General Manager

STEELDECK RENTALS; London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Steeldeck Rentals, a leading UK event structures company, is seeking a General Manager for its London operations. This pivotal role demands strong leadership and logistics management to ensure operational excellence and team performance across various events. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in operations and logistics, demonstrating a hands-on leadership style and a commitment to safety and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Experience in logistics or technical production environments.
• Proven leadership capabilities and high-performance culture enforcement.
• Strong problem-solving skills and calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead logistics, staffing, and operational planning.
• Directly manage teams and ensure performance standards.
• Oversee financial processes including payroll and budget management.

Skills

Logistics

Operations Management

Problem Solving

Team Leadership

Education

IOSH trained

Tools

Breathe HR

Current RMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

About Steeldeck Rentals

Steeldeck Rentals is one of the UK’s leading event structures companies, which has been deliveringbespoke, temporary staging and seatingacross the UK and Europe since 1996.

Fromfilm sets to festivals, we specialise insafe, creative, and rock-solid solutionsthat stand out for their versatility and strength.

With depots inLondon and Manchester, we offer a nationwide service to clients including theBBC, National Theatre, Pinewood, Royal Albert Hall, ITV, and venues likeExCel— as well as major festivals likeGlastonburyandBoomtown. Whether it is forTV, live events, cultural celebrations or sports, Steeldeck is trusted to deliver on time, every time. www.steeldeck.co.uk

Job Summary

Steeldeck Rentals is seeking adisciplined, decisive, and highly organised General Managerto lead our London operations. This role demands a commanding presence, a solution-driven mindset, and a hands-on leader who thrives on creating structure, taking accountability, and driving team performance. You will take ownership of all logistics, staff, and operational planning with an uncompromising focus on efficiency, safety, and service excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership:

• Command and coordinate day-to-day operations across warehouse, build crew, transport, and logistics.
• Hold full accountability for delivery accuracy, safety compliance, and job readiness.
• Ensure all staff and freelancers are briefed, equipped, and performing to defined standards.

Team Management:

• Directly manage Build Crew, HGV Drivers, Warehouse Crew, and the Transport Manager.
• Enforce punctuality, professionalism, and productivity across all roles.
• Actively monitor and address underperformance or disciplinary matters with clarity and fairness.

HR & Staff Development:

• Lead HR functions using Breathe HR, including welfare, training, appraisals, holidays, and sickness.
• Recruit and onboard new team members and freelance workforce to meet project demands.
• Schedule and manage all staff training certifications to cover health and safety, plant operation and specialist industry training.

Logistics & Stock Oversight:

• Inspect and approve all outgoing jobs for completeness, load safety, and accurate billing.
• Work alongside the Operations Manager in Manchester to oversee company stock via Current RMS CRM; manage equipment shortages, substitutions, and purchasing of consumables and materials.
• Book in stock transfers between depots in a cost-effective way.

Transport & Scheduling:

• Oversee shift assignments, vehicle allocation, and optimal route planning alongside the Transport Manager.
• Coordinate crew bookings, travel, and hotel arrangements.
• Cover Transport Manager duties during leave and support all Crew scheduling.

Finance & Budget Oversight:

• Process staff payroll, overtime, expenses, freelancer invoices.
• Support the Finance Manager with receipt management, credit card use, and monthly budget discipline.
• Lead monthly spend reviews with department heads to drive cost control.

IT, Premises & H&S Enforcement:

• Oversee IT systems and software coordination in line with GDPR and cybersecurity best practices.
• Enforce Health & Safety policies across all operations with authority and consistency and keep accurate records where appropriate.
• Manage site supplies, uniforms, tools, merchandise, and general premises upkeep.

Strategic & Client Support:

• Work closely with the Managing Director on strategic objectives.
• Contribute to client satisfaction reviews and new business discussions in coordination with Marketing and Business Development teams.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Background in logistics, operations, or technical production environments.
• Track record of enforcing standards, leading crews, and driving high-performance culture.
• Strong organisational skills and team leader: respected by peers and subordinates alike.
• Exceptional at problem-solving and calm under pressure, hands-on, proactive decision-making.
• IOSH trained and confident overseeing H&S implementation.
• Confident user of systems like Breathe HR, Current RMS, and Microsoft Office.

Desirable Experience:

• Knowledge of Steeldeck staging, temporary demountable structures, and the events industry.
• Experience working in a busy office with the ability to handle multiple enquiries at one time.
• Use of Asset Management or CRM software.
• Experience in building, designing or realising basic scenic elements and carpentry.
• Full UK Driving licence.

Application and Deadline

Please send a CV and introduction covering letter, detailing your experience and interest in the role to Tariq Rifaat, Managing Director at [e-mail].

Please use the Subject Title – “General Manager Application”.

The deadline for applications is Thursday 19 June 2025.

First round interviews will take place week commencing 23 June.

Steeldeck Rentals Ltd is an equal opportunity employer. We positively encourage applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, sex, religion, nationality, gender identity, or disability. Please let us know in your application if you require any additional support for accessibility accommodation.Steeldeck Rentals is a Living Wage Foundation accredited employer.