Head of Operations - Exhibitions

ESMOS Recruitment; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the international exhibitions sector is seeking a Head of Operations to oversee the delivery of complex global events. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in event operations, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record in managing large-scale projects. This role demands a proactive individual who can navigate challenges and ensure high standards throughout the event lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Extensive background in high-volume event operations, ideally with exhibitions.
• Proven success in overseeing complex structural builds and managing contractor performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of the organization’s flagship global event.
• Manage construction of temporary event infrastructure and ensure seamless coordination.
• Drive optimization and adherence to internal operational protocols.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Budget Management

Event Operations

Procurement

Job description

*** Exhibition experience is a must***

Position: Head of Operations - Exhibitions

Location: Dubai, UAE

Sector: International Exhibitions & Large-Scale Events

Scope: Global Talent Welcome | Middle East experience beneficial, not essential

Role Summary:

We’re seeking a seasoned operations leader to take full command of the end-to-end delivery of a major international exhibition, recognized for its complexity, scale, and impact. This role demands a high-performing individual with a strategic mindset and hands-on approach, capable of leading cross-functional teams, managing complex builds, and ensuring flawless execution from concept to close.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning and execution of the organization’s flagship global event, ensuring all operational components are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
• Manage and coordinate the construction of temporary event infrastructure including multi-story builds, exterior pavilions, and feature installations.
• Liaise with venue stakeholders and ensure seamless coordination across logistics, build, safety, and compliance.
• Drive optimization and adherence to internal operational protocols and documentation standards.
• Serve as the operational liaison to executive leadership, offering insight, updates, and risk mitigation strategies throughout the event lifecycle.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across all delivery teams.

Required Experience & Competencies:

• Extensive background in high-volume event operations, ideally with exhibitions or trade shows hosting 30,000+ attendees.
• Proven success in overseeing complex structural builds and managing contractor performance across general contracting, rigging, freight, and temporary staffing.
• Solid track record in budget oversight of multi-million-dirham projects with an emphasis on fiscal discipline and operational excellence.
• Skilled in matrix team leadership, managing both direct reports and wider functional contributors (typically 12–14 staff).
• Experience in procurement, tender processes, supplier evaluation, and SLA compliance.
• Strong cross-departmental coordination skills—especially with sales, marketing, and production teams—to ensure operational alignment.

Leadership Style:

• Pragmatic and proactive—comfortable being on-site, solving challenges, and setting a strong example.
• Collaborative and approachable—thrives in flat, non-bureaucratic environments.
• Politically savvy and emotionally intelligent—able to manage upward and navigate executive-level pressures with poise.
• Confident in pushing back constructively and enforcing standards without compromising team morale or timelines.

Scope of Oversight:

• Manage selected team members while influencing broader operational contributors across the event ecosystem.
• Participate in ongoing supplier reviews, renegotiation cycles, and performance assessments.
• Ensure full compliance with venue guidelines, safety protocols, and civil authority regulations, particularly during construction and live show periods.
• Lead post-event analysis and future planning to embed learnings and enhance operational delivery for future editions.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Takes full ownership of outcomes and is driven by high personal and professional standards.
• Agile, composed, and solutions-driven—especially when navigating last-minute curveballs or shifting stakeholder demands.
• Builds credibility quickly with both leadership and delivery teams.
• Not daunted by scale, speed, or pressure—brings clarity and confidence to every phase of delivery.

*** ONLY shortlisted candidates will be contacted ***