About the Role
The Event Operations Manager will lead the planning and execution of key operational workstreams for the Investing in African Mining Indaba, ensuring all aspects of the event are delivered to the highest standard. This role involves managing venue operations, AV, production, exhibition logistics, security, sponsorship fulfillment, and customer experience, working closely with internal teams, suppliers, and partners to create an exceptional event.
Responsibilities
- Lead the end-to-end operational planning and delivery ensuring all logistical elements are executed to the highest standard, including venue operations, AV and production, exhibition management, signage, registration, health and safety, security and customer experience.
- Manage all venue operations, including researching and sourcing fringe event locations, preparing costed recommendations, negotiating contracts and overseeing venue delivery.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, contractors and service partners, managing performance, timelines, budgets and contractual deliverables to ensure exceptional event execution.
- Oversee all aspects of exhibition operations, including stand construction, floorplan implementation, contractor management and compliance with local health and safety regulations, ensuring a safe, high-quality exhibition environment.
- Lead the planning and delivery of AV, staging and production requirements across all conference content, working closely with the Content team and technical suppliers to deliver a seamless delegate experience.
- Champion the onsite customer experience by designing efficient attendee journeys and ensuring exhibitors, sponsors, speakers and delegates receive outstanding support throughout the event.
- Manage operational budgets, maintaining accurate forecasts, controlling expenditure, identifying cost-saving opportunities and completing post-event financial reconciliation.
- Develop and maintain detailed operational plans, project timelines, risk registers and delivery schedules, ensuring all milestones are achieved on time.
- Identify and implement process improvements, driving operational efficiencies, standardising best practices and continually enhancing the quality of event delivery.
- Collaborate with internal teams including Sales, Client Relations, Marketing, Content, Registration and Investor Engagement to ensure all operational requirements are aligned and delivered successfully.
- Lead operational delivery onsite, proactively resolving issues, managing multiple priorities and making informed decisions in a fast-paced live event environment.
- Support the planning and delivery of the wider event portfolio, including international 121 Mining Investment events, as required.
Requirements
- Proven experience delivering large-scale B2B exhibitions or Confex style events, with responsibility for end-to-end event operations.
- Strong operational knowledge across exhibition management, including stand construction, floorplan delivery, contractor management and exhibitor operations.
- Experience in key event logistics, including venue operations, AV and production, signage, security and delegate experience.
- Excellent commercial awareness, with the ability to manage budgets, negotiate with suppliers, accurately forecast costs and deliver operational excellence within budget.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams, prioritise effectively and deliver against demanding deadlines.
- Experience working with a range of event technologies and operational systems, including floorplan software, event websites, budgeting tools and project management platforms.
- A process-driven mindset with a passion for identifying opportunities to improve workflows, efficiency and the overall event experience.
- Outstanding organisational skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to remain calm and solutions-focused under pressure.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to build productive relationships with venues, suppliers, contractors, sponsors and internal teams.
- A collaborative leadership style, with experience mentoring and supporting the development of junior team members.
- A customer-first approach, consistently delivering an exceptional experience for exhibitors, sponsors, delegates and all event stakeholders.
- Flexibility and resilience to thrive in a fast-paced international events environment, adapting quickly to changing priorities and operational challenges.
Skills
- Project management
- Budget management
- Negotiation
- Stakeholder management
- Communication
- Organisational skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Collaboration
- Customer service
Location
- Cape Town
Work Type
- Full-time
Experience Level
- Significant experience
About the Company
- Hyve is the organiser of the world’s fastest-growing and most forward-thinking B2B events, serving as an event partner to leading global companies.
- The company's platforms help businesses enter new markets, accelerate growth, and connect with key individuals.
- Hyve's portfolio includes leading events in sectors such as ecommerce, healthcare, edtech, and fintech.
- The company fosters an entrepreneurial culture that encourages innovation and rapid action, supported by an ambitious acquisition strategy.
- In addition to events, Hyve is developing tech and data-driven products to enhance connections, including meeting programs, engagement platforms, and year-round interaction tools.
- Employees join a global team dedicated to redefining how industries connect, collaborate, and grow, working alongside talented professionals.
Equal Opportunity
- Everyone is welcome at Hyve, regardless of background, beliefs, or ambitions, fostering a culture of belonging.
