Event Operations Director

Description

The Role
We are seeking a Director of Operations – Special Projects to play a critical event operations leadership role across our global RetailTech portfolio. This is a non-show-specific position, working directly with the SVP of Event Operations to drive key initiatives and support delivery across multiple events in the US, Europe and the Middle East. You will operate as a senior extension of the SVP—providing oversight, direction and hands-on leadership across priority projects and complex operational challenges. You will be deployed across shows and initiatives where additional senior leadership is required bringing clarity, pace and alignment and ensuring consistent operational excellence across the portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a senior strategic partner to the SVP of Event Operations, supporting the delivery of global operational priorities
• Lead high-impact, cross-functional projects across multiple events, ensuring strong execution and measurable outcomes
• Provide senior operational oversight across a portfolio of shows, stepping in where additional leadership or intervention is required
• Represent the SVP in internal and external forums, influencing decision-making and ensuring alignment across stakeholders
• Drive clear, structured reporting and insights to support executive-level decision-making
• Build and maintain strong relationships with show teams across regions, providing support and challenge while preserving team dynamics
• Identify operational risks, inefficiencies and opportunities, and lead initiatives to improve performance and consistency
• Champion best practice and continuous improvement across the global events portfolio
• Support critical business initiatives, launches and transformation projects requiring senior operational leadership

About You

• 8–10+ years’ experience in conference and exhibition operations, with significant exposure to complex, large-scale events
• Demonstrated experience operating at a senior level across multiple projects, teams and geographies
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence at all levels, including senior stakeholders
• Highly adaptable, with the ability to quickly assess situations and add value in new environments
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to represent executive leadership
• Commercially astute with a strategic, solutions-oriented mindset
• Strong analytical and reporting skills, able to distil complex information into clear insights and actions
• High levels of emotional intelligence and diplomacy, with the ability to navigate different team dynamics effectively
• Willingness to travel internationally and work across different time zones as required