Role: Head of Production & Operations – Design & Interiors Trade Fair

Location: Mumbai/Delhi/Hyderabad(show location)

Type: Full-time

Reporting To: Founders & Steering Committee

Role Overview

Design Democracy is hiring a Head of Production & Operations to lead the complete physical execution, venue logistics, and live show operations for our flagship architecture, interior design, and art fair at HITEX, Hyderabad and any other satellite activations. This role bridges high-concept spatial design with heavy technical execution, venue operations, and hospitality execution. You will turn CAD blueprints, bespoke curated pavilions, and 200+ exhibitor builds into flawless physical shows—while managing site logistics, MEP utilities, on-ground activations, and the brand expansion plans through the year.

Key Responsibilities

1. Spatial Production & Floor Plan Execution

- Master Layout Ownership: Translate architectural CAD/3D layouts into ground reality at HITEX (hall allocation, aisle clearances, service lines, emergency egress).
- Pavilions & Special Projects: Direct fabrication and structural setups for curated galleries, feature pavilions, and talk stages.
- Exhibitor Build Supervision: Standardize and enforce technical build guidelines for 200+ exhibitor stalls, custom carpentry, lighting rigs, and heavy displays.

2. Site Logistics & Load-In / Load-Out Command

- Dock & Freight Operations: Direct multi-day setup schedules, traffic control, loading bay allocations, crane/forklift operations, and material offloading.
- Show-Floor Operations: Maintain zero-downtime execution during show hours (HVAC, power load monitoring, housekeeping/waste sweeps, labor pass management).
- Teardown & Handover: Manage post-show dismantling, freight departure, hall clearing, and final venue handover within strict rental deadlines.

3. Hospitality, Launch Parties & In office Activations





- Networking Events & Launch Parties: Own the technical and operational setups for on-site wine & cheese sessions, VIP cocktail hours, and booth launch events.
- F&B; Utility Infrastructure: Coordinate back-of-house logistics with catering/hotel teams (temporary power, refrigeration, water supply/drainage, waste management, glassware areas).
- Lighting & Audio Transition: Oversee rapid evening conversions—transitioning hall areas from daytime trade mode into high-end cocktail/networking atmospheres.

4. Year-Round Multi-Show & Satellite Activation Management

- Annual Operations Calendar: Oversee the production pipeline for secondary shows, satellite pop-up exhibitions, preview events, and city-wide brand activations throughout the year.
- Modular Build & Reusability: Design and manage reusable, modular display assets and installation frameworks to streamline deployment across multiple annual events.
- Multi-Venue & City Logistics: Lead venue scouting, technical site inspections, and logistics for off-site or multi-city pop-up activations.

5. Vendor Management & Cost Control

- Contractor Procurement: RFP, negotiate, and manage annual contracts with fabrication, AV, lighting, HVAC, staging, and heavy equipment vendors.
- Budget Tracking: Manage production/logistics expenses strictly against milestone budgets across all annual events without compromising design quality.
- Pre-Show Inspection: Conduct off-site factory inspections of key fabrications to prevent venue setup delays.

6. MEP,



Safety & Regulatory Compliance

- Technical Infrastructure: Direct power distribution, heavy load power points, accent lighting setups, and stage acoustic/AV rigs.
- Safety & Approvals: Secure municipal approvals, police/fire NOCs, temporary liquor permit logistics support, structural sign-offs, and emergency response plans.

Candidate Qualifications

- Experience: 8–12+ years directing large-scale production, site operations, and multi-event calendars for premium design fairs, art summits, or major multi-hall exhibitions.
- Technical Skills: Deep expertise in structural fabrication (wood, metal, timber, modular systems), power load calculations, trussing, lighting design, and AutoCAD layout interpretation.
- On-Ground Event Ops: Proven track record running lounges, live talk stages, cocktail receptions, and year-round pop-up activations inside and outside traditional exhibition centers.
- Vendor Network: Active connections with fabrication, AV, catering infrastructure, and logistics suppliers in Hyderabad, South India, and key national hubs.
- Leadership: Calm under pressure, fast decision-maker, and uncompromising on finishing quality, multi-event scheduling, and safety.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Target

Site Handover

100% completion of halls, pavilions, and stalls 12 hours prior to VIP preview.

Activations & Ops

Zero electrical failures, AV glitches, or service delays during main show hours, evening parties, and off-site pop-ups.

Annual Execution

On-time, within-budget execution across the flagship fair and all secondary yearly activations.

Safety & Compliance

Zero structural defects, safety incidents, or venue fine penalties across all events.

Budget Control

Final production and operations spend within approved annual budget parameters.

📌 Head of Production & Operations – Design & Interiors Trade Fair (India)
🏢 DESIGN DEMOCRACY
📍 India