovation, and finance. We do this by creating complex, high‑impact hybrid and digital events, engaging with our 140,000 members globally. We partner with an incredible ecosystem of 1,000 impact partners, UN Agencies, and private sector companies. We are a commercial business with a clear mission: to drive meaningful climate progress through the work we convene. Joining us means contributing to that impact.

Our Events

The Climate Action portfolio of projects and events includes the Sustainable Investment Forum in both Europe and North America, the Climate Innovation Forum during London Climate Action Week, and during COP our activities include the Climate Action Innovation Zone which hosts our flagship forums: the Sustainable Finance Forum, the Agri‑Food System Summit, the Hydrogen Transition Summit and the Sustainable Innovation Forum.

Role Purpose

The Event Operations Director will lead, execute, and scale our event operations department, and is pivotal in planning and executing both our live and digital events.

About the Role

We are looking for an events and logistics expert who strives to deliver an experience, not just an event. The ideal candidate will hold large‑scale and complex event build experience. Someone who is extremely well organised, has exceptional attention to detail, outstanding interpersonal skills and is driven by a passion for world‑class events. From floor plans to negotiations with vendors, and working alongside our Production, Sales, and Client Success teams so that all stakeholders are given a world‑class experience, that drives meaningful impact to the world.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive event operations plans that align with organisational goals and meet our client expectations.
• Create and oversee event budgets, monitoring expenses and adjusting to remain cost‑effective and within budget.
• Recruit, train and manage a small but highly effective operations team, as well as appropriate freelance consultants and suppliers.
• Identify suitable venues, negotiate contracts and agreements, and manage relationships with vendors, suppliers and service providers.
• Oversee all logistical facets, from transportation to accommodation and catering, AV equipment and staging.
• Risk assess and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
• Design strategies and gather feedback to enhance attendee satisfaction.
• Utilise event management software and other digital tools such as event apps, registration systems, and other virtual platforms.
• Conduct post‑event evaluations to assess performance vs objectives.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience with at least 5 years in a senior event operations role within a commercial conference or exhibition organiser.
• Extensive experience in delivering large‑scale events, including complex outdoor builds in the UK, with over 1,000 attendees, 50+ exhibitors and multiple conference tracks, with budget management and negotiation skills.
• Events, by nature, are fast‑paced, high‑pressure environments, so you are someone who can adapt quickly and manage multiple priorities with ease.
• Excellent understanding of outdoor events infrastructure.
• Familiarity with health & safety compliances; IOSH/NEBOSH certification preferred.
• Passion for climate change and sustainability, aiming to reduce carbon footprints through event planning.
• Strong leadership abilities with a knack for leading large onsite teams.

Interview Process

The process is typically a Teams Video call, followed by a F2F interview with the hiring manager, and finally, meeting our CEO/Founder Nick Henry.

Benefits

• Salary: £50,000 - £70,000 (Depending on experience, we would take on either a Manager or Director).
• Generous and achievable bonus scheme.
• Opportunity to work with globally recognised sustainability and climate leaders.
• Join a rapidly growing, mission‑led company, making a positive impact on our planet.
• 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Hybrid working – 2 days remote (3 days in our Victoria WeWork offices).
• 10 additional flexible remote working dates after probation.
• Ethical pension plan with 3% employers' contribution.
• WeWork wellbeing benefits such as yoga sessions and meditation, Barista, community bar, table tennis, showers, and ability to bring your pet to work.
• Benenden Health Scheme.