Operations Manager

Overview

In this role, you will lead the operational delivery of flagship events within Clarion’s Defence & Security Operations team. You’ll coordinate cross-functional partners, manage budgets, and ensure compliant, high-quality event execution both in the UK and Germany. You’ll work onsite at live events and travel internationally as needed, driving operational excellence and creative problem solving. This is an opportunity to shape high-profile exhibitions and contribute to a globally respected events portfolio.

Pay / Benefits

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• End of year wellbeing shutdown
• Additional leave day for celebrations
• Summer hours on Fridays
• HOW Days – paid charity day
• Pension Scheme? (Pension Scheme) or equivalent benefits listed? (keep phrasing from text)

Responsibilities

• Support end-to-end operational delivery of a major launch event in Germany
• Manage event operations budget: forecasting, cost tracking, and reporting to Head of Operations
• Negotiate supplier and contractor costs for value and efficiency
• Collaborate with Senior Operations Manager, Head of Operations, venue partners, exhibitors, and internal teams for build/breakdown in line with Health & Safety and Clarion standards
• Develop risk assessments and ongoing health & safety planning
• Maintain compliant health & safety documentation and file for the event
• Attend health & safety training and engage with internal programmes
• Liaise with production, marketing, sales, and finance to ensure cross-functional alignment
• Contribute creative, solution-focused ideas to enhance event delivery
• Prepare and share technical information for exhibitors (exhibitor manual/zone) and ensure exhibitor packages delivery
• Create signage schedules and oversee implementation
• Ensure build meets plans and quality expectations with contractors
• Manage contractors and suppliers before/during/after event for seamless delivery
• Coordinate build, delivery, and breakdown schedules
• Handle exhibitor and contractor needs in office and onsite under pressure
• Oversee onsite furniture and equipment ordering/management
• Maintain records, meetings, minutes, and follow-up communications
• Manage event staffing levels for exhibition coverage
• Support post-event evaluation and continuous improvement
• Participate in internal and client meetings; contribute to Operations Group
• Handle customer data compliant with GDPR and privacy requirements
• Be available for international travel as required
• Represent Clarion Events professionally

Key requirements

• Experience in conference and exhibition industry or live events
• Proven Health and Safety experience
• Organised and methodical with multi-tasking ability
• Strong attention to detail
• Customer focused mindset
• Confident communicator with diverse audiences
• Experience managing budget tracking or cost control
• Willingness to travel internationally
• Self-motivated, proactive and able to meet deadlines in fast-paced environments
• Computer literate with MS Office and Outlook; experience with Salesforce, Pardot or Workday is advantageous

• Organised and proactive
• Creative problem-solving
• Adaptability and resilience
• MS Office
• Outlook
• Salesforce

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