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Operations Manager

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Role Purpose

The Operations Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering all operational aspects of exhibitions and events hosted by Montgomery. This includes managing exhibitors’ operational needs, ensuring safety and compliance on-site, coordinating with service providers, and maintaining operational excellence to support the successful delivery of all shows.

Personal Employee Requirements

  • Enthusiastic, energetic, and self-driven with a proven track record in event operations.

  • Well-presented and professional in all dealings.

  • High stress tolerance and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

  • Strong attention to detail with a solution-driven approach.

  • Excellent communication skills – both verbal and written.

  • Excellent time management and problem-solving skills.

  • Strong administrative and organisational abilities.

  • Ability to manage and file documents systematically (numerical & alphabetical).

  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working relationships with internal teams, exhibitors, and service providers.

Key Responsibilities

Exhibitor & Client Relations

  • Serve as the primary operational contact for exhibitors.

  • Ensure client expectations are met and the highest standard of service is delivered.

  • Build and retain strong relationships with exhibitors and stakeholders.

  • Provide clear and proactive communication to all exhibitors.

  • Attend client and exhibitor meetings, both virtual and face-to-face.

Event Operations & Delivery

  • Coordinate all operational aspects of exhibitions, from planning through to show day execution and breakdown.

  • Ensure all operational elements comply with health, safety, and venue regulations.

  • Compile and manage the Exhibitor Services Manual for each event.

  • Capture and process incoming exhibitor service requests.

  • Obtain quotations from approved service providers and track procurement.

  • Distribute event briefs to service providers and contractors.

  • Monitor delivery against agreed timelines, budgets, and quality standards.

  • Compile show service reports post-event.

  • Drive continuous improvement in operational processes and client satisfaction.

Supplier & Contractor Management

  • Build and maintain positive relationships with service providers.

  • Brief and manage contractors during build-up and show days.

  • Liaise with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of contracted services.

  • Oversee contractor compliance with health and safety regulations.

Administration & Reporting

  • Maintain accurate records and filing systems for all operational documentation.

  • Prepare operational status reports for management.

  • Support budgeting processes by providing operational cost input.

  • Identify and manage risks and escalate issues as necessary.

  • An operations manager in exhibitions/events needs strong financial acumen—covering budget creation, tracking, variance analysis, procurement, and reporting. They must ensure every operational decision balances cost, quality, and safety while protecting the event’s profitability.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Experience in exhibitions, events, or related operational roles.

  • Strong project management skills and experience coordinating large-scale events.

  • Good working knowledge of venue regulations and health and safety standards.

  • Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and basic project management tools.

  • Relevant tertiary qualification in Events Management, Operations, or a related field (advantageous).

To Apply