At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and unify operational delivery for specialist services across the UK and Europe.
- Company: GES, a leader in delivering exceptional experiences at events.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a values-driven culture that recognises operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on high-profile exhibitions and events.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in operations, with experience in the exhibitions industry.
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.
Head of Specialist Services Operations - UK & Europe in Birmingham employer: GES - Global Experience Specialists
GES is an exceptional employer that prioritises a values-driven culture of Trust, Responsibility, Understanding, and Excellence. As the Head of Specialist Services Operations, you will thrive in a collaborative environment that not only recognises operational excellence but also offers competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and ample opportunities for professional growth across the UK and Europe. Join us to lead impactful initiatives in the exhibitions industry while making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.
Contact Details:
GES - Global Experience Specialists Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Specialist Services Operations - UK & Europe 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 the company and its values. Show how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around operational excellence and teamwork.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how you can lead and unify operations across multiple sites. Highlight 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 seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Specialist Services Operations - UK & Europe in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Group Operations Director - Specialist Services. Highlight your experience in managing large teams and your expertise in the exhibitions or events industry. We want to see how your skills align with our values of Trust, Responsibility, Understanding, and Excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led operational teams and tackled complex challenges. Remember, we love a good story that showcases your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact, like improving efficiency or increasing profitability. We’re all about results, so let us know how you’ve made a difference in your previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at GES!
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. Highlight your strategic thinking and decision-making abilities, especially in complex operational challenges. Be ready to discuss how you foster accountability and engagement within your teams.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves managing KPIs and operational performance, come prepared with insights on how you've used data to drive efficiency and predictability in previous roles. Discuss any experience you have with operational systems and MIS platforms like Clarity.
✨Engage with Their Values
GES values Trust, Responsibility, Understanding, and Excellence. Think about how these values resonate with your own work ethic and experiences. Be ready to share specific instances where you've embodied these values in your professional life.
