Operations Manager

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:

We have an exciting opportunity in the Confex Operations team for an Operations Manager. The role will focus on delivering and managing the operations for conferences and exhibitions primarily within our EnergyNet portfolio. EnergyNet focuses on developing energy for Africa and has events taking place across Europe, Middle East, America and Africa.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in delivering high quality events and an ability to cope in high pressure situations within a fast-paced environment, whilst never taking their eye off the important details.

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

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the operational delivery of 4-6 events taking place across Africa, Middle East, Europe and America from conception to completion.

• Manage event operations budgets, future planning, and forecasting in line with budget expectations.

• Reporting to and working with the Portfolio Director on operational strategy for each event.

• Responsibility for event timelines and task allocation to team members as required.

• Supplier sourcing, rigorous contract negotiation and management of relationships with venues andkey contractors.

• Knowledge and understanding of venue contract and terms and conditions terminology.

• Consult with the event team on production, marketing, sales, and finance to ensure maximum awareness of all event elements.

• Production and timely communication of correct and detailed technical information for exhibitors, including producing an exhibitor manual/zone.

• Ensure delivery and fulfilment of all sponsorship and exhibitor packages as sold by the portfolios for stands, branding, branded items, features etc.

• Design and manage the floor plans, the event signage and show guide.

• Management of health and safety issues and decisions; compiling a full and comprehensive health and safety file for all events including risk assessments and Construction Phase Plan, ensuring all documents are thoroughly checked and verified.

• Post show evaluation and development.

• Attend training courses as directed by your Line Manager.

• Collaborate with other operations teams across the business and take part in working groups.

• Available to travel worldwide.

• Flexible to work long hours in the run up to an event when required.

• Willing to work across other events within Clarion where schedules require.

Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours:

• Proven experience in the international conference and exhibition industry.

• Experience in designing and coordinating feature builds for exhibitions.

• Experience of working on multiple projects at one time.

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

• Familiar with e-Guide and g-Guide and experience of managing onsite Health & Safety.

• Health & Safety Course qualification is desirable, preferably IOSH Managing Safely.

• Ability to think outside the box and produce innovative ideas to ensure events stand out.

• Analytical brain to continually assess and improve processes.

• Keen to embrace and learn new technology and IT systems.

• Self-motivated, pro-active, and takes on responsibility.

• Ability to meet deadlines and resolve problems under pressure.

• Strong social and communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively with all levels and departments.

• A customer-first mind-set.

• An astute negotiator.

• Attention to detail.

• Effective time management.

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.

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