Operations Manager (German Speaking)

At Clarion, our people are at the absolute heart of what we do. We’re proud that our core values of PASSION, CARE, IMAGINATION, and TRUST define the way we carry out our work across all of our teams.

If you share our values and want to be a part of a successful, dynamic, and creative global business then we want to hear from you.

The Opportunity:

We have an exciting opportunity for a dynamic Operations Manager to join our Defence & Security Operations team, supporting the delivery of both DSEI Germany and DSEI UK. This role requires a highly organised and proactive individual who can thrive in a fast-paced environment, contributing to the successful launch in Germany and ongoing delivery of DSEI UK.

Based in the UK, the role will be primarily flexi-office based, with regular travel required across the UK and Germany, including significant onsite presence during live events. The successful candidate must be adaptable and confident operating in high-pressure event environments, ensuring seamless execution and operational excellence across both markets.

Fluency in both English and German is essential, enabling effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders, suppliers, and partners across the UK and Germany.

The Candidate:

We are looking for an exceptionally organised and proactive individual who can champion the fulfilment of a broad range of assigned duties. The successful candidate will have a methodical approach, high attention to detail, and be able to simultaneously manage a number of tasks. The role will mainly be flexi-office based however will require onsite work at live events. Here’s who we are looking for:

• You enjoy being organised and anticipating people’s needs
• You love being creative; you dream big, adopt new ways of working and get a thrill from being innovative
• You relish facing new challenges: you react, adapt, and welcome change
• You are obsessed with positive customer experiences and outcomes.
• You want to develop your skillset by being exposed to a broad range of experiences and people
• You like to challenge assumptions and make decisions based on customer insight

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the end-to-end operational delivery of a major launch event in Germany.
• Manage key elements of the event operations budget, including forecasting, cost tracking, and reporting to the Head of Operations.
• Negotiate supplier and contractor costs to ensure maximum value and cost efficiency.
• Work effectively within defined budget parameters and adapt to changing financial requirements.
• Collaborate closely with the Head of Operations, Head of Technical Operations, venue partners, exhibitors, and internal teams to support all build and breakdown activities in line with German Health & Safety regulations and Clarion EMEA standards.
• Contribute to the development of risk assessments and support ongoing health & safety planning.
• Support the maintenance of accurate and compliant health & safety documentation for the event, producing a complete and verified Health & Safety file.
• Attend relevant health & safety training sessions and engage proactively with internal training programmes.
• Liaise with production, marketing, sales, and finance teams to ensure alignment across all event elements.
• Bring creative, solution-focused thinking to enhance event delivery and contribute innovative ideas.
• Produce and communicate accurate technical information for exhibitors, including the creation of an exhibitor manual/zone.
• Ensure full delivery and fulfilment of exhibitor packages.
• Develop detailed signage schedules and oversee implementation.
• Ensure the show build meets all plans, specifications, and quality expectations working closely with contractors.
• Manage contractors and suppliers before, during, and after the event to ensure seamless delivery.
• Assist with the creation and coordination of build, delivery, and breakdown schedules.
• Respond effectively to exhibitor and contractor needs both in the office and onsite—maintaining composure in high-pressure environments.
• Oversee the ordering and management of all onsite furniture and equipment.
• Maintain organised records, manage meeting schedules, take minutes, and handle follow-up communications.
• Manage event staffing levels to ensure adequate coverage throughout the exhibition.
• Support post-event evaluation and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Participate in regular internal meetings as well as external client discussions.
• Contribute to the company’s Operations Group as an active member.
• Handle customer data confidently and in compliance with GDPR and other data privacy requirements.
• Be available to travel internationally as required.
• Represent Clarion Events professionally at all times.