Operations Lead - Contract
Contract | Europe, Preferred| 40 Hours Per Week
Availability: October 2026 – End of May 2027
Our client is seeking an experienced Operations Lead to lead and manage a team of internal and external event planners, overseeing the operational delivery of high-value, cost-effective events.
This individual will manage vendor relationships (DMC, hotel, and others), guide event teams through key milestones, and serve as the primary point of escalation for service and team issues, ensuring seamless alignment between event goals and flawless execution.
This role requires experience working with international events and stakeholders, adapting across markets and working styles.
Why You’ll Love This Role:
The ideal candidate will love this role because it offers the chance to lead a full team through high-stakes program delivery, from onboarding and staffing through vendor management, budget oversight, and stakeholder alignment, with real ownership over how events come together end to end.
What You’ll Do:
Team Leadership & Program Delivery
Lead and manage a group of internal and external event planners, delegating projects effectively
Onboard the general event team and align roles and responsibilities
Lead full team functions through key milestones and program delivery
Oversee staffing plans and set expectations with delivery teams
Lead debrief and feedback processes with internal stakeholders
Vendor & Event Operations Management
Manage vendors (DMC, hotel, among others) directly or through team members
Manage delivery of all meeting/event planning services, including hotel services, evening events, and offsite activities
Ensure alignment with operating principles and policies
Stakeholder Engagement & Timeline Management
Work closely with business partners and internal meeting owners on meeting purpose/goals and implementation
Develop and present a holistic event timeline focused on key milestones
Establish ways of working and meeting cadences; drive timely decision-making
Liaise with key stakeholders to drive decisions
Function as the point of escalation for service or team issues
Financial & Administrative Oversight
Monitor budget implications
Oversee financial reconciliation (invoicing review and final payments)
Qualifications:
6–8+ years of events and people management experience in corporate meetings
Experience managing large operations teams
Strong organizational skills; able to multitask and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
Strong attention to detail, flexibility, and a team-player mindset
Highly responsive customer service orientation; excellent verbal and written communication
Creative, people-centric problem-solving skills
Experience working with international events and stakeholders is critical
Preferred Location: Europe
Hiring Process
1
Share Your Interest in the Position
Click the form link below to get started. If you are not yet a member of our free Soundings Thrive talent community, you will be asked to join and fill out your profile for consideration.
2
Complete Your Soundings Thrive Profile
All candidates must have a completed Soundings Thrive Profile. This allows us to evaluate the key skills required for this role (and you’ll be able to get alerted for any additional positions!)
3
Receive an Update from Soundings
Our team will review your information and let you know your status.
4
If You Move Forward
Next steps may include a skills-based interview with Soundings, interviews with the client, and reference checks.
5
Job Offer
Final candidates will receive a formal offer directly from the client.
We are committed to providing a transparent, timely, and respectful candidate experience from start to finish.