Director of Operations

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

****B2B conferences, exhibitions Trade Show experience Mandatory***

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Operations Director to lead and oversee the operational delivery of a portfolio of exhibitions and events. This individual will be responsible for ensuring operational excellence across all exhibition projects, from initial planning and budgeting through to execution and post-event evaluation.

The successful candidate will provide strategic and hands‑on leadership across operations, ensuring that exhibitions are delivered efficiently, safely, on time and within budget, while maintaining high standards of quality and customer satisfaction.

This role requires a strong background within an exhibition organiser, with proven experience managing large-scale B2B exhibitions, complex operational requirements, suppliers, contractors and cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Operations & Leadership

• Develop and implement the overall operational strategy for the exhibition portfolio.
• Lead and oversee all operational functions, ensuring consistent processes and best practices across events
• Establish operational standards, procedures and performance KPIs.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity and cost-effectiveness.
• Provide leadership, direction and mentorship to the operations team.

2. Exhibition Planning & Delivery

• Oversee the end-to-end operational planning and delivery of exhibitions, conferences and associated events.
• Manage venue relationships, floor plans, exhibitor requirements, contractor coordination and event logistics.
• Ensure all operational elements are delivered according to agreed timelines, budgets and quality standards.
• Oversee build‑up, live event operations and breakdown activities.
• Ensure a seamless experience for exhibitors, sponsors, visitors and internal stakeholders.

3. Budget & Financial Management

• Take ownership of operational budgets, cost control and financial performance.
• Manage supplier and contractor negotiations to secure competitive pricing and service quality.
• Monitor operational expenditure and identify opportunities to optimise costs.
• Ensure accurate forecasting, resource allocation and budget management across the event portfolio.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with exhibition venues, contractors, suppliers and service providers.
• Lead negotiations and manage supplier contracts and service‑level agreements.
• Work closely with Sales, Marketing, Conference Production and other internal departments.
• Ensure effective communication and alignment between operational teams and commercial stakeholders.

5. Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all exhibitions comply with relevant local regulations, venue requirements and industry standards.
• Oversee risk assessments, emergency procedures, health and safety policies and operational compliance.
• Ensure appropriate contingency and crisis management plans are in place.

6. Team Management & Development

• Lead, develop and manage the exhibition operations team.
• Define responsibilities, objectives and performance expectations.
• Ensure appropriate staffing and resource planning across multiple concurrent events.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Requirements & Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in exhibition and event operations, with significant leadership experience.
• Previous experience working directly for an exhibition organiser is essential.
• Proven experience in a senior operational management position, ideally as Head of Operations, Operations Director or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of the end‑to‑end exhibition lifecycle, including planning, build‑up, live delivery and breakdown.
• Experience managing large‑scale B2B exhibitions and multiple event portfolios.
• Strong financial acumen, including operational budgeting, forecasting and cost management.
• Proven experience managing contractors, suppliers, venues and complex stakeholder relationships.
• Strong leadership capabilities with experience managing and developing operational teams.
• Excellent knowledge of health, safety and compliance requirements within the exhibitions industry.
• Strong organisational, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strategic and operational leadership
• Commercial awareness and financial management
• Strong negotiation and supplier management
• Project planning and execution
• Team leadership and people development
• Process optimisation and operational efficiency
• Stakeholder management and communication
• Problem‑solving and decision‑making

Working Arrangement

• Full-time, office‑based position.
• 5 days per week in the office.
• Flexibility required during exhibition build‑up, live event days and breakdown periods.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be an established exhibition operations leader who combines strategic thinking with hands‑on operational expertise. They should have a strong understanding of the commercial exhibition environment and the ability to translate business objectives into efficient operational delivery.

Candidates from general events, hospitality, venues, production agencies or other industries without direct experience working for an exhibition organiser will not be considered.