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 https://olympia.co.uk/ 

Key responsibilities

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.

About you

• 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 lives 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 management skills and able to work in a pressurised environment and meet tight deadlines.

• Strong communication and presentation skills for diverse audiences.

• Proficiency in MS Office and event management systems.

• A self-starter with a positive, enthusiastic attitude.

When required, willing to work outside of normal working hours e.g. weekend work, late nights.

Olympia Events is fully committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups) that attend our premises. Olympia Events may require any successful applicant to complete a DBS Check prior to working in our business.

Olympia Events is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and excepts all its people to have a positive commitment to EDI by treating others fairly and not committing any form of discrimination, victimisation or harassment and to promote positive working relationships amongst employees and stakeholders.

This Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over according to the changing needs of the business.