Operations Manager

Informa Group Plc.; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent events organization in Riyadh is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee the operational delivery of events, ensuring compliance and high standards. The successful candidate will manage budgets and lead a team, requiring strong communication and leadership skills. This position offers benefits such as medical insurance, generous annual leave, and a relocation package for eligible candidates. You will be part of a dynamic environment focused on innovation and professional growth.

Benefits

BUPA Medical Insurance

25 days annual leave

Remote working on Sundays

Family visa costs covered

Annual flight allowance

Qualifications

• Proven ability to manage large events to high standards.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Effective communication with various stakeholders.
• Knowledge of exhibition H&S Guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operational delivery of events.
• Manage budgets and operational show management.
• Ensure compliance with H&S and sustainability guidelines.
• Lead a team and mentor younger staff.

Skills

Event management

Operational strategy

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

Degree or equivalent

Tools

Project management software

Job description

Tahaluf is the largest B2B live and on-demand events organiser in Saudi Arabia by space, attendance, colleagues, and revenue. It is a joint venture between Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and the Events Investment Fund (EIF).

Tahaluf is bold, visionary, and determined to make an impact. Our team fosters a culture of collaboration, creativity, and a little fun. Here teamwork rules and work feels as exciting as the events we create. Scaling at this pace also requires exceptional local partners, and Tahaluf is proud to work with a range of government and non-government organisations at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s B2B and B2C large-scale events scene.

Be part of something BIG with Tahaluf’s series of record-breaking events: LEAP and Cityscape – the largest events in the world in their respective fields of tech and real estate; Black Hat MEA – a Guinness World Record holder for the largest CTF competition during the event; and CPHI Middle East – the largest pharma debut event in history, to name just a few. Tahaluf is making a huge impact on the global events sector.

Join our ambitious and highly committed team, unafraid to push boundaries and disrupt the status quo. From day one, you’ll dive into large-scale projects under the guidance of a supportive leadership team that will encourage your personal development and open doors to new opportunities.

Job Description

We are building awe‑inspiring experiences. We are launching award‑winning brands. And we are scaling faster than any event organiser in history. Take a leap with Tahaluf, we are offering you the chance to:

• Work within a highly dynamic business with the energy and style of a start‑up
• Be part of building a business that is launching new products and events at scale
• Grab an opportunity to accelerate your career and make a real impact.

What you will do

As our Operations Manager, you are responsible for the professional operational delivery of your allocated events, features and projects. You will ensure that all are delivered to the highest possible standards and to the satisfaction of all parties involved consistently throughout the year.

Reporting to the Senior/Group Operations Manager, the Operations Manager will, together with the Senior/Group Operations Manager, be responsible for implementing the EMEA Operations objectives.

The Operations Manager should lead by example and demonstrate a professional responsibility to the department at all times.

Key responsibilities

• Be the key point of contact for the show teams in all matters on your allocated shows, internal and external.
• Accountability for setting, regular forecasting & achieving operational show budgets for allocated events.
• Responsibility for successful show management and technical delivery of several physical and digital events throughout the year including features & fully undertaking all related tasks.
• Manage production and implementation of show project plans ensuring all operational tasks are carried out on a timely basis according to individual project plans and within deadlines across all your events.
• Ensuring all allocated events are working within the company’s H&S, Security & Sustainability guidelines at all times.
• Implementation of internal and external Service Level Agreements on all allocated events.
• Oversee production and delivery of the show exhibitor manual.
• Communicate with suppliers to manage the brief, design, feature production and signage process in co‑ordination with show teams and sponsors.
• Communicate with suppliers and show teams to manage the brief, design, production and management of Registration areas and overall welcome experience.
• Compile post event reports and KPI analysis.
• In collaboration with the Procurement team, monitor the ongoing performance of key contractors and troubleshoot /identify remedial action as required on each event.

Management

• Manage, mentor & develop line reports & others within the EMEA Operations team, you will manage line reports on a day‑to‑day basis where applicable, each of these may be allocated across multiple events throughout the year requiring you to work alongside other Operations Managers to effectively balance workloads & priorities for each team member individually.
• Setting, monitoring & management of direct reports’ performance objectives and identifying training needs.
• Work with colleagues to achieve best practice in terms of operational planning and management.

Compliance / legal / Health & Safety (H&S) / Sustainability

• Adhere to all Informa compliance requirements and monitor supplier performance to ensure they are meeting our requirements.
• Follow the complete HSS Operating Model for all allocated events, submitting paperwork as required in a timely and concise manner and embedding best practice & continual improvement into all your event planning.
• Collaborate with Informa H&S team to ensure suppliers meet and exceed our H&S requirements.
• Work with the H&S team on remedial measures where necessary.
• Be an active partner of the Informa Sustainability team and look for opportunities to support and enhance our sustainability initiatives.

Qualifications

What you will bring

Educated to degree level or equivalent

• Must have independently and successfully managed operations on multiple large events to a consistently high standard.
• Experience of managing, supporting & developing multiple line reports simultaneously.
• You will possess a good working knowledge of the exhibition industry & venues as well as a great working relationship with all official contractors.
• Effective communication skills – being able to liaise with Operations team members as well as working with & reporting to Director Level individuals throughout the portfolio(s).
• Familiarity with good procurement practices.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire and motivate others, thinking outside the box for creative solutions.
• Ability to anticipate problems and/or put contingency plans in place.
• A proven ability to work to tight deadlines, with attention to detail under pressure is a pre‑requisite.
• Willingness and ability to travel / work across differing time zones especially within the EMEA region.
• Proven knowledge of exhibition H&S Guidelines and implementation.
• Computer‑literate and proficient in the use of commonly used business software and project management software.
• Effective verbal and written English and Arabic communication skills.
• IOSH Managing Safety Certificate (or equivalent) as a minimum.

Additional Information

What you will get

• BUPA Medical Insurance for you and your family.
• Annual leave – 25 days.
• Remote working on Sundays.
• Working anywhere – 1 month every year.
• Family visa costs (up to a max of three children).
• Individual annual flight allowance for expats.

International Relocation Package*

• Paid flight to Riyadh – for you and your family (up to a max of three children).
• 60 days of accommodation or a suitable serviced apartment from your arrival date, or a one‑off payment of SAR 5,000.
• Up to SAR 2,500 reimbursement of shipping goods / excess baggage costs.
• Individual paid flight home and an end‑of‑service gratuity payment when leaving the company*

Local Relocation Package*

• Paid flight to Riyadh – individual and family (up to a max of three children).
• 30 days accommodation or a suitable serviced apartment from your arrival date, or a one‑off payment of SAR 5,000.
• Up to SAR 2,500 reimbursement of shipping goods / excess baggage costs.

*If eligible

We don't just accept difference, we celebrate it. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and circumstances and base hiring decisions on relevant qualifications and merit. We are proud to provide a disability‑friendly environment. If you require any support or adjustments to participate in our interview or selection processes, please let us know.