Project Manager

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