Nicole Hankins

As a Senior Management Team member at AEPG, I oversee day-to-day site operations and contribute to the future planning and execution of strategic business projects. My role within the Showground Services team has expanded to cover a broad range of responsibilities, including operational oversight, brand development, compliance, resource management, and sales of tenancy agreements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership : Lead and manage day-to-day site operations, ensuring business continuity and optimizing workflows for maximum efficiency. Oversee the opening and closure of operations in line with the company's ongoing projects, consistently achieving key performance targets and supporting the successful execution of strategic initiatives.
• Health & Safety Compliance : Ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations, security measures, and facilities management standards. Collaborate with contractors and suppliers to meet site needs within budgetary constraints while ensuring a safe working environment.
• Budget Control & Cost Management : Introduce cost-saving initiatives to reduce overheads and manage site operations within budget. Negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing optimal pricing and terms.
• Tenant & Contract Management : Manage onsite tenants, including contract negotiation, sales, and tenancy agreements, ensuring maximum value for company assets. Collaborate with legal teams when necessary to finalize contracts.
• Project Planning & Execution : Plan and oversee various operational projects, including the setup and closure of sites. Provide expert knowledge and manage operational logistics, contributing to the successful planning approval for 1,500 homes and a 50-acre leisure village, ensuring smooth execution of all related activities.
• Stakeholder & Public Relations : Liaise with local authorities, the public, and national media to maintain positive relationships and ensure effective communication about site developments and operations.
• Marketing & Event Management : Produce marketing materials, including brochures and website design, to enhance the company's visibility and brand presence. Represent the company at networking events to foster relationships with local contacts and stakeholders. Successfully lead and organize company events while managing local sponsorships to strengthen community ties and promote business growth.
• Resource & Staff Management : Collaborate with various departments to foster a positive and cooperative work environment. Facilitate regular meetings, feedback loops, and professional development opportunities to ensure high levels of staff engagement, performance, and overall team success.
• Process Improvement & Efficiency : Continuously improve operational processes, streamline workflows, and implement solutions to reduce complexity while increasing productivity and profitability.
• Supplier & Partnership Management : Build and manage supplier relationships, improving supply chain efficiency and ensuring all materials and services are delivered as needed.

This role combines a high level of problem-solving, budget control, team management, and a strong focus on health and safety, process optimization, and effective planning and resource management. It emphasizes achieving high profit with low complexity, while maintaining operational excellence.

As Senior Event Manager, I oversaw the events team, ensuring smooth daily operations and driving department profitability through effective budget control. I worked closely with various departments to deliver successful events and strategically planned for future business growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership & Development : Led and mentored the events team, conducting regular performance reviews and fostering a high-performance culture.
• Profitability & Budget Control : Managed budgets, controlled costs, and implemented cost-effective solutions while ensuring events met financial targets and KPIs.
• Cross-Department Collaboration & Supplier Coordination : Worked with Sales, Facilities, and Finance to ensure smooth event execution and coordinated with multiple suppliers for timely service delivery.
• Event Operations Management : Managed day-to-day site operations and logistics to ensure events were delivered to the highest standards.
• Duty Manager & Venue Management : Acted as Duty Manager and Venue Manager, ensuring site operations met client expectations and reflected well on the business.
• Problem-Solving on Event Days : Addressed issues on live event days, ensuring minimal disruption and maintaining client and guest satisfaction.
• Stakeholder & Public Relations : Built relationships with clients, local authorities, and emergency services to ensure all permits and safety protocols were in place.
• Future Planning & Business Growth : Worked with senior management to plan future events and attract new clients to expand the company's offerings.

This role required strong leadership, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks, ensuring event success and long-term business growth.