About the Role
We have an exciting opportunity for a dynamic Operations Manager to join our Defence & Security Operations team, supporting the delivery of both DSEI Germany and DSEI UK. This role requires a highly organised and proactive individual who can thrive in a fast-paced environment, contributing to the successful launch in Germany and ongoing delivery of DSEI UK.
Responsibilities
- Support the end‑to‑end operational delivery of a major launch event in Germany.
- Manage key elements of the event operations budget, including forecasting, cost tracking, and reporting to the Head of Operations.
- Negotiate supplier and contractor costs to ensure maximum value and cost efficiency.
- Work effectively within defined budget parameters and adapt to changing financial requirements.
- Collaborate closely with the Head of Operations, Head of Technical Operations, venue partners, exhibitors, and internal teams to support all build and breakdown activities in line with German Health & Safety regulations and Clarion EMEA standards.
- Contribute to the development of risk assessments and support ongoing health & safety planning.
- Support the maintenance of accurate and compliant health & safety documentation for the event, producing a complete and verified Health & Safety file.
- Attend relevant health & safety training sessions and engage proactively with internal training programmes.
- Liaise with production, marketing, sales, and finance teams to ensure alignment across all event elements.
- Bring creative, solution‑focused thinking to enhance event delivery and contribute innovative ideas.
- Produce and communicate accurate technical information for exhibitors, including the creation of an exhibitor manual/zone.
- Ensure full delivery and fulfilment of exhibitor packages.
- Develop detailed signage schedules and oversee implementation.
- Ensure the show build meets all plans, specifications, and quality expectations working closely with contractors.
- Manage contractors and suppliers before, during, and after the event to ensure seamless delivery.
- Assist with the creation and coordination of build, delivery, and breakdown schedules.
- Respond effectively to exhibitor and contractor needs both in the office and onsite—maintaining composure in high‑pressure environments.
- Oversee the ordering and management of all onsite furniture and equipment.
- Maintain organised records, manage meeting schedules, take minutes, and handle follow‑up communications.
- Manage event staffing levels to ensure adequate coverage throughout the exhibition.
- Support post‑event evaluation and contribute to continuous improvement.
- Participate in regular internal meetings as well as external client discussions.
- Contribute to the company’s Operations Group as an active member.
- Handle customer data confidently and in compliance with GDPR and other data privacy requirements.
- Be available to travel internationally as required.
- Represent Clarion Events professionally at all times.
Requirements
- Experience in the conference and exhibition industry or with a background in live events.
- Proven Health and Safety experience.
- Organised and methodical with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Customer focussed mindset.
- Confident communicator – an ability to communicate verbally and/or in writing with a wide range of personalities and levels of seniority.
- Experience managing budget tracking or cost control.
- Willingness to travel internationally as required.
- Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and proactive approach.
- Able to meet deadlines and respond to challenges in a fast-paced environment.
- Computer literate: proficient, versed, and working knowledge of various programmes and systems i.e. MS Office, Outlook.
- Experience with other web-based platforms like Salesforce, Pardot or Workday would be an advantage.
Skills
- Fluency in English and German
- MS Office
- Outlook
Location
- UK
- Germany
Work Type
- Flexi-office
- Onsite at live events
- Travel required
Experience Level
- Operations Manager
Benefits
- 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
- End of year wellbeing shutdown
- Extra day of leave for a celebration
- 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
About the Company
- 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.
- 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.
Equal Opportunity
- 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.
- 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.
