At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage operations for exciting exhibitions and large-scale events.
- Company: Join Mash Media, a dynamic media and events company in Kingston upon Thames.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus structure, 30 days holiday, and a 4.5-day work week.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of high-profile events and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in event operations and proven team management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
Working pattern: Full-time, 5 days per week, office-based
Reports to: Chief Commercial Officer
Salary: £50K - £60K + OTE
About the role
We are a busy media and events company looking for a Senior Operations Manager to take ownership of the operational delivery of our exhibitions and large-scale events. This is a senior, hands-on, fast-paced role for someone who thrives under pressure, takes initiative, and brings order to complex moving parts. As the operational lead, you will manage, develop, and inspire the operations team, so proven team-management skills are essential.
You will be responsible for the end-to-end operational planning and on-site delivery of our event portfolio - coordinating suppliers, contractors, venues, and internal teams to ensure every event runs safely, on time, and to the highest standard.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the operational planning and delivery of exhibitions and other satellite events from concept through to post-event wrap-up.
- Develop and manage detailed critical path schedules, ensuring all milestones and deadlines are met across multiple concurrent projects.
- Produce, manage, and amend event floorplans, working closely with sales, exhibitors, and contractors.
- Build and maintain strong supplier and contractor relationships, leading on procurement and negotiation with venues, suppliers, and contractors to secure the best value and coordinate all operational requirements.
- Own health, safety, and compliance for events, including risk assessments, method statements, and on-site safety management.
- Manage event budgets and operational spend, tracking costs and finding creative, commercially minded solutions to bring events in under budget.
- Coordinate logistics including build/breakdown schedules, deliveries, staffing, and on-site operations.
- Solve problems quickly and calmly as they arise, both in the planning phase and live on-site.
- Lead, manage, and motivate the operations team, providing clear direction and hands-on support across the event calendar.
- Drive staff development and training, identifying growth opportunities and helping team members build their skills and progress.
- Assume some facilities management duties during quieter periods in the event calendar, helping to keep the office and wider operation running smoothly.
Essential experience and qualifications
- Proven experience working across exhibitions and large-scale events in an operational capacity.
- Proven team-management experience, with a track record of leading, developing, and training teams.
- IOSH qualification (e.g. IOSH Managing Safely).
- Full, valid UK driving licence.
- Demonstrable experience managing multiple events and competing deadlines simultaneously.
Essential skills
- Floor planning software - proficiency with floorplan design tools (Event Floorplan Designer experience ideal).
- Critical path / project management — confident building and managing schedules and project plans.
- Excel - strong working knowledge for budgets, schedules, and data management.
- Canva - for producing visual and marketing-related collateral.
- AI tools - comfortable using Claude or similar AI tools to work efficiently.
Key qualities
- Hard working — willing to put in the effort that live events demand.
- Proactive — uses initiative and takes ownership without waiting to be asked.
- Excellent at time management — prioritises effectively and consistently hits deadlines.
- Highly organised — keeps complex projects and details under control.
- A strong problem solver — thinks on their feet and finds practical solutions.
- Calm under pressure — stays composed and decisive in a fast-moving, high-stakes environment.
What we offer
- £50K - £60K based on experience, bonus structure OTE and potential to earn commission from contra and barter agreements made.
- 30 days holiday + public holidays.
- 4.5 day working week – Mash Media gift Friday afternoons off to all staff.
- The chance to work on high-profile events with a collaborative and ambitious team.
To apply, please send your CV and a short covering note to mmm@mashmedia.net
Mash Media Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Senior Operations Manager in London employer: Mash Media
Mash Media is an exceptional employer located in Kingston upon Thames, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, the company provides ample opportunities for growth and training, alongside a generous benefits package that includes 30 days of holiday and a unique 4.5-day working week. Join a passionate team dedicated to delivering high-quality events and be part of a company that values hard work and initiative.
