Head of Operations – International Exhibition & Conference

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

Employment Type: Full-time

Reed Specialist Recruitment Africa is representing a confidential client seeking a dynamic Head of Operations to lead the planning, delivery, and execution of a high-profile international exhibition and conference in Nigeria. This is a senior leadership position, requiring exceptional project management expertise, operational oversight, and the ability to coordinate complex stakeholder groups across government and industry sectors.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the end-to-end operational delivery of a large-scale event, ensuring it is delivered on time, within budget, and to world-class standards.
  • Develop and oversee the master operational plan, timelines, and budgets.
  • Manage venue liaison, exhibition layouts, AV production, security protocols, delegate services, and supplier contracts.
  • Supervise temporary venue builds, MEP installations, and site infrastructure development.
  • Ensure compliance with safety, engineering, and regulatory requirements.
  • Engage with senior stakeholders, including government and regulatory bodies.
  • Lead on-site operations during build-up, live days, and breakdown, acting as the primary escalation point.
  • Conduct post-event evaluations and recommend improvements for future events.

Requirements

  • Proven track record of delivering large-scale international events or major EPCM projects.
  • Strong experience in project management, vendor management, and operational leadership.
  • Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex stakeholder relationships.
  • Exceptional organisational, negotiation, and crisis management skills.
  • Experience in high-security environments and adherence to international safety and compliance standards.

Why Apply?

The successful candidate will be part of a high-performing leadership team, managing a significant budget and leading a project of international importance.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced operations leader with the ability to deliver complex, large-scale projects, please submit your CV by email to wayne.hulbert@reed.com  Reed Specialist Recruitment