Description
We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Event Operations Director to lead our operations team and scale our event operations. This role is pivotal in planning and executing both live and digital events. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in managing large-scale, complex event builds, with a passion for delivering world-class events that leave a lasting impact.
The Event Operations Director will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive event operations plans aligning with organisational goals. They will collaborate with clients to understand and meet their event expectations operationally, set timelines and milestones for event operations preparation and execution, and create and oversee event budgets ensuring cost-effectiveness.
The role also involves managing a small, highly effective operations team, plus appropriate freelance consultants and suppliers, identifying and securing suitable venues, negotiating contracts and agreements, and managing relationships with vendors, suppliers, and service providers to ensure timely delivery.
The Event Operations Director will oversee all logistical facets including transportation, accommodation, and catering, ensure functionality of event infrastructure like audiovisual equipment and staging, and develop contingency plans to address potential issues.
They will also ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, permits, and licenses, conduct risk assessments and implement safety protocols, coordinate security measures and emergency response plans, and design strategies to enhance attendee satisfaction.
The Event Operations Director will utilise event management software and digital tools to streamline operations, implement solutions such as event apps, registration systems, and virtual platforms, and conduct evaluations to assess performance against objectives.
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience with at least 5 years in a senior event operations role within a commercial conference or exhibition organizer. They will have extensive experience in delivering large-scale events, including complex outdoor builds in the UK, and a proven track record in managing conferences and exhibitions with over 1,000 attendees, 50+ exhibitors, and multiple conference tracks.
The Event Operations Director will have a strong background in procurement, supplier contract negotiations, and budget management, expertise in event design, floorplans, and maximizing attendee experience, and an excellent understanding of outdoor events infrastructure including power, waste, and temporary structures.
They will also have familiarity with health & safety compliances; IOSH/NEBOSH certification preferred, a passion for climate change and sustainability, aiming to reduce carbon footprints through event planning, and strong leadership abilities with a knack for leading large onsite teams.
The Event Operations Director will have outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, a flexible and solution-driven approach to challenges, and the ability to work under pressure and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
What we offer:
- 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- 10 additional flexible remote working dates after probation
- Hybrid working arrangement between our WeWork offices in Victoria and remote with three days working in our office weekly
- Generous and achievable bonus scheme
- Ethical pension plan with the Peoples Pension
- WeWork wellbeing benefits such as yoga sessions and meditation
- Barista, community bar, table tennis, showers, and ability to bring your pet to work
- Benenden Health Scheme
- Opportunity to work with globally recognised sustainability and climate leaders
- Join a rapidly growing, mission-led company, making a positive impact on our planet