Operations Manager

INDEX Conferences & Exhibitions; Dubai; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Dubai is looking for an Event Operations Manager to oversee all aspects of exhibitions and events. Responsibilities include managing event logistics, ensuring compliance, and leading support teams to deliver successful events on time and within budget. Ideal candidates will have a degree in a relevant field and experience in large-scale event management.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years hands-on experience in event operations.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong project planning and crisis management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee operational aspects of events.
• Ensure timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors.

Skills

Leadership

Project Planning

Crisis Management

Analytical Capabilities

Time Management

Education

University degree in Events Management, Business, or Communications

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Job description

Job Purpose

To manage and oversee all operational aspects of exhibitions and events, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. This includes planning, coordinating with internal teams and external vendors, handling logistics, ensuring legal and safety compliance, and providing on-site support during setup, execution, and breakdown. The role also involves leading the technical and support teams, solving issues quickly, and ensuring smooth and successful event delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Close liaison with internal departments (sales, marketing, production).
• Crisis management and high-level problem-solving during events.
• Create detailed project plans and timelines.
• Collaborate and coordinate with vendors (Venue, Contractors, AV, Shipping, etc.).
• Oversee venue setup, floor plans (including booth allocations), and logistics.
• Ensure legal and safety compliance (permits, insurance, etc.).
• Lead post-event evaluations and reporting.
• Supervise and monitor the technical support team, ensuring effective performance and alignment with organizational goals.
• Analyse team responsibilities and distribute tasks effectively.
• Generate various reports to support decision-making and operations.
• Manage the logistics and operations of events, including venue setup, stands design validation and audiovisual, staging and lighting during events.
• Coordinate with DWTC (Dubai World Trade Centre) for permits, operations and approvals.
• Collaborate with official stand contractors and relevant stakeholders for stand design approvals and logistics.
• Support the interaction and coordination between all parties involved in event execution
• Ensure tech checks and on-site tech support are in place.
• Oversee setup/teardown schedules.
• Ensure all events meet health, safety, and legal standards.

Education:

• University degree in a relevant field i.e Events Management, Business, Communications)

Experience:

• 5–8 years of hands-on experience in event operations, preferably within large-scale exhibitions or conferences

Key Skills:

• Proven leadership and team management
• Excellent multi-tasking and time management under strict deadlines
• Strong project planning and crisis management skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Strong reporting and analytical capabilities

Additional Competencies:

• High attention to detail and organizational skills
• Effective communicator and collaborator
• Solution-oriented mindset with the ability to remain calm under pressure
• Familiarity with health, safety, and legal compliance in event environments
• Experience coordinating with venues like DWTC and external contractors
• Ability to manage tech support logistics, including audiovisual and staging setup