Operations Manager (Events) - 9 month contract

Role Overview

Operations Manager (Events) at Informa Group Plc., a 9-month contract role supporting Tahaluf, the largest B2B live and on-demand events organizer in Saudi Arabia. The role is based in Saudi Arabia and can be performed remotely.

Company Overview

Tahaluf is a joint venture between Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and the Events Investment Fund (EIF). The organization organizes record-breaking events including LEAP, Cityscape, Black Hat MEA (a Guinness World Record holder for the largest CTF competition), and CPHI Middle East. Portfolio 3 within Tahaluf is building its Operations team and currently manages CPHI Middle East, Umrah & Ziyarah Forum, Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress, and the Innovation Driven Water Sustainability (IDWS) event.

Role Purpose

The Operations Manager is responsible for the professional operational delivery of allocated events, features, and projects to the highest possible standards and to the satisfaction of all parties involved. Reporting to the Head and Senior Operations Managers, you will implement EMEA Operations objectives and eventually take full lead on running allocated event streams, with high-level Ministry involvement and communication required.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Delivery

• Serve as the key point of contact for show teams in all matters relating to allocated shows, internal and external.
• 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 events.
• Take responsibility for successful show management and technical delivery of several physical and digital events throughout the year, including features and all related tasks.
• Oversee production and delivery of the show exhibitor manual.
• Communicate with suppliers to manage the brief, design, feature production, and signage process in coordination 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.

Budget & Financial Management

• Maintain accountability for setting, regular forecasting, and achieving operational show budgets for allocated events.

Supplier & Contractor Management

• In collaboration with the Procurement team, monitor the ongoing performance of key contractors and troubleshoot or identify remedial action as required on each event.

Reporting & Analysis

• Compile post-event reports and KPI analysis.

Health, Safety, Security & Sustainability

• Ensure all allocated events are working within the company's Health & Safety, Security, and Sustainability guidelines at all times.
• Follow the complete HSS Operating Model for all allocated events, submitting paperwork as required in a timely and concise manner and embedding best practice and continuous improvement into all event planning.
• Collaborate with Informa Health & Safety team to ensure suppliers meet and exceed Health & Safety requirements.
• Work with the Health & Safety team on remedial measures where necessary.
• Be an active partner of the Informa Sustainability team and look for opportunities to support and enhance sustainability initiatives.

Compliance & Service Level Agreements

• Adhere to all Informa compliance requirements and monitor supplier performance to ensure they are meeting requirements.
• Implement internal and external Service Level Agreements on all allocated events.

Team Management

• Manage, mentor, and develop line reports and others within the EMEA Operations team on a day-to-day basis.
• Work alongside other Operations Managers to effectively balance workloads and priorities for each team member individually, as line reports may be allocated across multiple events throughout the year.
• Set, monitor, and manage direct reports' performance objectives and identify training needs.
• Work with colleagues to achieve best practice in terms of operational planning and management.
• Lead by example and demonstrate professional responsibility to the department at all times, adding value to the Operations Department and Portfolio and helping others build their knowledge and ability for the future of Tahaluf.

Qualifications & Experience

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• 5 years of events or exhibition industry experience or similar.
• Must have independently and successfully managed operations on multiple large events to a consistently high standard.
• Experience of managing, supporting, and developing multiple line reports simultaneously.
• Proven knowledge of exhibition Health & Safety Guidelines and implementation.
• IOSH Managing Safety Certificate (or equivalent) as a minimum.
• Prior large budget management skill is a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong and effective verbal and written skills in Arabic and English.
• Good working knowledge of the exhibition industry and venues as well as great working relationships with all official contractors.
• Effective communication skills, being able to liaise with Operations team members and work with and report to Director Level individuals throughout the portfolio.
• 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 put contingency plans in place.
• Proven ability to work to tight deadlines with attention to detail under pressure.
• Computer literate and proficient in the use of commonly used business software and project management software.

Additional Information

• Contract type: 9-month contract.
• Location: Can be performed remotely; willingness and ability to travel and work across differing time zones, especially within the EMEA region, is required.
• Relocation or sponsorship support is not available.
• Tahaluf welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and circumstances and bases hiring decisions on relevant qualifications and merit. The organization provides a disability-friendly environment and welcomes requests for support or adjustments to participate in interview or selection processes.