Operations Manager

Mark Allen; Waterlooville; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading events management company in Waterlooville is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee multiple conferences and events. This role requires strong organizational skills and project management experience. You will manage operational logistics, budgets, and onsite teams to ensure successful event delivery. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 2 years' experience in the events industry and excellent communication skills. This position offers a hybrid work model, with three days in the office and access to career development opportunities.

Benefits

Mentorship and training opportunities

Hybrid work environment

Diverse and inclusive culture

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years in coordinating operational logistics for events.
• Familiarity with budget management and reconciliation processes.
• Exposure to international events and travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational delivery of 8–10 conferences per year.
• Create and manage operational budgets.
• Travel globally to support international events.
• Coordinate onsite catering and manage teams.

Skills

Organisational skills

Project management

Communication

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Tools

AV management tools

Exhibition management tools

Job description

Overview

Operations Manager – Conferences & Events – Hybrid (Location: 3 days in our Herne Hill office). Company benefits.

Are you passionate about delivering seamless, high-impact events? Join us as Operations Manager to oversee conferences from planning to onsite delivery, combining organisation, problem-solving, and stakeholder coordination. Gain hands-on experience across diverse sectors, including food, HR, healthcare, defence, engineering, and industrial exhibitions, managing everything from full event operations to exhibitor-led activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational delivery of 8–10 conferences and exhibitions per year, managing every stage from initial planning to final onsite execution.
• Create and manage operational budgets throughout the event planning and through to post-event reconciliation.
• Travel globally to support international events and ensure operational excellence.
• Conduct venue research, coordinate bookings, and oversee contractor management, including AV, signage, and furniture.
• Manage conference delegate registration platforms and badge printing software, both pre-event and onsite.
• Manage exhibitor communication for between 10–200 exhibitors from compilation of the exhibitor manual through to onsite coordination.
• Coordinate onsite catering, travel, and accommodation for delegates and internal teams.
• Schedule and manage on-site teams to ensure smooth event delivery.
• Reconcile post-event budgets and support reporting.
• Oversee 10–50 tabletop exhibitors per event, managing pre-event communication and onsite coordination.

What we’re looking for

• Strong organisational and project management skills with the ability to deliver multiple events simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including liaising with venues, contractors, and exhibitors.
• Minimum 2 years in coordinating operational logistics for events, including registration platforms, catering, and team scheduling.
• Exposure to international events and travel.
• Familiarity with budget management and reconciliation processes.
• Knowledge of AV and exhibition management tools.

If you don’t tick every box but bring transferable skills and fresh thinking, we’d still love to hear from you.

Why join us?

• Work in a hybrid environment with your team for three days.
• Access tailored mentorship, training, and development opportunities.
• Contribute to initiatives that shape industries and audiences.
• Thrive in a culture rooted in passion, creativity, fairness, and growth.

How to apply

• Upload your application.
• Include a short video introduction (optional).
• Provide a recommendation/reference (optional).

Right to Work: Applicants must have the right to live and work in (country). We do not offer visa sponsorship.

Our commitment to diversity

We value diverse perspectives. Even if your background isn’t a perfect match, if you’re excited by our mission/industry, we want to hear from you.

About Us

For more than 40 years, Mark Allen Group has been shaping industries and connecting communities worldwide. From healthcare and education to agriculture, tech, and critical communications, our events and media give professionals the insights and connections they need to make a difference. We’re passionate about fresh ideas, champion fairness and creativity, and support our people to grow, explore, and succeed.