Junior Event Operations Manager - 12 Months FTC

Informa Markets, a division within Informa, creates global platforms for industries. We organise over 500 large-scale branded and transaction-oriented events in 14 specialist markets. These are typically not-to-be-missed annual events where buyers and sellers build relationships, see and show products and do business. We also provide year-round online platforms where companies showcase their businesses and products and buyers conduct research, generating valuable leads, and we provide data and digital content that supports the flow of knowledge and transactions in markets.

The Role

The Junior Event Operations Manager is responsible for the independent operational delivery of smaller to medium-sized events while providing strategic support to Operations Managers / Senior Operations Managers on larger, more complex events. This role bridges operational execution with emerging management responsibilities, offering a clear progression path within the Operations team. Reporting to the Operations Manager / Senior Operations Manager, you will take ownership of designated events while developing the leadership and strategic skills necessary for advancement to full Operations Manager level.

Job Summary / Responsibilities

• Take full operational responsibility for smaller to medium-sized allocated events from planning through post-event analysis.
• Accountability for setting and managing operational budgets for designated events (with Operations Manager / Senior Operations Manager oversight).
• Create, manage and implement comprehensive project plans for allocated events, ensuring all operational tasks meet deadlines.
• Serve as primary point of contact for show teams on allocated events, managing both internal and external stakeholder relationships.
• Oversee production and delivery of exhibitor manuals for designated events.
• Manage supplier relationships including briefing, design coordination, and delivery oversight for allocated events.

Strategic Support

• Provide senior-level support to Operations Manager / Senior Operations Manager on complex, high-profile events.
• Lead specific operational workstreams on larger events (e.g., registration management, feature delivery, supplier coordination).
• Assist in budget forecasting and management for major events under Operations Manager / Senior Operations Manager guidance.
• Support implementation of Service Level Agreements across multiple events.
• Contribute to post-event analysis and KPI reporting for both independent and supported events.

Management & Development

• Mentor and guide Operations Executives and junior team members.
• Assist in workload balancing and priority management across the operations team.
• Participate in performance objective setting for junior team members.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop and implement operational best practices.
• Lead by example in demonstrating expected customer service standards.

Process & Quality Management

• Implement customer journey improvements to maintain high service standards.
• Establish effective communication with internal teams, suppliers, and exhibitors.
• Translate customer feedback into actionable process improvements.
• Support procurement in monitoring contractor performance and addressing issues.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all events comply with company Health & Safety (H&S), Security, and Sustainability guidelines.
• Follow HSS Operating Model protocols and submit required documentation promptly.
• Collaborate with the Health & Safety team to ensure supplier safety compliance.
• Actively support and enhance Informa sustainability initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-4 years operations experience with at least 1-2 years at Senior Operations Executive level.
• Demonstrated success in independently managing smaller events or significant workstreams on larger events.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and work within financial constraints.
• Experience in supplier management and stakeholder relationship building.

Technical Skills

• Good working knowledge of exhibition industry, venues, and supplier networks.
• Proficiency in project management and common business software applications.
• Meticulous attention to detail with ability to work under pressure on multiple events.
• Effective verbal and written English communication skills.

Core Competencies

• Strong problem-solving skills with ability to develop contingency plans.
• Excellent communication skills across all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated leadership potential with some mentoring or team guidance experience.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and manage competing deadlines effectively.

Qualities needed for culture fit

• Professional, customer-focused attitude with ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Positive, solution-oriented mindset with openness to feedback and continuous learning.
• Strong team collaboration skills while capable of independent decision-making.
• Forward-thinking approach with flexibility and adaptability.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in multicultural environments.
• Willingness to travel across EMEA region as required.

Desired Skills

• Basic line management or mentoring experience.
• Experience with e-commerce webshop platforms.
• IOSH Managing Safety Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
• Formal project management qualification or training.

Additional Information

We work hard to make sure Life at Informa is rewarding, supportive and enjoyable for everyone. Here’s some of what you can expect when you join us. Alongside a competitive salary, Informa also offers the following employee benefits:

• Freedom & flexibility: colleagues rate us highly for the flexibility and trust they receive and most of us balance time in the office with time working remotely.
• Great community: a welcoming culture with in-person and online social events, our fantastic Walk the World charity day and active diversity and inclusion networks.
• Broader impact: take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding available too.
• Career opportunity: the opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms and on-demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning.
• Time out: 24 days annual leave, plus a birthday leave day and the chance to work from (almost!) anywhere for up to four weeks a year.
• Get three for one: A ShareMatch scheme that allows you to become an Informa shareholder with free matching shares.
• Stay well: Use FiscFree to purchase a gym subscription or a new bike with tax benefits. Strong wellbeing support through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, a healthy living subsidy, access to health apps and more.
• Recognition for great work, with global awards and kudos programmes.
• As an international company, the chance to collaborate with teams around the world.

We’re not solely focused on a checklist of skills. We champion energy and ambition and look for colleagues who will roll their sleeves up, join in and help make things happen. If it sounds like a match and you have most – although not all – of the skills and experience listed, we welcome your application. At Informa, you'll find inclusive experiences and environments where all perspectives and backgrounds are welcomed. As part of this approach and our diversity and inclusion commitments, we are also formally an Equal Opportunities Employer. This means we base decisions on relevant qualifications and merit and do not discriminate on the basis of key characteristics and statuses, including all of those protected by law.