Director of Operations - Events in Leeds

Jo Holdsworth Recruitment are excited to be partnering with an ambitious, fast-growing organisation to recruit an experienced Operations Director.

This is a rare opportunity to join a business at an early stage of its growth, playing a pivotal role in shaping operations, building high-performing teams and delivering a portfolio of high-profile events.

If you're an experienced operational leader looking for the chance to build something exceptional from the ground up, we'd love to hear from you.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and ambitious Operations Director to join a fast-growing events business at an exciting stage of its development.

This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in building a portfolio of large-scale, industry-leading conferences and events from the ground up.

Working closely with the senior leadership team, you will help shape the operational strategy, establish best-in-class processes, and lead the delivery of exceptional live events.

This role would suit someone who thrives in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment and enjoys building teams, creating systems and delivering high-profile projects.

The Role

As Operations Director, you will be responsible for developing and leading all operational aspects of the business, ensuring events are delivered efficiently, professionally and to the highest standards.

Working alongside the leadership team, you will

• Develop and implement the overall operational strategy.
• Build scalable systems and processes to support business growth.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through technology and AI.
• Recruit, develop and lead a high-performing operations team.
• Ensure operational excellence across multiple projects and events.
• Key Areas of Responsibility

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to

• Event operations and logistics
• Venue and supplier management
• Operational planning and project delivery
• Licensing, compliance and permissions
• Health & Safety and risk management
• Contractor procurement and management
• Branding and event infrastructure
• Delegate registration and database management
• Sponsor and exhibitor coordination
• Catering, accommodation and travel logistics
• Security and stewarding
• Communications, connectivity and on-site technology
• Event delivery, build, live operations and breakdown

About You

We're looking for someone who is

• An experienced operations leader, ideally within events, exhibitions or conferences.
• Highly organised with exceptional project management skills.
• Commercially aware and comfortable working within a growing business.
• A proactive problem solver who enjoys creating structure and improving processes.
• Confident leading teams and managing multiple stakeholders.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can evolve quickly.
• Self-motivated, hands-on and able to take ownership of significant responsibilities.

Experience delivering large-scale live events would be advantageous but is not essential.

What We Offer

• Salary: £75,000–£100,000 depending on experience.
• 25 days annual leave plus statutory holidays.
• Company pension scheme.
• Annual performance-related bonus.
• Opportunity to participate in a long-term equity incentive scheme (subject to eligibility and company discretion).
• A genuine opportunity to help build a high-growth business from an early stage and share in its future success.

Due to the amount of response we receive, unfortunately we are not able to give feedback to individuals, if you have not heard back within 5 days please assume that you have not been successful for the role you have applied for.

By applying to this advertisement, you are hereby giving consent for Jo Holdsworth Recruitment to hold your details for a 30 day period.