Technical Operations Manager – EXPO 2025 (m/f/d)

Your mission

Job location: Osaka, Japan

Job type: freelance (temporary contract)

Duration is ASAP - April 30, 2025 (with potential extension)

Administrative Reporting To: Head of EXPO 2025

Operational Coordination With: Head of Logistics, Head of Construction, Project Managers

Job Purpose

The Operations Manager will be responsible for overseeing and optimizing all operational activities within the context of the World EXPO 2025 in Osaka. This includes managing local procurement, overseeing incoming international shipments, warehouse operations, local transportation, equipment management, quality assurance, and the overarching technical support teams. The role requires close coordination with the Head of Logistics and the Head of Construction to align logistics and on-site requirements efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

Local Procurement Oversight:

• Supervise the Procurement Coordinator responsible for purchasing small parts, cables, accessories, tools, and rental of site access equipment.
• Ensure the Procurement Coordinator establishes and maintains strong relationships with local suppliers to guarantee timely and cost-effective procurement.
• Provide guidance and support to the Procurement Coordinator to align procurement activities with project requirements and timelines.
  
  

Logistics Management

• Liaise closely with the Head of Logistics to ensure seamless coordination of equipment shipments from international locations to Japan.
• Oversee the team responsible for handling incoming international shipments, ensuring proper documentation, customs compliance, and efficient unloading processes.
• Manage the local transportation team, organizing and scheduling transport from the warehouse to site locations, optimizing routes, and ensuring punctual deliveries.
  
  

Warehouse And Equipment Management

• Oversee warehouse operations, ensuring the efficient storage and handling of materials, equipment, and supplies.
• Implement and monitor systems for receiving and commissioning audio-visual and lighting equipment shipped from international locations. This includes:
• Labeling items for clear identification.
• Inventorization to maintain accurate records.
• Testing equipment if required to confirm operational readiness.
• Assembly of some items to facilitate smooth dispatch to project sites.
• Ensure that all equipment is properly prepared for step-by-step dispatch to various project sites as needed.
  
  

Quality Management

• Oversee the Quality Manager who is responsible for ensuring that material and work inspections are conducted thoroughly and meet project specifications.
• Ensure the Quality Manager implements inspection and test plans, and that all systems are fully tested, inspected, and handed over to clients.
• Confirm that the quality of equipment and the work delivered is in compliance with project specifications, and secure necessary client sign-offs.
  
  

Technical Support And Team Leadership

• Supervise overarching department supervisors (video, lighting, rigging, audio, IT, etc.) who provide technical support across multiple projects.
• Collaborate with department supervisors to align technical support activities with project needs and timelines.
• Ensure that technical resources are efficiently allocated and that all departments are supported effectively throughout the EXPO project.
  
  

Coordination With Construction And Project Teams

• Liaise with the Head of Construction to understand on-site plans and timelines, ensuring materials are available when and where needed.
• Collaborate with Project Managers to directly coordinate certain topics related to logistics, equipment management, and site support.
  
  

Team Leadership And Coordination

• Lead and manage teams in logistics, warehouse management, equipment management, quality management, and transportation to meet project timelines and quality standards.
• Set clear objectives and expectations for team members, providing training and development to enhance team capabilities.
• Foster a collaborative and proactive work environment, encouraging clear communication across all operational teams.
  
  

Reporting And Compliance

• Prepare regular reports on operational performance, including procurement status, inventory levels, shipment arrivals, equipment readiness, and transportation schedules.
• Ensure all operations adhere to local regulations, safety standards, and company policies.
• Work closely with the Head of EXPO 2025 to align operational activities with broader project goals.
  
  

Your profile

• At least 5 years of experience in technical operations and/or supply chain management role, preferably in a project-based environment.
• Proven experience in managing procurement, warehousing, logistics, quality management, technical support teams, and transportation.
• Strong understanding of supply chain principles, local procurement strategies, international shipping processes, equipment management, and quality assurance.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Experience working in a large-scale event or EXPO context.
• Knowledge of local procurement regulations and familiarity with the Japanese supply chain landscape.
• Proficiency in project management software and warehouse management systems.
  
  

Why us?

• The opportunity to work in an international and multi-cultural team with collaboration across our offices in the Middle East, Germany and Japan.
• Collaborative and motivated working environment.
• Trusting and partnership-based cooperation across all units.
• An innovative and growth-oriented company with a matrix organizational structure and an open corporate culture.
  
  

About Us

BeWunder is your turnkey partner specializing in Event Production and Spatial Experiences.

We create inspiring and unforgettable experiences for our clients and their guests. Our renowned and highly-skilled team of industry experts in both live events and permanent construction is well-versed in bridging the gap between vision and reality. We design, deliver and service complex, challenging, and large-scale projects in the field of museums and exhibitions, EXPO and brand pavilions, visitor and experience centers, digital art spaces, live events - both corporate and sporting, as well as conferences and multimedia shows.

Our passion lies in producing multisensory and immersive experiences, a perfect blend of new technologies and content, staged lighting and interactive elements.

With our international track record in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we are perfectly positioned to realize exceptional projects for our clients around the globe, from initial concept design through to final installation and beyond!