National Exhibition Manager

Select Events; Cumberland; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Select Exhibitions Australia is seeking a National Exhibition Manager to lead the strategic and operational delivery of the exhibition portfolio across Australia. The role oversees national project performance, people, commercial outcomes, safety and consistent operations while maintaining high client service standards.

You will collaborate with executive, sales, project, warehouse, logistics and site teams to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget, with regular

Qualifications

• Substantial senior management experience in exhibitions, events, or related operations.
• Proven ability to lead geographically dispersed teams and deliver multiple projects.
• Strong commercial acumen across budgeting, forecasting, margins and contract awareness.
• Track record of delivering complex projects under tight deadlines and changing conditions.
• Good knowledge of work health and safety obligations and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the national exhibitions function and implement an operational strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Oversee the national project calendar, scheduling, logistics, production, installation and dismantling activities.
• Drive profitability through budgeting, labour planning, procurement, margins and cost control.
• Review scopes, pricing assumptions and operational requirements for major tenders and complex projects.
• Establish consistent national processes, service standards and reporting requirements.
• Build trusted relationships with clients, venues, organisers, suppliers and partners.
• Lead and develop exhibition managers and project teams across multiple locations.

Job description

Location

Sydney- National role with regular interstate travel

About Us

Select Exhibitions Australia is one of Australia’s leading event hire companies, with operations across Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Townsville and regional NSW. From our Sydney or Melbourne office, we deliver premium event solutions including marquees, structures, furniture, and large-scale installations for corporate events, exhibitions, festivals and sporting events. We pride ourselves on safety, teamwork, and creating unforgettable event experiences.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced National Exhibition Manager to lead the strategic and operational delivery of our exhibition portfolio across Australia. This senior role will oversee national project performance, people, commercial outcomes, safety and operational consistency while maintaining exceptional standards for clients.

The successful candidate will bring strong exhibition or event industry experience, commercial judgement and the ability to lead geographically dispersed teams through demanding project schedules. You will work closely with the executive, sales, project, warehouse, logistics and site teams to ensure every project is delivered safely, professionally, on time and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the national exhibitions function and implement a clear operational strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Oversee the national project calendar, pipeline, scheduling, logistics, production, installation and dismantling activities.
• Drive project profitability through disciplined budgeting, labour planning, procurement, margin management and cost control.
• Review scopes, pricing assumptions and operational requirements for major tenders and complex projects.
• Establish consistent national processes, service standards, reporting requirements and performance measures.
• Build trusted relationships with key clients, venues, organisers, suppliers and industry partners.
• Lead, coach and develop exhibition managers, project managers and operational teams across multiple locations.
• Manage escalated client, delivery, quality and operational issues with sound judgement and urgency.
• Champion work health and safety, contractor compliance, risk management and effective incident follow-up.
• Provide clear reporting and advice to the executive team on performance, capacity, risk and business improvement.
• Are delivered in accordance with company procedures, WHS requirements and relevant legislation.

About You

• Substantial senior management experience in exhibitions, events, custom stands, venue operations, production, logistics or a closely related industry.
• Proven experience leading geographically dispersed teams and multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong commercial capability across budgeting, forecasting, project costing, margins and contract awareness.
• Demonstrated success delivering complex projects under tight deadlines and changing site conditions.
• Strong understanding of warehouse, transport, installation and dismantling operations.
• Confident leadership style with the ability to influence executives, clients, managers and frontline teams.
• Sound knowledge of Australian work health and safety obligations and practical risk management.
• Excellent planning, communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Current driver licence and flexibility to travel interstate regularly, including occasional work outside standard business hours.
• A relevant qualification in event management, business, project management or operations is desirable.

What Success Looks Like

• Strong national revenue, margin and project profitability outcomes.
• Projects delivered safely, on time, within scope and within approved budgets.
• High client satisfaction and effective resolution of escalated issues.
• Improved labour utilisation, operational efficiency and national consistency.
• Capable, accountable and engaged teams across all locations.

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a national exhibitions operation and shape how projects, teams and systems work across the business. You will have direct access to senior leadership, broad operational influence and the ability to make practical improvements that deliver visible commercial and client outcomes.

Applicants must hold valid Australian working rights

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.