Operations Manager (Events) - 9 month contract

About Tahaluf

Role Overview

Operational Duties

• Act as the key point of contact for show teams on allocated events.
• Set, forecast, and achieve operational show budgets.
• Deliver multiple physical and digital events, features, and projects.
• Manage show project plans, operational deadlines, Service Level Agreements, exhibitor manuals, registration areas, and welcome experiences.
• Coordinate suppliers, show teams, sponsors, and contractors across briefs, design, production, signage, and remedial actions.
• Compile post-event reports and KPI analysis.

Management

• Manage, mentor, and develop line reports and other members of the EMEA Operations team.
• Set and monitor performance objectives, identify training needs, and balance workloads across multiple events.
• Work with colleagues to achieve best practice in operational planning and management.

Compliance and Sustainability

• Ensure allocated events follow company health, safety, security, and sustainability guidelines.
• Submit required HSS Operating Model paperwork and embed best practice and continual improvement in event planning.
• Collaborate with the Health and Safety team on supplier requirements and remedial measures.
• Partner with the Sustainability team to support and enhance sustainability initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree-level education or equivalent.
• At least five years of events or exhibition industry experience or a similar field.
• Demonstrated independent management of operations on multiple large events to a consistently high standard.
• Experience managing, supporting, and developing multiple line reports simultaneously.
• Good working knowledge of the exhibition industry and venues, with relationships with official contractors.
• IOSH Managing Safety Certificate or equivalent, as a minimum.

Role Qualities and Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in Arabic and English.
• Effective communication with operations teams and Director-level stakeholders.
• Familiarity with good procurement practices and commonly used business and project management software.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others and develop creative solutions.
• Ability to anticipate problems, create contingency plans, and work to tight deadlines with attention to detail.
• Willingness and ability to travel or work across differing time zones, especially within EMEA.
• Proven knowledge of exhibition health and safety guidelines and implementation.
• Prior large budget management experience is a plus.

Contract and Work Arrangement

• This is a nine-month contract role.
• The role can be performed remotely.
• Relocation or sponsorship support is not provided.