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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the operations of a flagship B2B exhibition, ensuring seamless delivery and exceptional experiences.
- Company: Join an award-winning team known for innovation and continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary with bonuses, flexible working, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to work with international partners and complex projects.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on international events and develop your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 7-10 years in operations for large exhibitions, with strong leadership and negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 62000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: Guildford (hybrid)
Hours: Full-time; flexible working considered.
Compensation: £62,000 base + £8,000 bonuses
Why this is a standout move
Own the operating system of a flagship event. You’ll build and run the end-to-end delivery of a major new addition to a leading organiser’s portfolio - multi-hall, international, and commercially critical. Scope that stretches you (safely). Think complex build and tenancy, multi-theatre conference overlay, hosted buyers, international freight, and rigorous H&S. Culture that backs doers. Hybrid, accountable, outcomes-driven. An award-winning team with a bias for innovation and continuous improvement.
What you’ll actually run
- Strategy: Design the operational strategy for a multi-hall European venue; lock in SLAs, risk controls and sustainability measures.
- People & partners: Lead an in-house ops team and a network of venues, contractors, logistics, AV, security and registration partners.
- Floorplan & tenancy: Own CAD/floorplan evolution with sales and marketing; optimise stand mix, feature builds and visitor flow.
- Commercial stewardship: Build and manage detailed budgets; deliver margin, cost controls and re-investment cases.
- Onsite leadership: Command tenancy, build/break and show days; keep compliance watertight and the customer experience premium.
- After-action impact: Lead debriefs and performance reporting; turn insights into upgrades for the next edition.
How big is this job?
Footprint: multi-hall venue, with international participants from 50+ countries (exhibitors, distributors, manufacturers, retailers, media). Commercial size: four-figure number of exhibitors, tens of thousands of trade participants, and a multi-stage conference overlay across 3 live days. Operational complexity: feature theatres, awards/showcase build, buyer lounges, meeting programmes, media zones; international freight and contractor orchestration.
About you
7–10+ years in operations for large B2B exhibitions/trade shows, with 3+ years in a senior leadership role. Track record delivering complex, international shows; expert with venue contracts, risk, H&S and multi-supplier ecosystems. Fluent with event tech (e.g., ExpoFP, Ungerboeck/Chronos, Swapcard or similar) and comfortable implementing new tools. Sharp negotiator, clear communicator, calm under pressure; builds strong teams and high-trust supplier relationships.
Operations Director employer: Expocast
Contact Detail:
Expocast Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing complex operations and leading teams. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Director role. Highlight your experience in managing large B2B exhibitions and any specific achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for operations and how you’ve successfully led teams in complex environments. Remember, we love innovation and continuous improvement!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, don’t forget to showcase your leadership experience. We’re looking for someone who can lead an in-house ops team and manage multiple partners. Share examples of how you've built strong teams and fostered high-trust relationships.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our award-winning team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Expocast
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the operational strategies relevant to B2B exhibitions. Brush up on your knowledge of SLAs, risk controls, and sustainability measures. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re ready to take ownership of the operating system.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight your experience with managing in-house ops teams and collaborating with various partners. This role requires strong leadership, so be ready to demonstrate how you build trust and foster collaboration.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Complex Projects
Think of specific instances where you’ve successfully delivered complex, international shows. Be prepared to talk about your approach to managing budgets, compliance, and customer experience. Use metrics and outcomes to illustrate your impact and effectiveness.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Event Tech
Since this role involves using event tech like ExpoFP or Swapcard, make sure you understand how these tools work. If you have experience implementing new technologies, share those stories. Showing your tech-savviness can set you apart from other candidates.