Senior Operations Manager

Salary:
Market-related (we're looking for the right person)

Location:
Lagos, Nigeria (Hybrid)

Overview:

A leading international organisation in the business-to-business events sector is looking for an experienced
Operations Manager / Senior Operations Manager
to take ownership of the end-to-end delivery of multiple high-profile conferences and exhibitions in
Lagos, Nigeria
.

This is an exciting opportunity for a calm, confident, and highly organised operations professional who thrives in fast-paced environments and enjoys working across multiple stakeholders – from ministries and embassies to hotels, venues, and corporate clients.

You'll be responsible for planning and executing all operational and logistical elements of events in Nigeria, ensuring they are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to an exceptional standard. From floor plans and suppliers to sponsorship fulfilment and evening functions, you'll play a central role in creating seamless, high-impact experiences for exhibitors, sponsors, delegates, and VIPs.

If you're solutions-driven, commercially aware, and confident managing suppliers and clients in the Nigerian market with minimal supervision, this role offers the chance to grow within an international events portfolio and work on projects that truly move the needle.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the operational delivery of several events and projects from conception through to completion.
• Independently plan and execute all operational and logistical elements for conferences and exhibitions in consultation with the Head of Operations, Event Director / Conference Producers and Sales team.
• Oversee core technical elements of events, including rigging, utilities, stand plan approvals, venue processes, catering, internet, signage, feature areas, and conferences.
• Conduct full supplier tender processes: obtain quotes, negotiate costs, agree SLAs and ensure value for money.
• Conduct feasibility studies on operational requirements and draft budgets for existing events and new launches.
• Conduct site visits and ensure venues are fit for purpose, providing clear feedback and recommendations.
• Create and update show floor plans and layout plans (experience with AutoCAD or similar is advantageous).
• Assist with the production of exhibitor manuals and information sheets to support client participation.
• Coordinate onsite freight, traffic, and security requirements in line with event plans.
• Manage ad hoc projects such as evening functions, gala dinners, and roadshows – including sourcing venues, AV & lighting, entertainment, and F&B.
• Agree sponsorship fulfilment requirements and implement sponsor/exhibitor operational deliverables, providing excellent customer service at all times.
• Prepare and manage operational event budgets, monitoring spend and keeping costs under control.
• Ensure first-class customer communications (delegates, sponsors, and exhibitors) throughout the event lifecycle regarding all logistical details.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with venues, suppliers, hotels, ministries, embassies and other key stakeholders.
• Follow internal systems and best practice to manage timelines, POs, budgets, floorplans, and project documentation.
• Ensure Health & Safety best practice is followed and monitored throughout planning and onsite (e.g. risk assessments, emergency plans, incident plans).
• Oversee security management for staff and event-specific needs, ensuring robust plans are in place.
• Analyse event operations post-show and provide recommendations to improve efficiency, quality, and customer experience for future editions.

Requirements:

• Minimum 3–7+ years' experience in events, conferences, hotel events, or corporate functions (medium to large scale B2B conferences and exhibitions highly preferred).
• Strong supplier, contractor and client-facing experience (including ministries, embassies and corporate stakeholders).
• Experience working in Nigeria or similar African markets
• Solid working knowledge of exhibition and event operations (rigging, utilities, venue processes, floor plans, stand approvals, etc.).
• Experience in sponsorship fulfilment and client servicing.
• Strong supplier/contractor management and negotiation skills with proven cost control.
• Budget management experience, including preparing and monitoring operational budgets.
• Understanding of Health & Safety best practice; IOSH or similar certification is an advantage.
• Comfortable conducting independent site visits and presenting clear reports.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD or similar drafting tools is helpful.

Desirable:

• Experience in B2B exhibitions within the energy, infrastructure, or related sectors.
• Exposure to delivering events involving government, ministerial or embassy-level stakeholders.
• Experience with inaugural events, launches, or international events in emerging markets.

Please note:
Due to the high volume of applications, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful at this time. We thank you for your interest in the role and wish you the best in your career search.