Operations Manager

Informa Markets in Asia; England; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global event management company based in Brighton is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee the execution of worldwide events. The successful candidate will ensure the delivery of projects on time and on budget while managing exhibitor relations and support. Strong B2B experience, exceptional project management skills, and budget management expertise are essential. The role offers flexibility with office attendance required three days a week.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

25 days annual leave

Career development opportunities

Company funded private medical cover

Wellbeing support programs

Qualifications

• Proven B2B experience in professional event environments.
• Exceptional project management capabilities for multiple concurrent events.
• Strong budget management and attention to financial details.
• Excellent communication for effective stakeholder management.
• Experience with event management software and CRM systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage event information and project tasks through Wrike.
• Source and negotiate with venues and suppliers.
• Maintain operational budgets with precise expense tracking.
• Oversee onsite event execution and ensure setups.
• Process and track exhibit space bookings meticulously.

Skills

B2B experience

Project management

Budget management

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Detail-oriented

Event management software

CRM systems

Job description

Job Description

This role is based in Brighton and require you to be in the office 3 days a week.

Role Overview

The Operations Manager delivers worldwide events by serving as both Operational Lead and Exhibitor Support. This role ensures professional, on-schedule, on-budget delivery of events through comprehensive project management of all logistical aspects while managing exhibitor relationships and support activities. The position requires balancing multiple priorities across various event timelines whilst maintaining exceptional attention to detail.

Reporting Structure

Reports to: Senior Operations Manager (SOM) and Operations Director (OD)

Matrix reporting to: Operations Director and Managing Director

Reporting format: Weekly Wrike report due Fridays at 10am, reviewed in Weekly Operations Meeting

Key relationships: Marketing team and Event Directors, contractors, suppliers, and exhibitors

Key Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Manage comprehensive event information and project tasks through Wrike, ensuring all deadlines are met
• Source, negotiate with, and maintain relationships with venues, contractors, and suppliers
• Produce detailed contractor specifications to secure accurate quotes for exhibition and conference elements, including special feature areas
• Coordinate onsite staffing requirements including security, temporary staff, and medical personnel
• Create and manage priority build schedules, run sheets, and comprehensive staffing schedules
• Develop signage schedules with design team, ensuring timely artwork creation and print deadlines
• Maintain operational budgets with precise tracking of expenses, managing cashflow and invoice processing
• Lead monthly show meetings with Event Director and team members to report on progress and changes
• Manage sponsorships, contra deals, and special requirements with attention to contractual obligations
• Develop user-friendly exhibitor portals with updated information, contractor details, and deadlines
• Implement and track Sustainability Fundamentals across all event operations
• Create comprehensive Health & Safety documentation including event safety files and risk assessments
• Coordinate international freight and shipping logistics with specialised freight forwarders
• Manage staff travel arrangements including flights, accommodation, and ground transportation
• Oversee onsite event execution, ensuring all areas are set up according to specifications
• Conduct thorough post-show analysis to identify improvements for future events
  
  

Exhibitor Support

• Process and track all exhibit space bookings and sponsorships with meticulous record-keeping
• Manage proactive exhibitor communications through dedicated inboxes, providing timely responses
• Monitor exhibitor progress throughout the event cycle, identifying and addressing potential issues
• Coordinate with sponsors to ensure all contractual deliverables are fulfilled
• Review and approve booth information forms and designs, ensuring compliance with venue regulations
• Administer lead retrieval systems, providing technical support and troubleshooting
• Develop comprehensive Exhibitor Online Portals/Manuals with intuitive navigation and clear instructions
• Create and maintain accurate, up-to-date event floorplans reflecting all space allocations
• Conduct 6-weekly reviews of exhibitor database, Salesforce records, and floorplans to ensure accuracy
• Prepare detailed exhibitor concerns list 6-8 weeks pre-show with regular updates
• Manage onsite organiser's office efficiently, providing solutions to exhibitor and visitor enquiries
• Design and analyse post-show exhibitor surveys to gather actionable feedback
• Process visa invitation letters for international exhibitors and speakers
• Optimise exhibitor communications for clarity, relevance, and appropriate frequency
  
  

Qualifications

Required Skills & Attributes

• Proven B2B experience, particularly in professional event environments
• Exceptional project management capabilities with ability to handle multiple concurrent events
• Strong budget management experience with attention to financial details
• Excellent communication skills for effective stakeholder management
• Problem-solving mindset with ability to make quick decisions under pressure
• Detail-oriented approach to planning and execution
• Experience with event management software and CRM systems
• Ability to travel internationally for event execution
  
  

This role requires a proactive, organised professional who can balance strategic planning with hands-on event execution whilst maintaining strong relationships with exhibitors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.

Additional Information

We work hard to make sure Life at Informa is rewarding, supportive and enjoyable for everyone. Here’s some of what you can expect when you join us. But don’t just take our word for it – see what our colleagues have to say at LifeAt.Informa.com

Our Benefits Include

Freedom & flexibility: colleagues rate us highly for the flexibility and trust they receive and most of us balance time in the office with time working remotely

• Great community: a welcoming culture with in-person and online social events, our fantastic Walk the World charity day and active diversity and inclusion networks
• Broader impact: take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding available too
• Career opportunity: the opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms and on-demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning. When it’s time for the next step, we encourage and support internal job moves
• Time out: 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days after two years, plus a birthday leave day and the chance to work from (almost!) anywhere for up to four weeks a year
• A flexible range of personal benefits to choose from, plus company funded private medical cover
• A ShareMatch scheme that allows you to become an Informa shareholder with free matching shares
• Strong wellbeing support through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, a healthy living subsidy, access to health apps and more
• Recognition for great work, with global awards and kudos programmes
• As an international company, the chance to collaborate with teams around the world
  
  

We’re not solely focused on a checklist of skills. We champion energy and ambition and look for colleagues who will roll their sleeves up, join in and help make things happen. If it sounds like a match and you have most – although not all – of the skills and experience listed, we welcome your application.

At Informa, you'll find inclusive experiences and environments where all perspectives and backgrounds are welcomed. As part of this approach and our diversity and inclusion commitments, we are also formally an Equal Opportunities Employer. This means we base decisions on relevant qualifications and merit and do not discriminate on the basis of key characteristics and statuses, including all of those protected by law. Ask us or see our website for full information.

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