Program Manager - Operations

The Program Manager - Operations is the backbone of Inc42’s event delivery. You will oversee the end-to-end execution and on-ground operations of all Inc42 Events & IPs from a more strategic lens — from flagship summits and retreats to partner-led BrandLabs.

This role goes beyond on-ground delivery. You will own the operating model of Inc42 Events & IPs, from planning frameworks, budgeting logic, vendor strategy, and post-event intelligence, to building repeatable systems that improve outcomes with every event.

This role demands a hands-on executor and a people leader who can manage multiple moving parts simultaneously while upholding Inc42’s gold standard for experience and efficiency.

Your Impact in This Role:

• Lead Operations End-to-End: Oversee the planning, budgeting, and execution of all Inc42 events and experiences.
• Own the Operating System: Design and evolve the end-to-end operating framework for all Inc42 Events & IPs.
• Set the Standard: Build and enforce operational systems and SOPs that become the benchmark for event execution.
• Own the Outcome: Supervise internal teams and external vendors to deliver every event on time, on budget, and on brand.

About Inc42 Media

Inc42 is India’s #1 startup media & intelligence platform that informs, educates and empowers startup & business leaders through its incisive reporting, insightful reports, curated Events, Conferences & communities, and industry-leading executive courses & programs.

Since launching in January 2015 and having risen to become the authoritative voice on India’s startup economy, weve moved markets, gotten the early scoop on billions of dollars of transactions, and told you whats happening deep inside some of the fastest-growing startups & industries alike.

Our stories have been followed by the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Reuters, TechCrunch, and other major outlets hundreds of times. We also track over 10,000+ startups and provide market research and intelligence through our in-depth research reports, and we organise some of the most sought-after conferences and Events for startup & business leaders across India.

The Inc42 Impact

• Inc42 stories reach over 50 Mn+ people monthly
• Published more than 55,000 stories
• Successfully conducted 150+ events
• Launched 100+ research reports
• Receives 500+ startup applications monthly
• Worked with 350+ brands

Primary Responsibilities

1. Strategic Event Operations & Program Management

• Own the end-to-end event lifecycle from a strategic lens, planning, execution, review, and optimisation.
• Translate event objectives into clear operating plans, timelines, dependencies, and success metrics.
• Act as the single-point owner for operational alignment across teams, vendors, and leadership.
• Ensure every event follows a structured PM-style workflow, with defined milestones, owners, and outputs.

2. On-Ground Operations & Execution

• Lead on-ground event operations, including venue management, logistics, production, AV, F&B, and hospitality.
• Oversee event timelines, run-throughs, and live event flow to ensure flawless execution.
• Troubleshoot real-time challenges, making quick decisions to maintain quality and timeline integrity.

3. Budgeting & PnL Management

• Prepare, manage, and track annual events budget; ensure cost optimization and profitability throughout the year.
• Conduct comparative analysis and negotiate with vendors to achieve at least 10% savings on projected costs.
• Ensure timely payments, reconciliations, and financial documentation post-event.

4. Vendor & Venue Management

• Create and maintain a robust database of venues, hospitality, and production partners.
• Conduct detailed inspections of potential venues and maintain quality benchmarks.
• Onboard, evaluate, and sustain vendor partnerships critical to successful event delivery.

5. Team Leadership & Coordination

• Supervise and guide the event operations team, ensuring accountability and preparedness.
• Coordinate across departments to align operational plans with marketing and content goals. Partner with Editorial, Marketing, and Brand Solutions teams to ensure end-to-end alignment in programming and execution.
• Lead debriefs and implement learnings post each event to continuously improve operational performance.

6. Quality Control & Process Excellence

• Maintain Inc42’s standards for design, experience, and delivery across all event formats.
• Conduct detailed post-event operational reviews — capturing key learnings, operational insights, and scope of improvement.
• Document best practices and SOPs to streamline future event execution.
• Build systems for monitoring efficiency, turnaround times, and execution quality.

Professional Traits

• 3–5 years of experience in large-scale event operations, hospitality, or program management.
• Strong negotiation, vendor management, and budgeting skills.
• Proven track record of managing complex, high-stakes projects under tight timelines.
• Excellent communicator and team leader with a bias for action and structure.
• Deep respect for process, quality, and brand experience.
• Work experience with private members’ clubs and concierge service is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to operate in fast-paced environments with evolving priorities.
• Proficiency in budgeting, program planning, and cross-functional coordination.