Event Operations Director

Description
:
Olympia Events is more than an exhibition venue, conference centre and live-event space — it’s an inspiration. Against a backdrop of grand Victorian architecture, the seven connected spaces inspire engagement and enjoyment. Olympia Events is recognised in the industry for exceptional levels of customer service and support, and our numerous awards are testament to our clients' satisfaction. Beyond the walls of our venue, Olympia is on the ground, working to invest in people, strengthen our communities, and protect the environment.

Olympia Events is undergoing a period of change. In 2017, the venue was bought by a consortium led by Yoo Capital and Deutsche Finance International. Work is currently underway to transform the wider estate into a cultural hub of which Olympia Events will be the central part. Once complete, the estate will include a new theatre, music venue, two hotels, over 30 eateries, world-class office space and over two acres of public realm.

More information can be found at

As Event Operations Director
, you will lead the strategic vision and operational delivery of Olympia Events’ portfolio, ensuring exceptional experiences for clients, visitors, and partners. Working alongside our event organisers within the Heritage Halls and the ICC, you will oversee a team of experienced event professionals, inspiring innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement. Working with the operational teams across Olympia Events, the Event Operations Director will be responsible for the world-class delivery of all Heritage Halls events and will work with the ICC General Manager to ensure all ICC events are delivered to the same standard.

Responsibilities Include

• Develop and execute the overall events strategy, aligning with Olympia Events’ business objectives and the broader goals of Legends Global and the Olympia Estate.
• Lead, motivate and develop the Event Management team, fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and accountability across all aspects of event delivery ensuring we are the ultimate hosts.
• Champion operational excellence, ensuring all events are delivered to the highest standards of safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Oversee event H&S, medical and fire safety team working through the Olympia Events Exhibition Halls.
• Collaborate with internal departments such as Sales, Marketing, Sustainability and finance to ensure seamless planning and execution of events.
• Work with Sustainability lead to embed sustainable practices into event operations, supporting The Grand Plan and wider ESG goals.
• Oversee event planning processes, including scheduling, resource allocation, supplier coordination, and client communications.
• Ensure compliance with licensing, health & safety, and safeguarding requirements, including risk assessments and staff training.
• Manage departmental budgets, ensuring cost-effective delivery while maintaining quality and service standards.
• Contribute to capex planning and service partner relationships, ensuring event needs are considered in infrastructure and procurement decisions.
• Support client engagement, including entertainment and gifting strategies, to enhance the overall event experience.
• Ensure all policies, guidelines and relevant operational information is provided to clients in a suitable timeline and format
• Represent Olympia within Industry associations including AEV & NAA
• Act as Duty Director during major events or as required.

• Extensive experience leading large-scale event and venue operations in a complex environment
• Strong background in exhibition and live events preferred.
• Ability to influence stakeholders across all levels, be highly adaptable and a natural agent for change
• Proven leadership skills, acting as a visible role model who loves the company values and empowers and coaches people to be the best that they can be.
• Strategic thinker with strong operational acumen, commercial awareness and problem-solving skills.
• NEBOSH qualification preferred with a working knowledge of relevant health & safety law, regulations and guidelines and experience of applying to a live environment
• Excellent time…