Senior Event Operations Manager - EMEA in London

About TM Forum

TM Forum is the global industry member alliance for telco and tech companies with over 800 communication service providers, vendors, hyperscalers, consultancies and system integrators, including the world’s top ten CSPs and top three hyperscalers. We aim to return the telco sector back to growth, through a move to AI-enabled agility and efficiency delivered by our three industry Missions: Composable IT & Ecosystems, Autonomous Networks, and AI and Data. Our Missions are delivered through a flywheel of capabilities: Insight, Innovate, Collaborate, Educate and Scale, which are all brought to live through a global, year round program of digital and in person events.

Role overview

The Senior Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the operational aspects of event planning and execution, ensuring that events are delivered efficiently, within budget, and to the highest standards. This role requires strong organizational skills, extensive event management experience, and the ability to co-ordinate operations staff and various stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Event Planning and Coordination: Collaborate with the Senior Director, Events Delivery to develop and implement operational plans for events in Europe. Coordinate logistical aspects of events, including venue selection and management, setup, transportation, accommodation, floorplan, feature builds, AV, signage schedule. Venue related tasks such as F&B, booths, meeting rooms, merchandise, build and break schedule, shipping, floor manager management, exhibitor manual deadlines, waste, security. Develop detailed event schedules and timelines, ensuring all deadlines are met.
• Team Leadership and Management: Lead, mentor, and manage the Operations Manager, providing clear direction and support. Conduct regular team meetings to review event plans, address issues, and ensure alignment with overall event goals. Foster a positive and collaborative team environment that encourages professional growth and development.
• Vendor and Supplier Management: Identify, negotiate, and manage relationships with vendors and suppliers to secure the best possible arrangements for each event. Ensure all contractual obligations are met and manage any issues or discrepancies that arise. Monitor vendor performance and conduct post-event evaluations to maintain high standards of service.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring all expenses are tracked and within allocated funds. Provide regular financial reports and updates to the Senior Director, Event Delivery and senior management. Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement strategies to maximize budget efficiency.
• Risk Management and Compliance: Identify potential risks and develop contingency plans to mitigate them. Ensure all events comply with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. Conduct thorough site inspections and risk assessments for each event location.
• Stakeholder Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding event operations. Maintain clear and consistent communication with all parties to ensure seamless event execution. Provide regular updates to the Senior Director, Event Delivery and senior management on event progress and any operational challenges.
• Event Execution: Oversee the setup, execution, and teardown of events, ensuring all operational aspects run smoothly. Address any issues or emergencies that arise during events, making quick and effective decisions to resolve them. Conduct post-event evaluations to identify areas for improvement and implement changes for future events.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 7 years of experience in Event Operations Management.

Skills

• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale events and complex logistics.
• Financial acumen and experience managing event budgets.
• Proficiency in event management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Working Conditions

• This position may require occasional travel to various event locations.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to support event schedules.
• Ability to lift and move event-related equipment and materials.

Diversity & Inclusion at TM Forum

At TM Forum, we’re building a workplace where everyone can belong, feel respected, supported and able to do their best work. We welcome talent from all walks of life to join our global community, which is made stronger by the different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences each person brings. We hire based on skills, potential and values, never on assumptions about who someone is or where they come from. We actively work to ensure our recruitment and people practices are fair, inclusive and free from bias.