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Head of Operations - Exhibition Overlays
Lagos, Nigeria
Job Purpose:
The Head of Operations will lead the end-to-end planning, delivery, and execution of a large-scale international exhibition and conference in Nigeria. This role combines the technical expertise of an EPCM project manager with the operational leadership of a Head of Operations for major events. The position requires exceptional project management skills, strong stakeholder engagement (including government, military, and industry), and the ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams to deliver a world-class event, on time, within budget, and in compliance with safety, engineering, and security standards.
Key Accountabilties:
Event Planning & Project Management
• Develop and own the master operational plan, timelines, and budget.
• Oversee logistical elements including venue liaison, exhibition floor plans, AV production, delegate management, catering, signage, and security.
• Ensure compliance with safety, engineering, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead risk assessments, contingency planning, and crisis management protocols.
Temporary Venue & Infrastructure Delivery
• Oversee the design, construction, and commissioning of temporary venue structures, including large-scale builds on reclaimed land.
• Manage MEP elements: power generation and distribution, HVAC, water/waste systems, rigging, and mechanical systems.
• Deliver site infrastructure such as access roads, pathways, logistics routes, parking, and external branding.
Venue, Vendor & Stakeholder Management
• Negotiate and manage contracts with venue providers, contractors, AV suppliers, exhibition builders, freight forwarders, and other key suppliers.
• Build and maintain relationships with local authorities, defence stakeholders, logistics providers, and regulatory bodies.
• Ensure suppliers deliver on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work with Sales to support exhibitors and sponsors with operational requirements.
• Partner with Marketing to deliver branding, signage, and customer experience touchpoints.
• Collaborate with Conference Producers to ensure seamless delivery of content, keynote addresses, and technical demonstrations.
Security & Protocol
• Develop and implement comprehensive security and access control plans in coordination with law enforcement, military, and private security.
• Manage VIP, ministerial, and delegation protocols, including secure transport and restricted areas.
• Ensure adherence to international and local regulations for high-security events.
On-Site Leadership
• Lead the onsite operations team through build-up, live event days, and breakdown.
• Act as the primary escalation point for exhibitors, contractors, delegates, and security teams.
• Resolve operational challenges swiftly and professionally.
Reporting & Post-Event Evaluation
• Provide regular progress reports highlighting risks, milestones, and delivery updates.
• Conduct post-event evaluations and recommend improvements for future editions
Job Context:
The role covers the full operational lifecycle of a flagship, high-security, international exhibition and conference. It requires balancing infrastructure delivery, exhibition operations, and security management in an African market context. Success will be measured by safe, on-time, and on-budget delivery of a world-class event with high stakeholder satisfaction.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
• Proven track record in delivering large-scale exhibitions or EPCM infrastructure projects in challenging environments.
• Strong project and budget management skills with cost control and value engineering expertise.
• Experience working in Nigeria or similar African markets.
• Excellent negotiation, organisational, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple contractors.
• Strong risk management and problem-solving capabilities under pressure.
Desirable:
• Experience in defence, security, aerospace, or energy sector events.
• Prior delivery of inaugural or international events in emerging markets.
• Skilled in high-level government, military, and ministerial stakeholder engagement.
• Degree in Event Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
KPIs:
• On-time and on-budget delivery.
• Positive exhibitor, sponsor, delegate, and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Zero major operational or security incidents.
• Revenue targets supported through operational efficiency.
• Positive post-event evaluations and feedback.
dmg events is an equal opportunity employer. If you have not had feedback from us within 14 days, please consider your application as unsuccessful for this round.
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