Operations Manager - Aerospace

Informa Markets, a division within Informa, creates global platforms for industries. We organise over 500 large-scale branded and transaction-oriented events in 14 specialist markets. These are typically not-to-be-missed annual events where buyers and sellers build relationships, see and show products and do business.

We also provide year-round online platforms where companies showcase their businesses and products and buyers conduct research, generating valuable leads, and we provide data and digital content that supports the flow of knowledge and transactions in markets.

We’ are now seeking talent to join our Aerospace portfolio!

Imagine being part of a team that delivers not just one, but a portfolio of world-class events, serving the entire aerospace supply chain. Alongside our  flagship event, Dubai Airshow, we also deliver MEBAA, the business aviation show, and AIME and MRO Middle East, which focus on aircraft interiors and maintenance, repair and operations.

The Operations Manager is responsible for the professional operational delivery of events, features and projects for their allocated portfolio. You will ensure that all are delivered to the highest possible standards and to the satisfaction of all parties involved consistently throughout the year.

In collaboration with the Senior Operations Manager you will be responsible for the resourcing and scheduling of the operations within your allocated portfolio.

You are expected to be prepared to take the lead and deliver the operations for aerospace events when required.

Key Performance Indicators

• Personally lead & deliver the Operations on specific (but not limited to) areas of the aerospace events, as well as complete oversight and operational management of these areas.
• Be a key point of contact for the show teams in all matters on your allocated responsibilities, internal and external.
• Working with the Event Operations lead to establish excellent service & meet stakeholder expectations.
• Contribute to the successful and collaborative management of the operations department aiming for operational synergy.
• Accountability for achieving operational show budgets within aerospace events.
• Ensure all operational tasks are carried out on a timely basis according to individual project plans and within deadlines across all your events.
• Ensuring all events are working within the company’s H&S, Security & Sustainability guidelines at all times.
• Creation, Management and implementation of internal and external Service Level Agreements.
• Adhere to all Informa compliance requirements & supplier performance accordingly to ensure they do likewise.
• Perform any other duties commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility.

Management & Leadership

• Work with cross functional team members gathering the event team’s requirements, understanding their strategy, key components for fulfilment - ensuring the project plan fits these needs.
• Regular & effective meetings with Event Operations lead, operations team and any other key stakeholders to ensure accurate planning and strategic direction maximising operational performance.
• Share your best practice examples with other teams to enhance their capabilities and to create a more consistent ‘Informa experience’.
• Monitor best practice in other companies and bring your insights to Informa to keep us ahead of the competition.

Show-specific tasks

• Personal responsibility for the technical delivery & management of several events in the year.
• Support in production, communication and implementation of project plans, ensuring all tasks are carried out on a timely basis & within deadlines set.
• Attendance & contribution at event strategy days upon request.
• In collaboration with the Procurement team, monitor the ongoing performance of key contractors and troubleshoot / identify remedial action as required on events through the SRM programme governance.
• Providing information for assessment collating suitable reports & dashboards for use in SMT decision making.

Compliance / legal / H&S / Sustainability

• In collaboration with the Procurement team, contribute to the procurement activity for aerospace events throughout the year through utilisation of Coupa.
• in collaboration with Group HSS ensure your direct reports, events & suppliers meet or exceed our H&S requirements. Work on remedial measures where necessary.
• Be an active partner of the Portfolio Sustainability and look for opportunities to support and enhance our sustainability initiatives.
• Be an avid promoter & implementer of our Better Stands Programme within your allocated events.

Customer Experience

• Work on the implementation of changes / improvements to the Customer Journey. Support this work to ensure consistent operational delivery.
• Leads by example to ensure Ops team know what customer service level is expected.
• Sets up routes of communication, constructive feedback with internal and external parties to always ensure best customer experience.
• Continually evaluates processes to ensure they are appropriate for customer needs
• Ensures customer feedback is translated into future process changes.

• Must have independently and successfully managed operations on multiple large events to a consistently high standard.
• Experience of managing and supporting junior team members.
• You will possess a good working knowledge of the exhibition industry & venues as well as a great working relationship with all official contractors.
• Effective communication skills – being able to liaise with Operations team members as well as working with & reporting to Director Level individuals throughout the portfolio(s).
• Familiarity with good procurement practices.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire and motivate others, thinking outside the box for creative solutions.
• Ability to anticipate problems and/or put contingency plans in place.
• A proven ability to work to tight deadlines, with attention to detail under pressure is a pre requisite.
• Willingness and ability to travel / work across differing time zones especially within the EMEA region.
• Proven knowledge of exhibition H&S Guidelines and implementation.
• Floor plan management – experience in AutoCAD and other floor planning programs is essential
• Computer literate and proficient in the use of commonly used business software and project management software.
• Effective verbal and written English communication skills.
• IOSH Managing Safety Certificate (or equivalent) as a minimum.

We work hard to make sure Life at Informa is rewarding, supportive and enjoyable for everyone. Here’s some of what you can expect when you join us. But don’t just take our word for it – see what our colleagues have to say at LifeAt.Informa.com

Our benefits include:

• Freedom & flexibility: colleagues rate us highly for the flexibility and trust they receive and most of us balance time in the office with time working remotely
• Great community: a welcoming culture with in-person and online social events, our fantastic Walk the World charity day and active diversity and inclusion networks
• Broader impact: take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding available too
• Career opportunity: the opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms and on-demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning. When it’s time for the next step, we encourage and support internal job moves
• Time out: 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days after two years, plus a birthday leave day and the chance to work from (almost!) anywhere for up to four weeks a year
• A flexible range of personal benefits to choose from, plus company funded private medical cover
• A ShareMatch scheme that allows you to become an Informa shareholder with free matching shares
• Strong wellbeing support through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, a healthy living subsidy, access to health apps and more
• Recognition for great work, with global awards and kudos programmes
• As an international company, the chance to collaborate with teams around the world

We’re not solely focused on a checklist of skills. We champion energy and ambition and look for colleagues who will roll their sleeves up, join in and help make things happen. If it sounds like a match and you have most – although not all – of the skills and experience listed, we welcome your application.

At Informa, you'll find inclusive experiences and environments where all perspectives and backgrounds are welcomed. As part of this approach and our diversity and inclusion commitments, we are also formally an Equal Opportunities Employer. This means we base decisions on relevant qualifications and merit and do not discriminate on the basis of key characteristics and statuses, including all of those protected by law. Ask us or see our website for full information.

See how Informa handles your personal data when you apply for a job here.