Event Operations Manager (Exhibition)

About the RoleMonolith Technologies is looking for an experienced Event Operations Manager – Exhibition to support the planning, build-up, delivery, and breakdown of a major exhibition in Riyadh.The Event Operations Manager will take ownership of day-to-day exhibition operations and act as a key coordination point between the venue, exhibitors, contractors, suppliers, production teams, logistics partners, and event management.This is a hands-on, site-focused role requiring someone who understands how large exhibitions operate and can manage multiple workstreams under tight timelines.The successful candidate must already be based in Riyadh, hold a valid work permit/right to work in Saudi Arabia, speak fluent English, and have basic conversational Arabic.Core Responsibilities & Scope1.Venue Coordination (Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center - RICEC)Serve as the primary operational link between the event team and RICEC venue management.Direct build-up, delivery, and breakdown schedules alongside load-in access and venue security.Implement venue regulations, safety rules, and operating standards across all partner teams.Oversee essential venue services: temporary power, waste management, security, and cleaning.Resolve real-time facility issues directly with RICEC officials to avoid operational delays.Issue access credentials and manage schedules for staff, contractors, suppliers, and exhibitors.2. Exhibitor OperationsOversee pre-event and onsite communication channels for all exhibiting companies.Help author and distribute the official Exhibitor Manual detailing key rules and deadlines.Monitor submission deadlines, stand design approvals, and compulsory compliance forms.Plan and execute structured move-in and move-out timelines to control hall traffic.Address operational inquiries and escalate complex commercial or technical issues promptly.Maintain a live master tracker detailing exhibitor approvals, service orders, and actions.3.Floorplan & Spatial ExecutionPartner with production and design leads to map and execute approved spatial layouts.Verify physical locations for stands, aisles, clear zones, service points, and emergency exits.Oversee stand numbering, marking, and initial contractor layout assignments on-site.Audit ongoing stand construction against baseline floorplans to resolve space clashes early.Safeguard emergency routes, fire lanes, and service corridors against obstruction.Track on-site spatial modifications in real time to keep master documentation current.4.Contractor & Supplier ManagementDirect on-site performance for stand builders, freight movers, and technical suppliers.Run mandatory daily briefing sessions during critical installation and dismantling windows.Sequence multi-contractor workflows to avoid structural dependencies or operational bottlenecks.Track deliverable timelines, contractor performance, and safe working conditions on site.Escalate timeline risks, safety violations, or resource shortages immediately.5.Build-Up, Breakdown & Site OversightLead ground operations across installation, event delivery, and dismantling phases.Direct contractor access checks, structural build monitoring, and readiness inspections.Resolve shift conflicts, track operational deadlines, and oversee final hall handovers.Manage dismantling schedules, exhibitor move-out, and final RICEC venue handback audits.Note: Requires flexibility to work extended shifts, nights, and weekends during active phases.6.HSE, Permits & Regulatory ComplianceEnforce health, safety, and environmental standards alongside venue safety officers.Secure all mandatory build permits, structural sign-offs, and hot-work approvals beforehand.Enforce site safety standards, mandatory PPE compliance, and tool safety protocols.Support daily toolbox safety briefings and verify equipment test certificates on-site.Monitor high-risk operations closely and stop non-compliant works immediately.Log all safety incidents, maintain reports, and preserve direct access to firefighting gear.7.Loading, Logistics & Traffic ManagementDesign and execute arrival, loading, and unloading schedules for all event transport.Liaise with RICEC traffic control to allocate loading dock slots and service door access.Balance truck delivery windows to eliminate staging area and dock congestion.Coordinate freight movement between loading bays, staging zones, and show stands.Work with logistics providers to track, locate, and redirect misplaced event shipments.8.Exhibitor ServicesCoordinate delivery of venue utility orders: primary power, high-speed internet, and AV.Facilitate requests for stand cleaning, waste clearing, security personnel, and extra furniture.Maintain an active service desk tracker to log, assign, and resolve exhibitor requests fast.9.Live Event Operations & Daily ReportingLead daily operations during active show days to maintain venue standards.Conduct early-morning floor checks, stand readiness audits, and venue system reviews.Manage emergency maintenance, hall housekeeping, and public space circulation.Produce a daily operational report capturing completed tasks, open risks, and next-day priorities.Candidate RequirementsEssential QualificationsCore Operational Expertise: 5+ years managing large-scale exhibitions, trade shows, or venues, with deep technical mastery of build-up/breakdown execution, floorplans, loading dock logistics, and site HSE protocols.Stakeholder & Logistics Leadership: Proven ability to seamlessly coordinate venues, exhibitors, contractors, and suppliers while maintaining strict schedules, clear documentation, and regulatory compliance.Site Ownership & Adaptability: Decisive, highly organized problem-solver comfortable working independently, managing multiple high-pressure priorities, and taking full operational command on-site.Location & Work Permit – MandatoryCandidates must:Be currently based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Have their own valid Saudi work permit / legal right to work in KSA.Be available for the complete project period from 15 October through the end of November 2026.Monolith Technologies will not provide work visa sponsorship for this short-term position.Language RequirementsEnglish: Fluent – written and spoken.Arabic: Basic conversational ability required for onsite communication with local teams, contractors and suppliers.Professional fluency in Arabic would be an advantage.Preferred QualificationsSaudi Venue & Regulatory Expertise: Proven experience delivering events in KSA—ideally at RICEC or similar major Saudi venues—with solid knowledge of local permitting, HSE standards, and municipal compliance.Local Network & Agency Collaboration: Established relationships with Saudi suppliers and contractors, backed by a strong track record of partnering with international event agencies, production teams, and exhibition organizers.Large-Scale Multi-Exhibitor Operations: Hands-on experience directing complex, high-profile international trade shows and simultaneously supporting broad portfolios of exhibitors in fast-paced, live event environments.Key Skills & Working StyleEnd-to-End Exhibition & Site Operations: Hands-on expertise managing full-lifecycle event execution—including build-up, breakdown, floorplan delivery, loading dock logistics, and active show-floor management.Stakeholder & Vendor Leadership: Proven ability to coordinate, direct, and maintain professional relationships across venues, exhibitors, suppliers, international agencies, and cross-cultural teams.Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Strong command of site HSE protocols, permit acquisition, risk mitigation, and crisis management in high-pressure operational environments.Proactive Ownership & Decisive Problem-Solving: A calm, forward-thinking approach with the confidence to make quick operational decisions and troubleshoot live site challenges on the fly.Adaptability & High-Impact Drive: Highly organized, detail-oriented professional willing to stretch beyond core duties and work flexible, extended shifts to ensure flawless event delivery.Application RequirementsCredentials & KSA Eligibility: Submit an updated CV confirming current Riyadh residency, valid KSA work authorization, availability for the October 15–November 30, 2026 contract window, and language proficiencies (English and Arabic).Exhibition Track Record: Highlight key KSA-based exhibitions and events previously delivered, detailing any specific hands-on experience at RICEC or major Saudi venues.Terms & Availability: State your earliest possible start date along with your expected monthly remuneration or overall project fee.Please apply only if you are currently based in Riyadh, have the legal right to work in Saudi Arabia, and are available for the complete project duration.