Operations Manager

Tahaluf is rewriting the events playbook. Its purpose is transformational, its DNA digital, and its ambition unprecedented.  Over the next 12 months Tahaluf will scale to further increase its lead as the largest B2B Live and On Demand Events organiser in Saudi Arabia: by SQM, Attendance, Colleagues and Revenue.  

To scale at this pace requires impeccable local partners, and Tahaluf is proud to enjoy the support and partnership of several Gov and Non Gov Organisations that are at the apex of Saudi’s B2B and B2C large scale events scene. In fact, our partners don’t just support the expansion of live events in the Kingdom; they’re also the partner of choice for heavyweights like Apple, Amazon and AliBaba.  

Be part of something BIG!

Building on the success of record-breaking tech event LEAP, which grew to be the world’s largest tech event globally in terms of attendee numbers in just its second edition, and award-winning cyber-security event Black Hat, Tahaluf is bringing iconic Informa brands to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including CPHI, CosmoProf, Cityscape Global, which celebrated record-breaking participation at its debut Saudi edition in October, as well as establishing Saudi-born brands

Be part of an ambitious and highly committed team, who aren’t afraid to push boundaries and disrupt the status quo. Be ready to be thrown in at the deep end, taking on large-scale projects from day one, under the guidance of a supportive leadership team who will encourage your personal development and offer you new opportunities

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

Reporting to the Senior/Group Operations Manager, the Operations Manager will be responsible together with the Senior/Group Operations Manager for implementing the EMEA Operations objectives.

The Operations Manager should lead by example and demonstrate a professional responsibility to the department at all times.

Operational Duties

• Be the key point of contact for the show teams in all matters on your allocated shows, internal and external.
• Accountability for setting, regular forecasting & achieving operational show budgets for allocated events.
• Responsibility for successful show management and technical delivery of several physical and digital events throughout the year including features & fully undertaking all related tasks.
• Manage production and implementation of show project plans ensuring all operational tasks are carried out on a timely basis according to individual project plans and within deadlines across all your events.
• Ensuring all allocated events are working within the company’s H&S, Security & Sustainability guidelines at all times
• Implementation of internal and external Service Level Agreements on all allocated events.
• Oversee production and delivery of the show exhibitor manual
• Communicate with suppliers to manage the brief, design, feature production and signage process in co-ordination with show teams and sponsors.
• Communicate with suppliers and show teams to manage the brief, design, production and management of Registration areas and overall welcome experience.
• Compile post event reports and KPI analysis
• In collaboration with the Procurement team, monitor the ongoing performance of key contractors and troubleshoot / identify remedial action as required on each event.

Management

• Manage, mentor & develop line reports & others within the EMEA Operations team, You will manage line reports on a day to day basis where applicable, each of these may be allocated across multiple events throughout the year requiring you to work alongside other Operations Managers to effectively balance workloads & priorities for each team member individually.
• Setting, monitoring and management of direct reports’ performance objectives and identifying training needs.
• Work with colleagues to achieve best practice in terms of operational planning and management.

Compliance / legal / H&S / Sustainability

• Adhere to all Informa compliance requirements and monitor supplier performance to ensure they are meeting our requirements
• Follow the complete HSS Operating Model for all allocated events, submitting paperwork as required in a timely and concise manner and embedding best practice & continual improvement’s into all your event planning
• Collaborate with Informa H&S team to ensure suppliers meet and exceed our H&S requirements.
• Work with H&S team on remedial measures where necessary
• Be an active partner of the Informa Sustainability team and look for opportunities to support and enhance our sustainability initiatives

• Educated to degree level or equivalent 

Qualities needed for the role 

• Must have independently and successfully managed operations on multiple large events to a consistently high standard. 
• Experience of managing, supporting & developing multiple line reports simultaneously. 
• 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. 
• Computer literate and proficient in the use of commonly used business software and project management software 
• Effective verbal and written English and Arabic communication skills 
• IOSH Managing Safety Certificate (or equivalent) as a minimum.

Core Benefits:  

• Medical Insurance for individual and family  
• Annual leave – 25 days.
• Manager and above, School fees contribution, 40,000 SAR per child per year, up to a max of three children  
• Wellbeing Benefits  
• Remote working on Sundays  
• Working anywhere – 1 month every year.
• Family visa costs* (up to a max of three children) 
• Individual annual flight allowance* (Expat only) 

International Relocation Package*: 

• Paid flight to Riyadh (for you and your dependents) 
• 60 days accommodation or suitable serviced apartment from your arrival date. Alternatively, if you already have accommodation in Riyadh and do not require a hotel or serviced apartment, then we provide a one-off payment of SAR 5,000 
• SAR 2,500 towards shipping goods/excess baggage costs on production of receipts/invoices 

Local Relocation Package*:  

• Paid flight to Riyadh (for you and your dependents) 
• 30 days accommodation or suitable serviced apartment from your arrival date. Alternatively, if you already have accommodation in Riyadh and do not require a hotel or serviced apartment, then we provide a one-off payment of SAR 5,000 
• SAR 2,500 towards shipping goods/excess baggage costs on production of receipts/invoices 

*If eligible