Senior Operations Manager

Messe Frankfurt Middle East is a leading trade fair and event organizer based in Dubai, and a subsidiary of Messe Frankfurt GmbH, one of the world’s largest event organizers with a history dating back over 800 years. With a strong regional presence, we organize some of the most successful and recognized B2B exhibitions and conferences across the Middle East, including Automechanika Dubai, Beautyworld Middle East, Intersec, and Light + Intelligent Building Middle East. Our events connect global businesses, foster industry innovation, and serve as vital platforms for networking, trade, and knowledge exchange across a range of dynamic sectors.

We are looking for a Senior Operations Manager to join our high-performing team and help deliver world-class experiences across our exhibition portfolio. This is a hands-on, leadership role at the operational heart of our business, perfect for a seasoned exhibitions professional who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and knows how to deliver excellence from build-up to breakdown.

As Senior Operations Manager, you’ll lead the operational planning, coordination, and delivery of multiple exhibitions across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. From supplier management and onsite logistics to floor plans and budget tracking, you’ll be the engine that ensures every show runs smoothly, efficiently, and memorably, for both exhibitors and visitors.

What You’ll Be Doing

Operations & Project Management

• Plan and execute pre-show, onsite, and post-show operations for multiple events in the UAE and KSA.
• Coordinate with internal teams (sales, marketing, creative) to align on timelines, layouts, signage, sponsorship deliverables, and features.
• Ensure venue health and safety compliance and operational excellence through collaboration with technical teams.

Supplier & Partner Management

• Lead relationships with contractors, venues (DWTC and others), and third-party suppliers.
• Manage SLAs, monitor service levels, and negotiate best-value contracts.
• Identify new vendors and innovative solutions to enhance show delivery and visitor experience.

People & Team Leadership

• Manage and mentor Operations Coordinators to drive team performance, consistency, and skill growth.
• Set KPIs, evaluate performance, and provide support to help team members thrive in high-pressure environments.
• Handle operational team scheduling including leaves and flexi-hours.

Event Delivery

• Oversee logistics for show build and dismantle, venue compliance, freight, and customs handling.
• Deliver event features such as conferences, awards, VIP lounges, and media centres, ensuring technical accuracy and timely execution.
• Support with venue rigging plans, CAD drawings, and floorplans for creative and marketing teams.

Financial Oversight

• Track show-specific budgets, handle procurement and purchase orders, and ensure spend aligns with planning.
• Provide post-show reporting to identify efficiencies, improvements, and future innovations.

What You’ll Bring

• 5+ years of operations experience within the exhibitions industry (UAE/KSA experience is highly desirable).
• Proven experience managing complex events, venue partners, and a multi-supplier ecosystem.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Strong knowledge of event logistics, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Exceptional project management, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• A calm, composed approach to challenges, able to lead under pressure and pivot when needed.

Why MFME?

At Messe Frankfurt Middle East, we don't just organize events, we create platforms for industries to grow, innovate, and connect. Join a team that values agility, ownership, and collaboration. You’ll work with some of the best minds in the industry, enjoy a culture of high performance, and get to shape the delivery of events that impact entire sectors.