At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and unify operational delivery for specialist exhibition services across the UK and Europe.
- Company: GES, a leader in delivering exceptional experiences at over 350 events annually.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a values-driven culture that recognises and rewards operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on high-quality events while promoting sustainability and operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in operations, with experience in exhibitions or similar environments.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
GES is looking for a Group Operations Director - Specialist Services to lead and unify our operational delivery across the UK and Europe. This senior role is responsible for ensuring our specialist exhibition services - including Graphics, Show Ready, Features, and ESG initiatives - are delivered safely, consistently, efficiently, and profitably.
About GES
Each year, GES partners with over 40,000 exhibitors across 350+ events in EMEA. We combine strategic thinking, creativity, and operational expertise to deliver exceptional, memorable experiences for our clients. Our values - Trust, Responsibility, Understanding, and Excellence - underpin everything we do. We are committed to delivering sustainable, high-quality events while supporting our people and the communities we work in.
What You'll Do
As Group Operations Director - Specialist Services, you will be accountable for the end-to-end performance of our specialist operational teams. You will:
- Provide strategic leadership across planning, logistics, transport, warehouse, print, and onsite delivery.
- Develop and implement standardised processes, KPIs, and delivery methodologies across all regions.
- Oversee planning functions including forecasting, resource allocation, transport, stock control, procurement, and new product/materials development.
- Lead installation and breakdown operations, ensuring quality, safety, and environmental standards are met.
- Drive a unified operations culture, promoting accountability, engagement, succession planning, and wellbeing across teams.
- Act as a point of escalation for major operational risks and maintain strong relationships with health and safety teams.
- Support commercial teams with operational expertise for bids, partnerships, and client engagements.
- Ensure operational systems and data, including Clarity and other MIS platforms, are effectively used to deliver predictable, efficient outcomes.
About You
You are an experienced operational leader with a proven track record of managing large, multi-site teams in a fast-paced environment. You are strategic, decisive, and commercially aware, with a practical approach to complex operational challenges. You will have:
- Significant experience in the exhibitions or events industry, or similar operational environments.
- Proven leadership of complex, cross-functional operational teams.
- Strong skills in planning, logistics, workforce management, and onsite operations.
- Financial acumen and experience managing KPIs, budgets, and operational performance.
- Qualifications such as Prince 2, PMP, or Agile, and a degree or equivalent experience.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.
If you are ready to deliver operational excellence across GES's specialist services and make a tangible impact across EMEA, we want to hear from you.
Group Operations Director Specialist Services in Birmingham employer: GES - Global Experience Specialists
GES is an exceptional employer that values Trust, Responsibility, Understanding, and Excellence, fostering a collaborative culture where operational excellence is recognised and rewarded. With a commitment to employee growth and development, GES offers competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to lead impactful projects across the UK and Europe in the dynamic exhibitions industry. Join us to make a tangible difference while enjoying a supportive work environment that prioritises wellbeing and professional advancement.
Contact Details:
GES - Global Experience Specialists Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Operations Director Specialist Services in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. A personal connection can often get your foot in the door faster than a CV.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching GES and its values. Show us how your experience aligns with our commitment to Trust, Responsibility, Understanding, and Excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how you can lead and unify operations across multiple sites. We want to hear about your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows us you’re serious about joining the GES team.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Operations Director Specialist Services in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Group Operations Director role. Highlight your leadership in operational settings, especially in exhibitions or events, to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about operational excellence and how your values align with ours at GES. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the job.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you improve efficiency or reduce costs? Numbers speak volumes, so let us know how you've made an impact in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at GES - Global Experience Specialists
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand GES's operations and values. Familiarise yourself with their specialist services, especially in exhibitions and events. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multi-site teams in the past. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, particularly in planning, logistics, and onsite operations. This will highlight your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
✨Emphasise Financial Acumen
Since the role involves managing KPIs and budgets, be prepared to discuss your experience with financial management. Bring examples of how you've driven operational performance while maintaining profitability, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Engage with Their Values
GES values Trust, Responsibility, Understanding, and Excellence. Think about how these values have played a role in your previous work experiences. Be ready to share stories that reflect these principles, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the company culture.
