Operations Manager

Messe Frankfurt Middle East is a trusted leader in the region’s B2B exhibition landscape, delivering impactful trade shows that shape industries and accelerate business growth. Based in Dubai, we are the regional arm of Messe Frankfurt GmbH, one of the world’s largest and most respected exhibition organisers, with a legacy of excellence spanning over 800 years. Our global network, industry expertise, and commitment to innovation enable us to create powerful business platforms that connect suppliers, buyers, and industry leaders worldwide.

Our diverse and growing portfolio includes some of the Middle East’s most recognised trade fairs such as Intersec, Beautyworld Middle East, Automechanika Dubai, and Light + Intelligent Building Middle East. These events not only reflect evolving industry trends but also drive collaboration, innovation, and long‑term business growth across multiple sectors.

We are looking for a highly organised and commercially aware Operations Manager to join our Operations team. Acting as a key partner across multiple exhibition portfolios, this role plays a critical part in delivering operational excellence across pre‑show planning, onsite execution, and post‑show delivery, while ensuring a seamless experience for exhibitors, visitors, partners, and internal stakeholders.

• Manage the operational planning and delivery of exhibitions, features, signage, and event activations
• Coordinate with internal teams, venues, suppliers, and contractors to ensure smooth execution across pre‑show, onsite, and post‑show phases
• Oversee exhibition build‑up and breakdown, ensuring timelines and health & safety requirements are met

• Manage relationships with venues, suppliers, and official contractors across UAE and Saudi Arabia
• Monitor operational budgets, costs, purchase orders, and supplier deliverables
• Attend venue planning meetings and oversee operational requirements including branding, logistics, catering, and onsite services

• Support and mentor Operations team members, driving high performance and operational consistency
• Prepare post‑show reports and support continuous improvement across operational processes
• Ensure strong communication and coordination between exhibitors, partners, and internal stakeholders

• Coordinate shipping, registration, staffing, exhibitor services, and onsite logistics requirements
• Ensure all operational activities comply with venue regulations and exhibition standards
• Support the delivery of a high‑quality experience for exhibitors, visitors, and partners throughout the event lifecycle

• 5+ years’ experience within exhibition or event operations, ideally within a fast‑paced international environment
• Strong understanding of exhibition build, venue operations, logistics, and supplier management
• Experience managing operational budgets, timelines, and multiple stakeholders simultaneously
• Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail and problem‑solving abilities
• Strong communication and relationship management skills with the ability to work confidently across different teams and external partners
• Experience using systems such as SAP, , AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office applications is preferred
• Ability to work under pressure, manage tight deadlines, and adapt within a dynamic events environment
• Willingness to travel regionally for site visits, meetings, and show delivery

At Messe Frankfurt Middle East, you’ll be part of a collaborative and fast‑paced environment delivering some of the region’s leading exhibitions and live events. This role offers the opportunity to work across international portfolios, build strong industry relationships, and play a key role in delivering world‑class event experiences across the Middle East.