Senior Events and Exhibitions Specialist

Location: Reading, United Kingdom

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

Senior Events & Exhibitions Specialist

Location: Green Park (Reading) or Crawley

The Role

This role is about elevating how we show up. Cleaner design. Sharper storytelling. A premium presence that reflects the sophistication of our technology. And behind it all: a structured, disciplined approach that ensures every event has purpose, impact and measurable return.

You won’t just execute events. You’ll redefine what good looks like.

The Senior Events & Exhibitions Specialist will play a central role in shaping how Thales UK presents its capabilities to customers, partners and stakeholders. This position is responsible for the strategic planning, design and delivery of high‑profile events and exhibitions, ensuring that every activity reflects the quality, innovation and ambition of our business.

The successful candidate will bring proven experience of delivering major, complex exhibitions — ideally including large defence events such as DSEI — and will apply that expertise to elevate the standard, consistency and impact of all UK events.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership of major exhibitions — Lead the planning and delivery of significant UK exhibitions and conferences, ensuring a premium, disciplined and well‑governed approach from concept to execution.

• Exhibition design and premiumisation — Drive a cleaner, more modern and more coherent visual identity across all events, ensuring our presence is aligned with Thales brand standards and communicates our technology clearly and effectively.

• Strategic messaging — Ensure all event content is accurate, concise and aligned with business priorities, enabling customers to understand our capabilities quickly and confidently.

• Structured planning and governance — Apply robust project management practices, using Thales tools (Jira, Evenium, Thales360, Optimy) to manage approvals, budgets, timelines and reporting.

• Operational efficiency — Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve internal coordination and introduce efficiencies, including the use of automation and AI where appropriate.

• ROI measurement and reporting — Establish clear objectives for each event, track outcomes and provide transparent reporting to demonstrate value and support future decision‑making.

​Skills & Experience

• Major event delivery — Extensive experience delivering large‑scale exhibitions (DSEI or equivalent), with a strong understanding of the operational, commercial and reputational requirements involved.

• Structured project management — Strong planning, resourcing, scheduling and budget management capability.

• Clear and concise communication — Ability to translate complex technology into simple, accurate and compelling event content.

• Stakeholder leadership — Confident working with senior leaders and cross‑functional teams.

Security Clearance Requirement:

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions.  This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. 

To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years.  In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels.

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At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. Read more about our benefits here.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here.

If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities. Join the Talent Community here.

Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!