Operations Director, Exhibitions and Technical Production in Leatherhead

Experience Without Limits. Come shape the future of brand experience. At Jack Morton, we create, and build, head-turning, smile-inducing, impact driving brand experiences. We exist to redefine what experiential can achieve, helping clients unlock the full value of experiences. That takes a team that’s bold, curious, and acts as one - building on ideas, pushing boundaries, and showing up for each other. Here, you’ll do your best work, grow fast, and collaborate across clients, disciplines, and global teams to bring new ideas to life. This is a place where curiosity drives what’s next, boldness raises the bar, and we win together. Where ownership is expected, egos are left at the door, and the work reflects the people behind it. Experience without limits — in your work, your growth, and your impact.

The Director, Operations, will ensure that the Technical Production and Exhibition Project Management teams are effectively, accurately & efficiently managing all assigned projects. In collaboration with other departments work order accuracy, timing and detail. Work on refining processes, systems & tools that will strengthen the support provided. Participate in regular Production meetings, supporting the teams at project level.

Key Responsibilities:

• Resource management of both teams across RFPs, pitches and live projects.
• Supporting both head of departments on costing and estimating new job requests.
• Identifying and maintaining a robust freelance database with the best industry talent.
• Ensure teams are managing all assigned projects in accordance with best policies and practice to meet the project needs.
• Strive for continuous improvement through completion of 1:1’s, meetings and knowledge sharing with the broader team. Review best practices, new developments, issues/challenges and system or process updates.
• Implement and oversee training and onboarding of new team members.
• Ensure team members are completing post show evaluations and financial reconciliations efficiently and effectively.
• Adhere to all IXM policies accurately and efficiently. Identify efficiencies in process and system.

People Management

• Develop, mentor and coach all direct reports ensuring weekly and monthly meetings to discuss progress and review development plans.
• Oversee the development, mentoring and coaching of wider team.
• Working with the Associate Director, Talent Management, monitor development plans for all team members considering:
• Current skills analysis
• Training needs analysis
• Individual’s needs and desires
• Development planning strategies
• Lead on recruitment process, interviewing and selection of new team members.
• Provide consistent leadership, motivation and direction to all team members.
• Ensure all operations teams are consistently sharing best practice and always delivering to Impact-XM standards.
• Management of direct report holidays and lieu days.
• Oversee the management of wider team holidays and lieu days.

General

• Strategy Development: Contributing to the overall vision and strategic planning for the exhibition program, aligning operational goals with the organization's mission and financial objectives.
• Process Management: Developing, implementing, and continually refining cross-departmental policies and procedures for the end-to-end management of exhibitions (from proposal to de-installation).
• Scheduling and Timelines: Creating and maintaining the definitive master schedule for all exhibitions and related events, ensuring all milestones are met and deadlines are respected.
• Risk Management: Identifying potential risks (financial, safety, logistical) and developing comprehensive contingency and emergency plans.
• Team Leadership: Hiring, training, mentoring, and supervising the operations staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serving as the key liaison and project leader, ensuring effective communication and coordination between functions.

Qualifications:

• Desired Education: A Bachelor's degree (BA or BSc) in relevant field.
• Minimum 10-15+ years in the live event and exhibition industry or similar experience successfully executing projects and programs and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Key Competencies:

• Must be passionate about working with people and be client centric.
• Possesses an aptitude for Structural Mechanics with the ability to read and interpret blueprint drawings.
• Thrives in an entrepreneurial and independent environment.
• Embodies flexibility, open-mindedness and receptivity.
• Actively works out solutions.
• Identifies something valuable in being part of a team and ability to effectively collaborate.
• Effective communication skills are required: including the ability to make effective presentations; prepare written documentation including proposals, quotations and letters; maintain accurate and complete client and project files.
• Must be able to develop excellent rapport with existing and prospective clients.
• Must have a good “business sense”.
• Exhibit the ability to multi-task, sell, and operate under severe time constraints and immovable deadlines. Good organization, detail and follow-up skills are required.
• Proficient in using Microsoft office programs.
• Experience in CRM is an asset.
• Exhibit familiarity with show rules and regulations related to exhibit designs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of production materials and the extent to which these may be utilized in exhibit production.
• Flexibility and willingness to work extended hours when/as required.