Senior Operations Manager (maternity cover)

At Clarion, our people are at the absolute heart of what we do. We’re proud that our core values of PASSION , CARE , IMAGINATION , and TRUST define the way we carry out our work across all of our teams.

If you share our values and want to be a part of a successful, dynamic, and creative global business then we want to hear from you.

The Opportunity:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic, organised, and motivated individual to join the Confex Operations Team as a Senior Operations Manager (Maternity Cover). The role will focus on delivering and managing the operations for conferences and exhibitions across portfolios operating in various sectors, such as Energy, Transport, Internet Retailing and Life Sciences.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate good experience of delivering high-quality, large scale events and an ability to cope in high pressure situations and a fast-paced environment while never taking their eye off the important details. Excellent communication and people management skills are essential.

This role is hybrid (3 days in the office) and onsite working during events, requiring international travel/work over some weekends and evenings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the operational delivery of medium-large scale conferences and exhibitions, from conception to completion.

• Work closely with the Head of Operations to manage the operational delivery and strategy for two portfolios (Tech & EnergyNet).

• Manage the event operations team for these shows, allocating roles and responsibilities whilst being accountable for ensuring all tasks are delivered according to schedule.

• Manage event operations budgets, future planning and forecasting in line with budget expectations and report to relevant Portfolio Director/s.

• Supplier sourcing, meticulous contract negotiation and management of relationships with venues and all suppliers.

• Proactive and resourceful approach on complex operational projects with limited guidance.

• Drive and implement change on best practice and key processes to ensure efficiencies.

• Knowledge and understanding of venue contracts and terminology.

• Compile full and comprehensive Health & Safety plans for the events, ensuring all documents are thoroughly checked, verified and relevant.

• Negotiation of all costs to ensure event cost bases are spent appropriately.

• Ability to work creatively with budgets, keeping all relevant parties updated.

• Creative flair and drive to implement new ideas to enhance features and stage production.

Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours:

• Demonstrable large scale exhibitions experience.

• Experience of delivering events in the UK and internationally.

• Proven experience of creating and managing event operations budget, future planning, forecasting, and delivering on target.

• Demonstrates a customer focused mind-set.

• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to continually assess and improve processes.

• Experience in designing and coordinating feature builds for exhibitions.

• Experience of working on multiple projects at one time.

• Proven experience in managing multiple members of the team.

• Strong Health and Safety knowledge and confident with preparation of event safety files – minimum IOSH

• Flexible approach to working hours; working weekends and evenings when required. operations manager level, plus freelancers) as required.

• Organised and methodical.

• Effective time management: able to work in a fast-paced environment, meeting deadlines, Coach, encourage and inspire reporting staff with ideas, objectives, and goals to improve multi-tasking and resolving problems under pressure.

• Strong social and communication skills with the ability to work within a team and Lead by example independently.

• Keen to embrace and learn new skills including use of new technology and IT systems.

About Clarion Events

Clarion Events is one of the world’s leading event organisers, producing and delivering innovative and market-leading events since 1947. ()

Clarion Events embrace diversity and equal opportunities in all that we do. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Clarion is private equity backed and owned by Blackstone. Blackstone is one of the world’s leading global investment funds, investing capital for the long term in order to build successful, resilient businesses. ()

Our purpose is to deliver exceptional customer outcomes and experiences, by making every connection count.

Our vision is we want every one of our products to be a market leader in customer satisfaction and delight.

Benefits

• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

• End of year wellbeing shutdown (closed for the last week of the year)

• Employees on a permanent or fixed-term contract are gifted an extra day of leave that can be used for a celebration of your choosing, e.g. birthday, Eid, Diwali, etc.

• Summer Hours in August (3pm finish on Fridays)

• Helping Our World (HOW) Days – one paid day per quarter to carry out charity work

• Pension Scheme

• Private Medical Insurance

• Health Cash Plan

• Wellbeing Library (MYNDUP)

• Mentoring Programme

• Season Ticket Loan

• Cycle to Work Schemes

• Free on-site gym and shower facilities

• Free eyesight tests

• Free flu vaccination – offered on site once a year for all employees

Our Values

PASSION

We deliver all our events with passion for people, the environment and businesses. We form connections with those who are just as passionate about what they do as we are. We always strive to exceed expectations and celebrate success. We love what we do, and it shows.

CARE

We care about our people and our products and work tirelessly to achieve lasting connections and satisfaction for ourselves, our customers and the businesses they support. We really get people - everyone is welcome.

IMAGINATION

Everything is possible. We constantly challenge the status quo and create amazing experiences and opportunities. We take huge satisfaction in solving problems. As open-minded and fun-loving people, the sky is our limit.

TRUST

We trust our skills, people and partners to deliver extraordinary events our customers have come to rely on. We support everyone around us and always learn through our experiences. We are honest and straight forward. You can always rely on us.

Equal Opportunities

We encourage employees to be open and confident and recognise that every member of the team makes a vital contribution.

Clarion embraces equality, diversity and inclusion and seeks to promote these principles in all of our business activities.

When recruiting new employees or providing opportunities for promotion, we will:

• Recruit, develop and retain the most talented people, regardless of background, and make the best use of their talents;

• Ensure that no person is unlawfully discriminated against;

• Select the best person for the role based on their skills, qualifications and abilities.

This statement sets out our commitment to equal opportunities and to preventing discrimination in the workplace.