Project Manager - Manchester

Project Manager - Exhibitions & Events · Location: · Manchester (Hybrid 3 days working with office and travel) · Salary: · £35,000 - £45,000 (dependent on experience) · Reports to: · Operations Director · Travel: · Regular UK and European travel required (including Birmingham, Ma ...

Job description

Project Manager - Exhibitions & Events

Location:
Manchester (Hybrid 3 days working with office and travel)

Salary:
£35,000 - £45,000 (dependent on experience)


Reports to:
Operations Director


Travel:
Regular UK and European travel required (including Birmingham, Manchester, Frankfurt, Lyon and other key event locations)

The Company

Disrupt Talent is recruiting on behalf of a well-established exhibition design and build business delivering high-quality exhibition stands and brand environments across the UK and Europe.

The company provides bespoke and modular exhibition solutions, working with an established supply chain and experienced internal teams across design, production, and logistics.

Sustainability, operational efficiency, and client satisfaction are central to their project delivery approach.

As part of continued growth, the business is looking to strengthen its project management function with a highly organised and accountable Project Manager who can take ownership of projects from initial quotation through to onsite delivery and completion.

The Opportunity

This is a pivotal role responsible for ensuring the smooth planning, coordination, and delivery of exhibition and event projects.

You will manage multiple projects simultaneously, sometimes scaling to as many as 50 projects across various stages, requiring exceptional organisation, prioritisation, and communication skills.

The role involves close collaboration with internal teams, suppliers, and clients, alongside regular onsite attendance across the UK and Europe to ensure successful delivery and strong client relationships.

This position suits a proactive, self-motivated project manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes full ownership of project outcomes.

What You'll Be Doing

Project Ownership & Delivery

Managing exhibition projects from quotation through to installation, completion, and storage
Delivering projects on time, in full, to budget, and in line with contractual requirements
Creating and managing detailed project plans, timelines, and delivery processes
Managing project budgets, maintaining margins, and identifying opportunities to improve profitability
Coordinating all project elements including logistics, build, graphics, AV, staffing, and onsite requirements
Ensuring client invoices are issued accurately and on time

Client & Stakeholder Management

Acting as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the project lifecycle
Leading project kick-off meetings, planning sessions, and post-project reviews
Providing regular project updates to senior management and clients
Managing expectations and confidently addressing challenges internally and externally
Building strong working relationships with internal departments, suppliers, and contractors

Supplier & Operational Coordination

Managing supplier sourcing, negotiation, and order placement
Ensuring suppliers meet quality, cost, and delivery requirements
Working closely with designers to assess project feasibility, cost, and complexity
Coordinating internal teams across production, logistics, and design

Onsite & Travel Responsibilities

Attending exhibitions and event sites across the UK and Europe to oversee installation and delivery
Ensuring projects are delivered safely, professionally, and to agreed standards
Representing the company in a professional and positive manner onsite

Health & Safety & Compliance

Ensuring all projects comply with health and safety legislation and industry standards
Preparing and managing RAMS and risk assessments
Ensuring all subcontractors and suppliers meet compliance requirements
Supporting safe working environments across all project stages

Continuous Improvement & Administration

Maintaining accurate project records, CRM data, and internal systems
Supporting sustainability initiatives, including material reuse and recycling
Providing feedback to improve internal processes and project delivery standards

What You'll Bring (Non-Negotiables)

Minimum 3 years' experience in a project management role
Strong organisational and multitasking skills
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
Experience working in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments
Strong budget management and commercial awareness
Ability to work independently with high levels of accountability and ownership
Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office and CRM systems
Ability to interpret technical drawings and project specifications

Highly Desirable

Experience within the exhibition stand build or events industry
Understanding of exhibition industry regulations and processes
Knowledge of CDM regulations
Experience managing suppliers and supply chains
Project management qualification (or equivalent practical experience)

Travel & Working Environment

Regular travel across the UK and Europe for exhibitions and site visits
Hybrid working model with a combination of office, remote, and onsite work
Flexible working environment balanced with strong collaboration expectations

What You'll Get

£35,000 - £45,000 salary depending on experience
Opportunity to manage high-profile exhibition projects across Europe
Hybrid working model with flexibility
Strong internal support across logistics, design, and production teams
Opportunity to grow within a scaling and ambitious SME environment
High level of autonomy and ownership

Who This Role Suits

This Role Is Ideal For Someone Who Is

Highly organised and detail-oriented
Self-motivated and proactive
Confident managing multiple projects simultaneously
Comfortable working in an SME environment with autonomy and accountability
Able to manage client relationships professionally and confidently
Adaptable and comfortable with fluctuating workloads
Entrepreneurial in mindset and ownership-driven