Chief Exhibition Operations Leader

Salt; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Salt is seeking an experienced Operations Director to lead the delivery of its B2B exhibition portfolio. You will drive strategic operations, oversee end-to-end planning, manage venues, contractors and budgets, and ensure safe, on-time, high-quality event delivery.

The role demands hands-on leadership of a multi‑disciplinary team across campaigns and portfolios. The ideal candidate has a strong background in exhibitions, with a proven track record in senior operational management, supplier

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in exhibition and event operations with significant leadership experience.
• Direct experience working for an exhibition organiser is essential.
• Senior operational management experience (Head of Operations/Operations Director or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of end-to-end exhibition lifecycle: planning, build‑up, live delivery and breakdown.
• Experience managing large-scale B2B exhibitions and multiple portfolios.
• Solid financial acumen: budgeting, forecasting and cost management.

Responsibilities

• Strategic operations leadership and development of the exhibition portfolio.
• Oversee end-to-end planning, delivery, and post-event evaluation.
• Manage venue relations, floor plans, exhibitor needs, contractors and logistics.
• Ensure delivery on time, within budget and to high quality standards.
• Lead health, safety, compliance and risk management for events.
• Develop and mentor the operations team and ensure resource planning.

Skills

Exhibition operations

Leadership

Budgeting & forecasting

Supplier management

Health & safety

Stakeholder management

Project planning

Contract negotiations

Team development

Operational strategy

Job description

Salt is seeking an experienced Operations Director to lead the delivery of its B2B exhibition portfolio. You will drive strategic operations, oversee end-to-end planning, manage venues, contractors and budgets, and ensure safe, on-time, high-quality event delivery.

The role demands hands-on leadership of a multi‑disciplinary team across campaigns and portfolios. The ideal candidate has a strong background in exhibitions, with a proven track record in senior operational management, supplier