Operations Manager (Events) - 9 month contract

Tahaluf is the largest B2B live and on-demand events organiser in Saudi Arabia by space, attendance, colleagues, and revenue. It is a joint venture between Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and the Events Investment Fund (EIF).

Tahaluf is bold, visionary, and determined to make an impact. Our team fosters a culture of collaboration, creativity, and a little fun, here teamwork rules and work feels as exciting as the events we create. Scaling at this pace also requires exceptional local partners, and Tahaluf is proud to work with a range of government and non-government organisations at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s B2B and B2C large-scale events scene.

Be part of something BIG with Tahaluf’s series of record-breaking events: LEAP and Cityscape - the largest events in the world in their respective fields of tech and real estate; Black Hat MEA - a Guinness World Record holder for the largest CTF competition during the event; and CPHI Middle East - the largest pharma debut event in history, to name just a few. Tahaluf is making a huge impact on the global events sector.

Join our ambitious and highly committed team, unafraid to push boundaries and disrupt the status quo. From day one, you’ll dive into large-scale projects under the guidance of a supportive leadership team that will encourage your personal development and open doors to new opportunities.

Portfolio 3 is searching to build out it’s Operations team with a new Operations Manager to join the team and help strengthen our foundation. Heading into it’s 3rd year, the portfolio is looking to build an it’s initial success with CPHI Middle East, Umrah & Ziyarah Forum, and Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress. With some more exciting projects on the horizon you could be one of the key drivers in the next stage of bringing amazing experiences to, and forging memorable brands in, The Kingdom.  

As Portfolio 3 is building and growing we are looking for someone to come and help specifically, but not limited to, the delivery of: 

• The expanding Umrah & Ziyarah Forum ecosystem 

• The evolving Innovation Driven Water Sustainability (IDWS) event after a successful 1st year.  

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 Head & Senior Operations Managers, the Operations Manager will be responsible together with the Senior Operations Manager for implementing the EMEA Operations objectives. The intention is for the Operations Manager to eventually take full lead on running these streams, with High Level Ministry involvement and communication required. 

The Operations Manager should lead by example and demonstrate a professional responsibility to the department at all times. Adding value to the Operations Department and Portfolio alike and helping others to build their knowledge and ability for the future of Tahaluf. 

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  

• Strong and effective verbal and written skills in Arabic and English. 

• 5 years of events or exhibition industry experience or similar. 

• 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 .

• IOSH Managing Safety Certificate (or equivalent) as a minimum. 

• Prior large budget management skill is a plus.

Please note this is a 9 month contract role. It can be performed remotely. We are not able to provide relocation or sponsorship support with the position. 

We work hard to make sure life at Tahaluf is rewarding, supportive and enjoyable for everyone. 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. We don't just accept difference, we celebrate it.  We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and circumstances and base hiring decisions on relevant qualifications and merit.  We are proud to provide a disability-friendly environment. If you require any support or adjustments to participate in our interview or selection processes, please let us know.