Senior Global Events Operations Leader

Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs; Utrecht; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8% holiday allowance

Pension scheme

Collective bonus scheme (up to 5%)

Commission scheme (up to 2.5 monthly)

Laptop and smartphone (€850 budget)

Job summary

Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs is seeking a senior operations manager for the VIV portfolio in Utrecht, the Netherlands. You will lead end-to-end operational delivery of international exhibitions, ensuring on-time execution within budget and in line with high safety standards.

In this hands-on role you will coordinate internal teams with venues, contractors and exhibitors, translate concepts into actionable plans, drive improvements across regions and be willing to travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior event operations management, preferably in international exhibitions or trade shows.
• Strong expertise in venue management, stand construction, and supplier coordination.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, large-scale projects across multiple stakeholders.
• Commercial mindset with experience managing budgets and identifying upsell opportunities.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail under pressure.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and align cross-functional teams.
• Flexibility and willingness to travel internationally.
• Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end operational planning and execution of international exhibitions and events, from build‑up and live event to breakdown
• Translate event concepts into detailed operational plans, timelines and budgets, while advising on the feasibility of new concepts, features and revenue opportunities
• Manage and optimise relationships with venues, contractors and key suppliers, including stand construction, pavilions and onsite services
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and regulatory requirements across regions, supported by an integrated risk analysis framework
• Collaborate closely with event managers, sales and marketing to deliver seamless, integrated event experiences
• Monitor budgets, control costs and identify efficiencies while maintaining quality
• Lead the operations team and continuously improve operational performance through optimised processes, systematic guidelines and best practices

Skills

Senior event ops

Venue management

Stand construction

Supplier coordination

Budget management

Upsell opportunities

Leadership

Communication

Travel internationally

English fluency

Job description

Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs is seeking a senior operations manager for the VIV portfolio in Utrecht, the Netherlands. You will lead end-to-end operational delivery of international exhibitions, ensuring on-time execution within budget and in line with high safety standards.

In this hands-on role you will coordinate internal teams with venues, contractors and exhibitors, translate concepts into actionable plans, drive improvements across regions and be willing to travel as needed.