Lead Project Manager (Exhibition Agency)
London (Hybrid – 2 days in a central office)
Circa £55,000
KnoWho are working with a leading exhibition design & build agency to find a Lead Project Manager to join their growing team.
This is a senior, hands-on role sitting at the heart of the projects function, ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys leading from the front, and wants to play a key role in shaping how projects are delivered at scale.
You’ll work closely with the Operations Director, overseeing a portfolio of high-profile exhibition projects while supporting and mentoring a team of Project Managers.
The Role
This position is predominantly hands-on (around 80–90% delivery), with the remaining focus on team leadership, process improvement, and commercial oversight.
You’ll be responsible for delivering complex exhibition stands – including large-scale custom builds and double-deck structures – ensuring projects are executed to the highest standard, on time and on budget.
Alongside delivery, you’ll act as a senior point of escalation, help shape department processes, and play a key role in driving performance across the wider team.
Key Responsibilities
Project Delivery
- Lead projects from design sign-off through to installation and post-show review
- Manage full project P&L, ensuring margins are maintained
- Deliver a mix of custom build and modular exhibition stands
- Coordinate suppliers, contractors and internal teams
- Ensure compliance with H&S, venue regulations and RAMS
- Attend UK and international sites to oversee installations
Team Leadership
- Support and mentor a team of Project Managers
- Run 1:1s and contribute to onboarding and development
- Act as a senior escalation point for complex projects and client challenges
- Manage resource allocation and team capacity
- Build strong relationships with key suppliers and partners
Operations & Commercial
- Support overall project portfolio performance and profitability
- Monitor project health, identifying risks early
- Contribute to cost planning and budgeting across projects
- Collaborate with design and production teams to optimise delivery
Client & Growth
- Lead client relationships throughout the project lifecycle
- Maintain a high standard of service and delivery
- Spot opportunities to grow accounts and support new business activity
What We’re Looking For
- Strong experience delivering exhibition builds, including complex custom and double-deck stands
- Solid understanding of production, materials and build processes
- Knowledge of industry regulations (AEV eGuide, H&S, compliance)
- Experience in a senior or lead PM role, with team oversight responsibilities
- Confident managing clients, stakeholders and suppliers
- Strong commercial awareness and experience managing budgets/P&L
- Highly organised, able to juggle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
- Experience with project management tools (e.g. Monday.com or similar)
- Willingness to travel when required
About You
- Proactive, driven and commercially minded
- A natural leader who leads from the front
- Solutions-focused with a calm, problem-solving mindset
- Comfortable working under pressure and managing competing priorities
- Passionate about improving processes and raising standards
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