Event operations manager
18 hours ago
Madrid
About DCD The world depends on digital infrastructure. We empower the people who invest, plan, design, build, and operate it to make better decisions in a fast moving and complex environment. To achieve this, we collaborate with and connect the most important stakeholders in the global technology and services supply chain, curating and creating always-on content, learning and events that support the mission-critical workforce. We have been publishing content, L& D programs and running events exclusively for the data center industry since 1998. As such, we are a trusted source of information for industry insiders across the world. Our web traffic is over 15,000,000 each year and we engage an active database of 300,000+ professionals across the digital infrastructure ecosystem. We help organisations who want to influence this market build highly targeted, underwritten, multichannel marketing campaigns that are aligned to modern B2 B tech-buyer journeys. They deliver attributable pipeline and revenue impact that our sales intelligence platform reports in real-time. About DCD> Connect DCD> Connect is DCD's live event series with events in London, New York, Bali, Dubai, India and Virginia, plus Madrid, Cancun and Sao Paulo. This portfolio of events is set to generate over £16 million revenue in 2025. DCD> Connect events bring together the most senior level decision makers from across the region's data center design and construction supply chain, for 2 days of debates, workshops, panels, interviews, demos and 1-2-1 introductions to support technology and partner discovery and day-to-day best-practice. In addition to our industry-leading content, we host a variety of networking and relationship building opportunities, so that buyers can connect with the industry's tech innovators in a 5-star setting, (think exclusive hosted lunches, networking cafes, open bars and wine-tasting experiences, industry nights) to reinforce existing relationships and build new ones. As DCD deliver industry-leading events which attract considerable sponsorship revenue, we therefore work to design commercial, content-rich conferences and networking experiences whose content, format and quality is such that: Attendees take away cutting-edge, insightful regional content from key industry thought leaders Sponsors gain access to large, senior and diverse audiences of qualified buyers and purchase influencers, offering a solid, measurable return on investment for our customers Sponsors have a platform to set out their thought leadership credential and thereby influence the purchase decisions of prospective customers DCD stands out from the competition and creates events which are so compelling that delegates and sponsors come to regard them as truly essential About the opportunity: Reporting into the Head of Operations, the Event Operations Manager is a hands-on role responsible for the end-to-end planning and delivery of DCD's live events across LATAM. The role owns all event operations and logistics, ensuring a high-quality experience for delegates, sponsors, and stakeholders before, during, and after each assigned event. You will deliver seamless event execution across all operational elements, including venue and exhibition/conference management, AV and production, signage, security, stakeholder coordination, and overall customer experience. This is a delivery-focused role suited to a solutions-driven events professional who thrives in fast-paced environments. Working closely with the Head of Operations, internal teams, and external partners, you will manage all technical and logistical aspects of event delivery, bringing both operational rigour and creativity to deliver engaging, experiential events with the visitor journey at the heart of every decision. The role spans the full event lifecycle, from pre-event planning through to on-site delivery and post-event review, contributing directly to the success and continuous improvement of DCD's events portfolio. Key responsibilities Event Planning & Operational Delivery Lead and deliver the end-to-end operational planning and execution of events from concept through to post-event close-down. Build and manage detailed event plans, timelines, production schedules, budgets, floorplans, and run-of-show documents. Ensure all operational elements align with event objectives, brand standards, and the overall attendee experience. Take full ownership of the operational delivery of assigned events, acting as the primary executor as well as the decision-maker Provide hands-on operational support to the wider ops team, flexing across projects and event cycles when needed. Cross-Functional Working Work closely with Sales, Client Relations, Content and Marketing to align operational plans with commercial and content objectives. Translate internal requirements into clear operational actions, ensuring sponsor and partner deliverables are accurately briefed and delivered. Maintain regular communication with internal stakeholders to keep teams informed of plans, changes, and key milestones. Logistics, Venues & Supplier Management Plan, coordinate, and deliver all logistical elements including venues, AV, production, staging, catering, staffing, registration, signage, transport, internet, security, and health & safety. Source, brief, appoint, and manage suppliers and contractors, handling the full RFP, briefing, negotiation, and contracting process in collaboration with the Head of Operations. Act as the main point of contact for venues and suppliers, managing access times, technical constraints, local regulations, and operational logistics. Create detailed operational briefs for all suppliers, clearly outlining scope, deliverables, timings, and technical requirements. Build and manage production schedules and on-site plans, ensuring all milestones are met. Budgeting & Financial Control Own event budgets end-to-end, including forecasting, cost control, approvals, and reconciliation. Track all spend against budget and ensure costs are approved, accurately forecasted, and reported. Work closely with finance teams to process supplier invoices, payments, and contractual commitments. Identify cost efficiencies while maintaining quality and delegate experience. Branding, Signage & Show Features Plan and deliver event branding, signage, sponsor visibility, and show features, ensuring consistency with brand guidelines. Coordinate production and installation of signage and on-site features with suppliers and internal teams. Ensure sponsor deliverables and branded assets are positioned and executed correctly on site. Delegate, Sponsor & Client Experience Own the on-site experience, ensuring a high standard of delivery for delegates, sponsors, and clients from registration through to live event days. Act as an escalation point for delegate, sponsor, or client queries before and during events. Work with internal teams to deliver engaging networking areas, ancillary events, and attendee touchpoints. Risk Management, Compliance & Health & Safety Identify potential operational risks and develop and implement contingency plans. Ensure compliance with all health, safety, legal, and venue requirements, including RAMS, insurance, permits, and local regulations. Maintain oversight of safety, sustainability, and governance best practices on site. On-Site Management & Problem Solving Lead on-site build, live delivery, and breakdown, acting as the senior operational point of contact. Manage and coordinate suppliers, contractors and internal teams on site. Anticipate issues and troubleshoot operational challenges in real time, remaining calm and solutions-focused under pressure. Ensure all event elements are delivered to specification, on schedule, and to a high standard. Post-Event & Continuous Improvement Oversee event close-down, final supplier payments, and evaluations. Lead operational post-event debriefs and reviews, capturing learnings and identifying improvements. Contribute to the development of operational processes, templates, and best practices for future events. What you will bring: Skills, Experience & Attributes Fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese Proven experience in event operations, ideally within exhibitions, confex-style events, or large-scale conferences (typically 3-5 years in a similar role) Strong organisational, administrative, and prioritisation skills, with excellent attention to detail Ability to manage multiple workstreams, work to tight deadlines, and remain calm and professional under pressure during live events Pragmatic and solutions-focused, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively when challenges arise Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a professional, service-oriented, and collaborative approach Confident team player, comfortable working across departments and with senior internal and external stakeholders Self-motivated, accountable, and able to work independently while contributing positively to team delivery Experience working with budgets, suppliers, and operational documentation, including floor plans and stand drawings Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to adjust working hours during peak delivery periods Proficient in Microsoft Office and G Suite (e.g. Excel, Google Sheets) Special Requirements Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally to support DCD events, including Europe, Mexico and Brasil Flexibility to work outside standard office hours, including evenings and weekends, in line with event schedules and time zones Attendance at events is a mandatory requirement due to the onsite nature of the role What we offer: Hybrid working scheme (3 days in the office) 22 days holiday entitlement, long service leave, and birthday off Paid sick leave Access to a health insurance Early Friday finishes in summer Volunteering Day Access to life insurance Fresh fruit and snacks in the office Regular socials and celebrations
