Operations Manager (Events) - 9 Month Contract

About Tahaluf

Tahaluf stands as Saudi Arabia’s premier B2B event organizer, dominating in terms of event space, attendance, workforce size, and revenue. Formed as a joint venture between Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and the Events Investment Fund (EIF), Tahaluf champions collaboration, innovation, and enthusiasm within its dynamic work culture. The company partners with leading governmental and non-governmental entities to deliver large-scale B2B and B2C events across the Kingdom, establishing a global presence through groundbreaking gatherings like LEAP, Cityscape, Black Hat MEA, and CPHI Middle East.

Role Overview

We are expanding Portfolio 3's Operations team, inviting an Operations Manager to be instrumental in executing notable events including CPHI Middle East, the Umrah & Ziyarah Forum, and the Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress. This individual will spearhead projects like the developing Umrah & Ziyarah Forum ecosystem and the evolving Innovation Driven Water Sustainability event. Tasked with the operational mastery of allocated events and features, the role demands delivering excellence consistently while managing stakeholder expectations and fostering professional growth among team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison for show teams regarding all internal and external concerns surrounding assigned events.
• Establish, forecast regularly, and manage event-specific operational budgets ensuring financial targets are met.
• Oversee comprehensive management and technical execution of multiple physical and digital events yearly, coordinating tasks and timelines per project plans.
• Ensure all events comply with company health & safety, security, and sustainability standards continuously.
• Implement service level agreements both internally and externally for all assigned events.
• Supervise the creation and distribution of exhibitor manuals and coordinate feature production, signage, and welcome experience design in close partnership with suppliers, sponsors, and show teams.
• Compile detailed post-event reports including key performance indicator analysis.
• Collaborate with Procurement to monitor supplier performance and address issues proactively during events.
• Manage, mentor, and develop direct reports in EMEA Operations, balancing workloads and priorities in multi-event environments.
• Define performance objectives and training requirements for team members, promoting operational best practices.
• Strictly adhere to compliance, legal, health and safety, and sustainability policies, working closely with relevant internal teams for continuous improvement.
• Actively participate in advancing the company’s sustainability initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum five years’ experience in the events industry or a closely related field.
• Proven independent management of operations for multiple large-scale events to consistently high standards.
• Experience overseeing and developing multiple direct reports simultaneously.
• Strong familiarity with the exhibition industry, venues, and official contractor relationships.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both Arabic and English.
• Knowledge of effective procurement practices.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills capable of motivating teams and thinking creatively to solve problems.
• Ability to anticipate and mitigate potential problems through contingency strategies.
• Capability to work under pressure with tight deadlines and meticulous attention to detail.
• Willingness and ability to travel and work across different time zones within the EMEA region.
• Sound understanding and application of exhibition health and safety guidelines.
• Proficiency using business and project management software.
• IOSH Managing Safety Certificate or an equivalent credential is mandatory.
• Experience managing large budgets is advantageous.

Additional Information

This is a nine-month contract position that allows for remote working. Please note that relocation or sponsorship support is not available for this role. Tahaluf is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that embraces diversity and supports all employees equally. We are proud to maintain a disability-friendly workplace and encourage applicants from varied backgrounds to apply. Adjustments can be provided to accommodate candidates throughout the recruitment process upon request.