Event and Commercial Operations Lead

Company Description

Informa Festivals marks an exciting new chapter in B2B events, bringing some of the world's most influential creative, technology and business festivals together. We’re combining prestigious events like Cannes Lions, Black Hat, Money20/20, GDC, and London Tech Week with cutting-edge marketing intelligence platforms and advisory services to deliver unmissable experiences and insights.

Our festival-led approach reimagines traditional B2B events, creating powerful, immersive experiences that drive innovation and industry advancement. Building on decades of expertise and powered by Informa's international reach, we're shaping the next generation of business festivals.

Job Description

This role is based in our 605 Third Avenue office. 

The Event and Commercial Operations Lead will be an integral part of the Fintech Vertical Operations Team, responsible for the efficient and creative operational delivery of the Finovate and Fintech Americas events.   

The ideal candidate will be a strong operational lead, driving the critical path and ensuring strong relationship management throughout the show cycle. This role is pivotal not only in the preparation phase but also during the on-site delivery of the event, ensuring seamless execution and client satisfaction, ensuring the show deliverables are executed to an exceptional standard. 

In addition to key responsibilities on the above brands, as the Event and Commercial Operations Lead, you will play a crucial supporting role across all Fintech vertical events globally. This position will require flexibility and a willingness to travel throughout the year to assist with the operational needs of other shows, ensuring consistency in delivery and maintaining the high standards expected across all Fintech events  

Key accountabilities  

• Take on the full operational delivery of the event; devise and manage an operational plan to cover full process from concept to planning and then delivery 
• Ensure problem free planning, build-up, open days and breakdown for the event in full collaboration with event suppliers 
• Control the operational budget in partnership with the Senior Show Operations Manager  
• Responsible for the seamless and innovative execution of sponsorship operations, delivering exceptional white-glove service to clients while adapting to solutions that align with business objectives and client expectations to achieve successful project outcomes. 
• Provide operational advice and assistance to the sales, content and marketing teams working with them to ensure their onsite requirements are flawlessly delivered 
• Manage floorplan layouts in partnership with the commercial operations lead ensuring they are correct according to all venue and H&S regulations and are in line with the event strategy 
• Work in partnership with the Senior Show Operations Manager and the procurement team to ensure procurement of suppliers is achieved for full event requirements and good working partnerships are established and maintained. 
• Work closely with internal departments and external partners to ensure that processes, systems and reporting are managed effectively and with adherence to company policy  
• Ensure effective control and monitoring of health and safety standards at the event 
• Continually provide the best possible customer experience for our sponsors and delegates 
• Support the global operations leads on other Fintech shows and products in the run up and on site.  

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of large scale, complex, high-end event operations experience (required) - Expo Experience (Preferred)  
• Proven ability to confidently manage and cultivate strong relationships both externally with suppliers and sponsored clients, and internally across teams and stakeholders  
• Experienced in budget management and reporting, ensuring costs are tracked and effectively reported (required). 
• Demonstrates strong gravitas, with the ability to confidently lead in meetings, engage confidently with suppliers, and comfortable managing challenging conversations.  
• Self motivated, resilient and thrives in high-performance, fast-paced environments, consistently delivering under pressure.  
• Demonstrates adaptability and flexibility in managing changes related to event budgets, new initiatives and deliverables (essential)  
• Efficient, proactive, and solution-oriented, with a keen attention to detail.  
• A dynamic and collaborative team player, skilled in confidently driving projects from point of sale to delivery  
• Office attendance is essential. Current pattern is 3 days a week, subject to change. 
• As this role supports shows across different time zones, alternative work hours will be required, as necessary 
• Pro