Head of Operations, MANU FORTI

Guardian Jobs

Management & Business Development

Head of Operations Lagos, Nigeria Full-time | Permanent
A unique opportunity has arisen for a highly experienced and technically minded Head of Operations to lead the delivery of a large-scale international exhibition and conference in West Africa. This high-impact role combines the complexity of infrastructure and logistics with the precision of event delivery in a high-security environment.
You’ll be responsible for managing a multidisciplinary team and overseeing every aspect of operations—from venue planning and temporary infrastructure to regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, and on-site leadership. This role will be instrumental in ensuring a seamless, secure, and world-class experience for exhibitors, delegates, and high-level stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities Own the master operational plan, budget, and timeline for a flagship international event
Lead infrastructure delivery including temporary venue construction, power, HVAC, and MEP systems
Manage complex logistics: security, delegate experience, AV, signage, catering, and access control
Build strong relationships with local authorities, suppliers, and defence/security stakeholders
Coordinate VIP and ministerial protocols and secure movement across the event site
Oversee all supplier contracts, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery to the highest standard
Lead on-site operations throughout build-up, live days, and breakdown
Provide post-event reporting and continuous improvement planning
What We’re Looking For Proven experience delivering large-scale events or EPCM infrastructure projects in challenging environments
Strong budget and project management skills, including value engineering and cost control
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in African markets, especially Nigeria
Excellent negotiation, communication, and team leadership skills
Strong risk management skills and ability to stay calm under pressure
Background in defence, security, aerospace or energy sector events is a plus
Experience managing high-level government and ministerial engagement
KPIs for Success On-time and on-budget delivery
High stakeholder satisfaction across exhibitors, sponsors, and delegates
Zero major operational or security incidents
Operational support of commercial revenue targets
Strong post-event feedback
If you’re a strategic and resilient operations leader with experience in large-scale, high-stakes projects, this is your opportunity to shape the success of a globally significant event.
<