Operations Director - Manifest Europe

A bit about us

We’re Hyve - organiser of the world’s fastest-growing and most forward-thinking B2B events. As the chosen event partner to many of the world’s leading companies, our platforms play a critical role in their strategies - helping them enter new markets, accelerate growth and connect with the people who matter most.

Our portfolio features some of the world’s leading events in sectors like ecommerce, healthcare, edtech, and fintech. We’re growing fast with an entrepreneurial culture that empowers big ideas and quick action, plus an ambitious acquisition strategy bringing exciting new events into our mix.

Alongside our market-leading events, we’re building tech and data-driven products that supercharge connections – from one-to-one meeting programs and curated table talks to year-round engagement platforms.

Whatever your role, you’ll join a global team redefining how industries connect, collaborate, and grow – working with some of the most talented people in the business.

Think that sounds good? Wait until our talent acquisition team tells you about the culture.

A bit about you

First things first: whatever your background, beliefs or ambitions, there’s a culture of belonging at Hyve — and everyone is welcome. The question isn’t where you’ve come from, but where you want to go.

You’ll thrive here if you’re curious, collaborative and not afraid to challenge convention. We look for people who take pride in what they do, who are excited by change and always moving forward. The kind of people who stay open, keep learning, and look for better ways to make an impact.

Our shared behaviours guide how we work: we dare to do things differently, own our work, embrace collaboration, stay true to ourselves and others, and remember that optimism wins.

If that sounds like you, you’ll fit right in.

About Manifest Europe

Building on the success of Manifest in Las Vegas, Manifest Europe will bring together the full supply chain and logistics ecosystem, including shippers, freight forwarders, 3PLs, carriers, ports and terminals, technology providers, startups, and investors. The event is designed to create a high-quality platform for connection, collaboration, and commercial growth.

Manifest Europe has already secured strong early momentum, with DHL confirmed as Presenting Sponsor alongside more than 120 Launch Partners across sponsor companies, investors, shippers, and media partners – demonstrating clear market demand for a dedicated European platform.

Europe sits at the intersection of global trade, regulation, sustainability, and rapid innovation, creating a clear need for a high-quality, curated meeting place for the industry.

Why we’re hiring

As Manifest launches into Europe in 2027, it is all set to be a fantastic launch with lots of exciting plans and so we are looking for a smart, ambitious, highly experienced Operations Director to help launch one of Europe’s fastest-growing events

A bit about the role

We are looking for an experienced Operations Director to lead the planning and delivery of Manifest Europe.

This is a senior operations role responsible for the end-to-end delivery of one of Europe's most ambitious new B2B events. Working closely with the President of Manifest Europe and the Sales, Marketing and Content teams, you will oversee every operational aspect of the event, ensuring a seamless experience for exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, attendees and partners.

The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and enjoy building new processes, solving complex challenges and delivering exceptional live event experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Event Operations

• Lead the end-to-end operational planning and delivery of Manifest Europe.
• Develop and manage the operational timeline, ensuring all milestones are delivered on schedule.
• Oversee all onsite operations before, during and after the event.
• Ensure an exceptional experience for exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, attendees and partners.

Exhibitor & Sponsor Operations

• Manage all exhibitor and sponsor operations, including deliverables, exhibitor manuals, service providers, floorplan management, stand allocations, activations and sponsor fulfilment.
• Oversee conference theatres, sponsor activations, shell scheme stand packages, startup pavilions, hosted buyer areas and all feature areas.
• Manage exhibitor communications and operational support throughout the event lifecycle.

Venue & Supplier Management

• Manage relationships with FIL Lisbon and all key operational suppliers, including the stand contractor, AV, F&B, freight forwarders and event tech.
• Lead venue planning, room layouts, registration, signage, security, cleaning, catering, transportation, accommodation, furniture, AV, production and temporary infrastructure.
• Negotiate contracts, where not already in place, and manage supplier performance to ensure value and operational excellence.

Budget Management

• Own the event operations budget from planning through to reconciliation.
• Manage forecasting, procurement and cost control across all operational areas.
• Identify efficiencies while maintaining a premium delegate experience.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Work closely with Sales, Marketing and Content to deliver a coordinated event experience.
• Support sponsorship activations and commercial opportunities through operational excellence.
• Develop operational processes that enable Manifest Europe to scale successfully year-on-year.

Health, Safety & Sustainability

• Lead all health and safety planning, ensuring compliance with local regulations and Hyve policies.
• Develop and implement the event sustainability strategy, working with venue partners and suppliers to minimise environmental impact and improve operational sustainability.

Event Innovation

• Continuously identify opportunities to improve the attendee, exhibitor and sponsor experience.
• Introduce new operational ideas, technologies and efficiencies that enhance the overall event.
• Be open to change and to trying new ideas and innovations.
• Be interested in creating the best experience for all sponsors and delegates
• Be detailed orientated so that the event experience is successful

365 Events, roadshows to promote Manifest Europe

• Throughout the year we will host mini events in different regions in Europe (approx.. 4-5 events) and this role would be to oversee these events from an operational perspective

About You

You'll be an experienced event operations professional who enjoys building events from the ground up and solving operational challenges.

You'll be highly organised, commercially aware and comfortable managing multiple stakeholders, suppliers and priorities simultaneously.

You will be a strong team player with a collaborative style and open to ideas and change. You will be curious and love learning and excited by innovation and creating the best-in-class experience for all the attendees.

Experience

• 7+ years' experience delivering large-scale B2B conferences and exhibitions.
• Experience managing operational budgets exceeding $1.5 million.
• Strong supplier procurement and contract negotiation experience.
• Experience managing exhibition floorplans and venue operations.
• Experience delivering premium delegate, sponsor and exhibitor experiences.
• Experience working with international venues and suppliers.
• Experience delivering events in Europe is highly desirable.

Skills

• Outstanding project management and organisational skills.
• Excellent commercial awareness.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management capability.
• Calm under pressure with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Collaborative style.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Positive, proactive and solution focused.

Technology

Experience with event technology and registration systems and project management tools is advantageous.

Success in the Role

Within your first 12-14 months, you will have:

• Successfully launched the inaugural Manifest Europe.
• Delivered an exceptional operational experience for exhibitors, sponsors and attendees.
• Built strong operational partnerships with the venue and suppliers.
• Developed scalable operational processes to support future growth.
• Established Manifest Europe as a best-in-class event operation within the Hyve portfolio.
• Be building for year 2 and beyond

Ready to make some great experiences? Your Hyve adventure begins with one click-Apply now!