Senior Operations Manager

Role Overview

• Take end-to-end responsibility for the operational delivery of all GHI events globally, including the GHI Conferences and GSE Expo Europe.
• Ensure events are delivered on time, within budget and to a consistently high quality standard.
• Lead onsite event delivery, acting as the senior operational decision-maker and ensuring seamless execution.
• Oversee all technical and logistical elements of events, ensuring smooth and efficient delivery.
• Manage and reconcile event budgets, maintaining strong cost control and negotiating with suppliers to achieve best value without compromising quality.
• Collaborate with Sales to optimise floorplans and support revenue opportunities.
• Contribute to post-event reporting, analysing operational performance, costs and opportunities for improvement.
• Act as a key operational contact for industry partners and associations, ensuring expectations are met and exceeded.
• Work closely with internal teams, including sales, marketing and design, to deliver cohesive and successful events.
• Develop and deliver event signage plans, working closely with design teams and suppliers.
• Identify process improvements and drive operational efficiencies across the portfolio.
• Line manage one direct report and contribute as a senior member of the wider operations team.
• Ensure health and safety, risk management and compliance across international events.
• Set clear operational priorities across the GHI events portfolio and translate them into effective delivery plans.
• Take accountability for operational budgets, supplier performance and event delivery standards.
• Lead, coach and support one direct report while contributing to the wider success of the operations team.

Requirements

• Strong operational events experience, with proven ability to deliver B2B conferences and exhibitions end to end
• Confidence working with internal stakeholders, suppliers, partners and senior-level contacts in a live event environment
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Commercial awareness, including experience managing budgets, costs and supplier negotiations
• Confidence leading in live, high-pressure event environments and making sound decisions under pressure
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and problem-solving skills
• A detail-focused, proactive and adaptable approach with a strong commitment to quality delivery.
• 5+ years’ experience delivering B2B conferences and/or exhibitions (nice-to-have)

Benefits

• Hybrid working
• Real ownership in your role
• Development through hands-on learning, mentoring and internal progression
• Exposure to specialist markets and loyal professional audiences
• A culture shaped by our values : Passionate, Creative, Nurturing and Fair