Operations Manager

Company Description

Informa Markets, a division within Informa, creates global platforms for industries. We organise over 500 large-scale branded and transaction-oriented events in 14 specialist markets. These are typically not-tobe-missed annual events where buyers and sellers build relationships, see and show products and do business.

We also provide year-round online platforms where companies showcase their businesses and products and buyers conduct research, generating valuable leads, and we provide data and digital content that supports the flow of knowledge and transactions in markets.

We’re part of Informa, a global business with a network of trusted brands in specialist markets across more than 30 countries, and a member of the FTSE 100 who are #3 in Glassdoor's Best Places to Work 2025 UK list. 

Job Description

This role is based in our  79 North St, Brighton and Hove office

Role Overview

The Operations Manager delivers worldwide events by serving as both Operational Lead and Exhibitor Support. This role ensures professional, on-schedule, on-budget delivery of events through comprehensive project management of all logistical aspects while managing exhibitor relationships and support activities. The position requires balancing multiple priorities across various event timelines whilst maintaining exceptional attention to detail.

Reporting Structure

Reports to: Senior Operations Manager (SOM) and Operations Director (OD)

Matrix reporting to: Operations Director and Managing Director

Reporting format: Weekly Wrike report due Fridays at 10am, reviewed in Weekly Operations Meeting

Key relationships: Marketing team and Event Directors, contractors, suppliers, and exhibitors

Key Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Manage comprehensive event information and project tasks through Wrike, ensuring all deadlines are met
• Source, negotiate with, and maintain relationships with venues, contractors, and suppliers
• Produce detailed contractor specifications to secure accurate quotes for exhibition and conference elements, including special feature areas
• Coordinate onsite staffing requirements including security, temporary staff, and medical personnel
• Create and manage priority build schedules, run sheets, and comprehensive staffing schedules
• Develop signage schedules with design team, ensuring timely artwork creation and print deadlines
• Maintain operational budgets with precise tracking of expenses, managing cashflow and invoice processing
• Lead monthly show meetings with Event Director and team members to report on progress and changes
• Manage sponsorships, contra deals, and special requirements with attention to contractual obligations
• Develop user-friendly exhibitor portals with updated information, contractor details, and deadlines
• Implement and track Sustainability Fundamentals across all event operations
• Create comprehensive Health & Safety documentation including event safety files and risk assessments
• Coordinate international freight and shipping logistics with specialised freight forwarders
• Manage staff travel arrangements including flights, accommodation, and ground transportation
• Oversee onsite event execution, ensuring all areas are set up according to specifications
• Conduct thorough post-show analysis to identify improvements for future events

Exhibitor Support

• Process and track all exhibit space bookings and sponsorships with meticulous record-keeping
• Manage proactive exhibitor communications through dedicated inboxes, providing timely responses
• Monitor exhibitor progress throughout the event cycle, identifying and addressing potential issues
• Coordinate with sponsors to ensure all contractual deliverables are fulfilled
• Review and approve booth information forms and designs, ensuring compliance with venue regulations
• Administer lead retrieval systems, providing technical support and troubleshooting
• Develop comprehensive Exhibitor Online Portals/Manuals with intuitive navigation and clear instructions
• Create and maintain accurate, up-to-date event floorplans reflecting all space allocations
• Conduct 6-weekly reviews of exhibitor database, Salesforce records, and floorplans to ensure accuracy
• Prepare detailed exhibitor concerns list 6-8 weeks pre-show with regular updates
• Manage onsite organiser's office efficiently, providing solutions to exhibitor and visitor enquiries
• Design and analyse post-show exhibitor surveys to gather actionable feedback
• Process visa invitation letters for international exhibitors and speakers
• Optimise exhibitor communications for clarity, relevance, and appropriate frequency

Qualifications

Required Skills & Attributes

• Proven B2B experience, particularly in professional event environments
• Exceptional project management capabilities with ability to handle multiple concurrent events
• Strong budget management experience with attention to financial details
• Excellent communication skills for effective stakeholder management
• Problem-solving mindset with ability to make quick decisions under pressure
• Detail-oriented approach to planning and execution
• Experience with event management software and CRM systems
• Ability to travel internationally for event execution

This role requires a proactive, organised professional who can balance strategic planning with hands-on event execution whilst maintaining strong relationships with exhibitors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.

Additional Information

We believe that great things happen when people connect face-to-face. That's why we work in-person with each other, or with customers and partners, three days a week or more. When you’re not spending time together in one of our offices or other workplaces – like at an Informa event – you get the flexibility and support to work from home or remotely.

We work hard to make sure Life at Informa is rewarding, supportive and enjoyable for everyone. Here’s some of what you can expect when you join us. But don’t just take our word for it – see what our colleagues have to say at LifeAt.Informa.com

Our benefits include:

• Great community: a welcoming culture with in-person and online social events, our fantastic Walk the World charity day and active diversity and inclusion networks 
• Broader impact: take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding available too
• Career opportunity: the opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms and on-demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning. When it’s time for the next step, we encourage and support internal job moves
• Time out: 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days after two years, plus a birthday leave day and the chance to work from (almost!) anywhere for up to four weeks a year 
• A flexible range of personal benefits to choose from, plus company funded private medical cover
• A ShareMatch scheme that allows you to become an Informa shareholder with free matching shares
• Strong wellbeing support through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, a healthy living subsidy, access to health apps and more
• Recognition for great work, with global awards and kudos programmes 
• As an international company, the chance to collaborate with teams around the world 

We’re not solely focused on a checklist of skills. We champion energy and ambition and look for colleagues who will roll their sleeves up, join in and help make things happen. If it sounds like a match and you have most – although not all – of the skills and experience listed, we welcome your application. 

If you would like to request reasonable adjustments or accommodations to assist your participation in the hiring process and, or in the advertised position, please inform the appropriate Talent Acquisition Partner for the role once they have been in touch.

At Informa, you'll find inclusive experiences and environments where all perspectives and backgrounds are welcomed. As part of this approach and our diversity and inclusion commitments, we are also formally an Equal Opportunities Employer. This means we base decisions on relevant qualifications and merit and do not discriminate on the basis of key characteristics and statuses, including all of those protected by law. Ask us or see our website for full information. 

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