The portfolio
The Built Environment portfolio comprises some of the UK’s most influential events serving the construction, design and specification communities, including:
- UK Construction Week London
- UK Construction Week Birmingham
- Futurebuild
- Stone & Surfaces Show
Together, these brands play a critical role in shaping industry conversations around innovation, sustainability, technology and the future of the built environment.
Job purpose
Reporting to the Divisional Director, the Senior Operations Manager will be responsible for the planning, management and delivery of Media 10’s Built Environment portfolio, including UK Construction Week London, UK Construction Week Birmingham, Futurebuild and Stone & Surfaces Show.
The role will lead the operational delivery of these market-leading events, ensuring they are delivered safely, efficiently, on budget and to the highest standards. Working closely with internal stakeholders across Sales, Marketing, Design, Sponsorship, Content and Finance, the Senior Operations Manager will play a key role in enhancing exhibitor, sponsor and visitor experiences whilst ensuring operational excellence across the portfolio.
The role includes line management and development of the Operations Executive and requires a proactive, collaborative and hands-on approach to event delivery.
Key responsibilities
Event operations and delivery
- Lead the operational planning and delivery of UK Construction Week London, UK Construction Week Birmingham, Futurebuild and Stone & Surfaces Show.
- Ensure all events are delivered safely, professionally, on time and within budget.
- Manage all operational elements including venue services, floorplans, stand build approvals, registration infrastructure, logistics, security, cleaning, signage, feature areas, conference theatres, AV, rigging, electrical services and contractor management.
- Act as the senior operational lead during build-up, open days and breakdown periods.
- Develop and maintain robust operational processes, procedures and timelines to ensure successful event delivery.
- Evaluate and implement event technology solutions that improve operational efficiency, exhibitor experience and visitor engagement.
- Identify and implement operational improvements that enhance efficiency, customer experience and event quality.
- Ensure all operational deadlines are achieved and communicated effectively to exhibitors, contractors and suppliers.
- Conduct post-event operational reviews, analysing performance, stakeholder feedback and supplier delivery to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
Budget and supplier management
- Prepare, manage and control event operational budgets.
- Monitor expenditure and ensure operational delivery remains within agreed financial targets.
- Source, negotiate and manage relationships with suppliers, contractors and service providers.
- Lead supplier procurement processes, contract negotiations and service reviews to ensure the highest levels of service, innovation and value for money.
- Continuously review supplier performance to ensure high service standards and value for money.
- Identify opportunities for cost efficiencies whilst maintaining the quality and visitor experience of the events.
- Work closely with the Finance department on forecasting, purchase orders, invoicing and budget reporting.
Exhibitor and customer experience
- Oversee the delivery and continuous improvement of exhibitor operational processes, systems and communications.
- Ensure exhibitor manuals, deadlines and online systems are clear, efficient and focused on customer needs.
- Manage the collection and approval of exhibitor stand plans, risk assessments and health and safety documentation.
- Work closely with exhibitors, contractors and suppliers to ensure a smooth and professional customer journey.
- Drive initiatives that enhance visitor experience and create engaging event environments.
Cross-functional collaboration
- Work closely with Sales teams to support exhibitor requirements and maximise commercial opportunities.
- Collaborate with Marketing teams to deliver effective event branding, signage, visitor communications and onsite experiences.
- Partner with the in-house Design team to ensure show features, floorplans, branding and signage are delivered to a high standard and within budget.
- Support Sponsorship and Content teams to ensure operational requirements are delivered effectively.
- Work closely with the Divisional Director to ensure all operational objectives are achieved and opportunities for improvement are identified and implemented.
- Build strong relationships with venues, contractors, exhibitors and suppliers to ensure exceptional event delivery and customer satisfaction.
Team management
- Manage, mentor and support the Operations Executive.
- Set clear objectives and provide ongoing coaching and development.
- Ensure workload prioritisation and effective delegation to support successful event delivery.
- Foster a positive, collaborative and high-performing working environment.
Health, safety and compliance
- Lead all aspects of health, safety and operational compliance across the portfolio.
- Ensure all events comply with relevant legislation, venue regulations and company policies.
- Produce and maintain event risk assessments, method statements and safety management plans.
- Review and approve exhibitor stand plans and associated documentation.
- Manage contractor and supplier compliance processes.
- Investigate incidents and ensure appropriate corrective actions are implemented.
- Promote a proactive and positive health and safety culture amongst staff, exhibitors, contractors and suppliers.
- Ensure all show teams are aware of emergency procedures and operational safety requirements.
Sustainability
- Support the delivery of Media 10’s sustainability objectives across the Built Environment portfolio.
- Work with venues, contractors and suppliers to identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve operational efficiency and implement sustainable event practices.
- Ensure sustainability considerations are incorporated into operational planning and delivery where appropriate.
Qualifications, experience and Skills
Essential
- Minimum 5 years’ experience delivering large-scale exhibitions and conferences, including responsibility for budget management, supplier procurement and onsite event delivery within a senior event operations role.
- Experience managing event operational budgets and supplier relationships.
- Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong understanding of exhibition venue regulations, stand build processes and contractor management.
- Experience managing health and safety compliance within exhibition environments.
- Strong commercial awareness and financial management skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.
- Experience using exhibitor management systems and online exhibitor manuals.
- Knowledge of floorplan management and optimisation.
- IOSH Managing Safely qualification (or equivalent).
Desirable
- NEBOSH General Certificate or equivalent.
- AutoCAD experience.
- Experience within the construction, built environment or trade exhibition sectors.
Personal Attributes
- Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.
- Proactive, resourceful and solutions focused.
- Strong leadership and decision-making skills.
- Customer-focused with a commitment to delivering exceptional experiences.
- Calm and effective under pressure.
- Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
- Commercially aware with strong negotiation skills.
- Collaborative team player with a positive and flexible attitude.
- Innovative, creative and continuously looking for ways to improve processes and outcomes.
- A sense of humour and a genuine passion for events.
Key Measures of Success
- Safe, compliant and professional delivery of all portfolio events.
- Delivery of events within agreed operational budgets.
- Achievement of operational deadlines and project milestones.
- High levels of exhibitor, sponsor and visitor satisfaction.
- Strong supplier performance and effective cost management.
- Continuous improvement in operational processes and event delivery standards.
- Positive collaboration with internal departments and external stakeholders.
Additional Information
- The role requires travel within the UK and attendance at all portfolio events.
- The successful candidate should be prepared to work flexible hours during event build-up, open periods and breakdown to ensure successful event delivery.
What we will do for you
- Make you feel like part of a family
- Encourage you to develop your skills, strengths and career potential
- Recognise your contribution and hard work
- Make you feel like part of a family
- Know your name – you’re not just a number here
- Encourage you to develop your skills, strengths, and career
- Recognise your contribution and hard work
- Make sure you’re never bored