Head of Exhibitions and Events

Head of Exhibitions and Events Europe

We are Lowe, a globally recognized brand for innovation, ambition and high quality. We are the world’s leading refrigeration and catering equipment supplier to major food exhibitions, sporting events and retailers across the globe; from the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix to Glastonbury we provide high quality rental solutions to help our clients entertain and delight their customers. Beijing to Boston, Berlin to Belfast, we are an entrepreneurial organization and take pride in our ability to provide innovative products and services to our impressive client‑base.

This is a great opportunity to lead a team that delivers world‑class events and exhibitions globally. It is worth noting that this role will require a lot of travel, potentially up to two weeks at a time in peak season.

• Leading and managing the wider exhibition and events teams.
• Responsibility for the overall planning, budgeting, and resourcing of exhibitions and non‑install events.
• Liaising closely with colleagues within the business to make best use of and share resources across service lines as required.
• Liaising closely with the clients and contractors on all matters relating to exhibitions.
• Ensuring all Health and Safety at Work requirements are met and followed.
• Ensuring exhibitions team are resourceful and able to deliver smoothly, with happy clients, being a point of escalation where needed and supporting the team in difficult situations. Support to find swift, cost effective solutions.
• Ensuring value for money from contractors, third parties and partners, negotiating best prices, value and quality.
• Working closely with all key stakeholders within the business including asset management, finance, procurement, fleet, warehouse and transport.
• Working long and at times unsociable hours (when out on site), some bank holiday and weekend working is also required.
• Working tightly to the contract with the client and ensure that all contractors working to Lowe have clear contracts and subsequent written communication. Ensure that any change or delays by the client result in a clear contract change order with associated costs.
• Driving change and improvements in process and practices.
• Setting a high standard of personal appearance in all aspects of the project team to include:
• Care and use of clothing
• Respect, cleanliness and care for Lowe and the clients company property and vehicles
• Maintain a clean and tidy site

The successful candidate will be a motivated self‑starter with excellent work ethic and the following skills and experience:

• Significant experience of leadership and management of a project team. Able to delegate, supervise and get your own hands dirty in a fast‑moving, operational environment.
• Knowledge and experience of the exhibition and or events industry is essential.
• Problem solver and can do attitude, wants to be part of the solution and resourceful in coming up with solutions on the fly.
• Exceptional people leader, leads by example and able to get the respect of a diverse workforce.
• Enjoys fast‑paced, exhibition environments and able to deliver volume in a short space of time.
• Excellent computer skills including all Microsoft office applications.
• Ability to use a range of project management tools including planning tools, RAIDD register, benefit management, resource management, budget management.
• Full clean driving licence.
• Ability and willingness to travel anywhere within the UK, Europe and Middle East and be away from home for periods of time essential.
• Good communicator at all levels and can clearly communicate with the client, contractors, and wider team.
• PRINCE 2 Practitioner qualified.
• Logical decision maker, quick to act but takes responsibility for their actions. Encourages their team to do the same. Makes decisions under pressure and deals with problems in a timely manner.
• Very strong attention to detail, works in a tidy, organised way, prioritises work activities and plans how to meet deadlines.
• Strong negotiation skills and builds rapport quickly to create their own little black book of contacts to support with annual projects.
• Excellent communication skills and stakeholder management skills.

• Experience in refrigeration and or catering operations desirable but not essential.
• Ability to speak Spanish would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of process improvement practices desirable.
• Experience of construction or off‑site construction industry.

Exceptional candidates who do not meet these criteria may be considered for the role provided they have the necessary skills and experience. Lowe is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workforce. We are incredibly selective in our hiring and shortlisting for this vacancy will be completed on the basis of merit. Candidates should tailor their CVs to reflect our essential criteria.