Event Operations Manager - Live Events (Freelance - October start)

Live Recruitment; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A festive event company in Cambridge seeks a Food Operations Manager to oversee food offerings at a Christmas event. This role involves managing food concessions, coordinating staff, and ensuring operational excellence in a dynamic environment. Candidates should have prior management experience in high-volume hospitality and strong logistical skills. Join us to deliver exceptional experiences this festive season!

Qualifications

• At least 3 years' experience managing food & beverage operations or live event catering.
• Proven track record of leading operational teams in fast-paced, customer-facing environments.
• Excellent communication and people skills to build trust and motivate staff.
• Strong logistical instincts and ability to troubleshoot issues.
• Clear understanding of food hygiene, licensing, health and safety.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the operational delivery of food concessions from build to service.
• Coordinate casual staff rotas and manage inventory and stock levels.
• Act as the point of contact across departments for seamless communication.
• Ensure high standards of food hygiene and operational safety.
• Jump in during peak periods to maintain service quality.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Logistical skills

Problem-solving

Food hygiene knowledge

Tools

Scheduling tools

Stock systems

Job description

A great opportunity to oversee the full operations of food offerings at a busy Christmas event in the heart of Cambridge, on a 4-month FTC or freelance basis.

THE COMPANY

We're delighted to be working with the event organisers behind the huge festive experience taking place this winter From November through to 5th January, the area will be transformed into a magical Festive Village, offering a host of seasonal attractions and entertainment for all ages. Visitors can explore a traditional Christmas Market filled with artisan gifts, festive food, and warming drinks; glide across a beautifully designed ice rink; or get lost in a twinkling Christmas Tree Maze. There will also be a Big Wheel, cosy Alpine Lodge, and cocktail bars,

Guests can also enjoy a unique dining experience in the heated domes or soak up the après-ski atmosphere on the outdoor terrace, complete with curling lanes and vintage ski gondolas. This captivating festive event promises to deliver a truly unforgettable festive experience.

THE ROLE

As Food Operations Manager, you will be the driving force behind the successful execution of five individual food offerings across our bustling Christmas Market. This is a fast-paced, hands-on operational role, ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic seasonal environment.

Working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams, you'll oversee the end-to-end operational delivery of all food concessions, from build and de-rig, to service, staffing, logistics, and compliance. You'll manage bar and catering setups, coordinate casual staff rotas, oversee inventory and stock levels, and act as the central point of contact across departments to ensure seamless communication and exceptional visitor experience.

Whether it's working with suppliers to ensure timely deliveries or jumping on the tools to help during peak periods, you'll play a pivotal role in maintaining high standards, driving profitability, and ensuring everything runs like clockwork. With a focus on food hygiene, licensing, health & safety, and commercial efficiency, your leadership will ensure a smooth and memorable festive season.

THE CANDIDATE

We're looking for a confident and capable leader with a solid background in high-volume hospitality or event operations. You'll be cool under pressure, solutions-focused, and highly organised - able to spin multiple plates without missing a beat.

You should have:

• At least 3 years' experience managing food & beverage operations or live event catering
• A proven track record of leading operational teams in fast-paced, customer-facing environments
• Excellent communication and people skills - you're great at building trust and motivating staff
• Strong logistical instincts and the ability to anticipate and troubleshoot issues before they arise
• A clear understanding of food hygiene, licensing, health and safety, and compliance
• A proactive, positive mindset with a hands-on approach to leadership
• Comfort using scheduling tools, stock systems, and interpreting post-event data for insights

JOIN US

If you're ready to bring festive cheer to thousands of visitors while keeping operations slick, safe, and on-point behind the scenes, we want to hear from you.

As Operations Manager, you will be the driving force behind the successful execution of a variety of hospitality services, from corporate events to large-scale festivals and private parties. Working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams, you'll oversee the end-to-end operational delivery, ensuring every element is meticulously planned and brilliantly executed.

Live specialises in all disciplines (and at all levels) across events, experiential, and exhibitions. If this position isn't quite what you're looking for please visit www.live-recruitment.co.uk to view all of the opportunities, we are recruiting. Alternatively, if you know someone who would be perfect for this position why not take advantage of our £350 referral scheme.

Vacancy Reference MR14780