Head of Event Operations | Global B2B Events Business
London – Hybrid Working + Travel
Salary up to £65,000 + Bonus + Benefits
Full Time, Permanent position
About the Head of Event Operations Role
A globally recognised B2B events organiser is looking for a Head of Event Operations to take charge of delivering one of the high profile large-scale conference and exhibition portfolios. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who has genuinely delivered major events (Confex, exhibitions, tradeshows) at scale, not just managed them from a distance.
Working closely with the Global Operations Director, you will help shape the future of the operations function as the business continues to expand internationally.
What the Role Involves
Reporting into the Global Operations Director, you will lead the operational delivery of large-scale conferences and exhibitions, overseeing a team structure of 2-3 senior direct reports, each managing Operations Executives beneath them.
- Own the P&L and budget across the full event lifecycle, from planning through to onsite delivery, including stand build and floor plan management
- Build and lead a multi-layered operations team, keeping delivery standards high and budgets on track
- Guide your team through venue and supplier negotiations across UK and international events
- Stay close to delivery by personally running at least one event each year, travelling internationally where needed
- Spot risks before they become problems, build contingency plans, and adapt quickly when things change onsite
- Continuously improve processes and systems as the portfolio and team grow
What We're Looking For
- Current, hands-on experience delivering large-scale B2B conferences and exhibitions, including exhibition floor management and stand build
- A track record at major venues (Olympia, ExCeL, or equivalent scale internationally)
- Confident venue negotiator with strong operational planning skills
- Proven ownership of P&L and budgets
- Experience leading a multi-layered team, not just individual contributors
- Willingness to be onsite and hands-on, not just a desk-based leader
- Strong stakeholder management across venues, suppliers, and internal teams
- Calm under pressure, solutions-focused, and open to international travel
Who This Suits
Ideal for a Senior Operations Manager ready to step up into a Head of role, or an existing Head of Event Operations looking for their next challenge with a high-growth organiser.
To apply, or for a confidential conversation about this Head of Event Operations - Exhibitions job opportunity please contact Helen Yarrow at Jackson Barnes Recruitment: helen@jbrecruitment.co.uk
Referrals are always welcome.
If you know someone who fits this role, please share this advert. Check out our referral scheme: www.jbrecruitment.co.uk/refer-a-friend
Visit Jackson Barnes Recruitment's website www.jbrecruitment.co.uk
to learn more about how we connect top commercial talent with world-class media and events organisations.
About Jackson Barnes Recruitment
Jackson Barnes Recruitment (JBR) delivers international recruitment solutions within the events, media and publishing sectors, placing candidates from graduate to MD level across Event Management, Conference Production, Event Marketing
and Events Sales
roles. Founded by Helen Yarrow, who has nearly 30 years of recruitment experience with over a decade focused exclusively on B2B events, JBR works with organisers, publishers and associations across the UK and internationally, with placement success spanning London, Dubai, New York, Singapore and Australia.
www.jbrecruitment.co.uk
