About the Role
Questex is seeking an Operations Manager to manage event operations for the UK-based Events Team, supporting the launch and expansion of events in Europe. This role manages all venue, food and beverage, and operational activities for assigned shows/conferences, from initial research and proposals to implementing vendor contracts. The ideal candidate must meet deadlines, handle multiple priorities, possess strong interpersonal and organizational skills, and be detail-oriented.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for show-specific financial management, including budget creation, monitoring revenue/expense performance, and forecasting.
- Lead and contribute to the management of all aspects of conferences, meetings, and events (pre-planning, onsite execution, and post-event wrap-up).
- Communicate regularly with contractors, venue staff, sales, catering, and audio-visual managers to arrange event needs.
- Support the Operations Director with negotiation of venue tenancy contracts and general contractor agreements.
- Develop and maintain communications with exhibitors to ensure their needs are met and resolve issues.
- Develop and maintain professional relationships with sponsors and other event group departments.
- Create and manage sponsor tracking documents and undergo regular audits against contracts and floorplans.
- Lead on pricing out sponsor fulfillment items and activations.
- Support Marketing and Registration Directors on event registration needs.
- Manage audio/visual and production planning and execution.
- Monitor onsite management of event set-up and execution, including décor, production, transportation, and entertainment.
- Plan and attend site visits, creating meeting agendas and post-visit reporting.
- Manage and maintain the operations timeline.
- Coordinate and manage all show orders and communications with venues and show vendors.
- Develop an on-site attendee journey map and work with the creative design team on signage.
- Manage sleeping room blocks and arrange travel and hotel accommodations.
- Manage event sustainability, ensuring carbon emissions are reduced and measured.
- Coordinate exhibitor needs with sales staff and manage the creation and updating of floor plans.
- Coordinate the production and positioning of all signage and provide input into operations contact information.
- Coordinate with the Registration Manager on all aspects of exhibitor and attendee registration.
- Manage all on-site functions at assigned events, including exhibit hall, meeting rooms, and conference spaces.
- Comply with all facilities contracts and general contractor agreements.
- Contribute effective ideas to the Operations Director in the planning, budgeting, and execution process.
- Manage on-site and off-site functions at assigned events, including meeting rooms, event spaces, and networking events.
- Travel both domestically and internationally and work overtime as needed.
- Maintain and manage all H&S requirements for the events.
- Manage, create, and regularly update master files for each event.
- Maintain regular event reports, including financial status and logistical status.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the Operations Director.
Requirements
- A minimum of 3 years’ experience in event production, hospitality, or high-end meeting/conference planning.
- Working knowledge of personal computers and MS Office, cost management, and budgetary responsibilities.
- Contract negotiations and implementation experience is critical.
- Experience with hotel and/or banquet sales or facilities management and planning.
- Ability to travel required.
- Candidates must be authorized to work in the UK without sponsorship now or in the future.
Skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to multi-task
- Ability to take direction
- Detail-oriented
- Problem-solving abilities
- Conflict management abilities
- Staff management experience
- Ability to delegate
- Ability to manage stress
- Strong customer-service orientation
- Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal
- Strong team player
- Ability to work well with others
- Smartsheet knowledge is a plus
Location
- London
Work Type
- Contract
- Remote Working
Experience Level
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience
Salary/Compensations
- £45,000 - £50,000.00
Benefits
- Online Educational Learning Library of over 16,000 courses
- FitOn Health, access to a leading digital wellness platform
- 25 Days Holiday plus Bank Holidays
- 10 sick days
- Mission-driven culture with an enthusiastic, professional team
- Work-Life Balance
- Flexible Work Schedule
About the Company
- Questex is a leading global events, media, and business information company.
- Questex drives business forward through a rich engagement platform centered on leading events and surrounded by data insights and digital communities.
- Questex listens to each other and to our customers and has fun in a fast-paced, vibrant and supportive environment.
- Questex is big on ideas, not on rigid processes, rules or org charts.
- Questex is flexible and adaptable to change.
- Questex is a fast-growing company of bright and ambitious but easygoing people from a diversity of professions, experiences and backgrounds.
- Questex encourages innovative thinking and action.
- Questex has offices in Washington, D.C., London & Singapore.
Equal Opportunity
- Questex is an Equal Opportunity Employer –Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Expression/Age/Military or Veteran Status/Citizenship Status, or other protected characteristics under federal, state, or local law.
- Our mission is to create inclusive experiences and opportunities for all, empowering individuals and communities, ensuring that everyone can see themselves represented in our offices, virtual spaces and our work.
