Operations Lead

We Are 54; Wimbledon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading event technology company is searching for an Operations Lead to manage technical deliveries for global live projects. Your role will bridge technology, content, and operations, ensuring smooth execution of complex solutions. Ideal candidates will have over 7 years of experience in live events and strong project management skills. This position offers competitive pay, a discretionary annual bonus, robust benefits, and opportunities to innovate in high-pressure environments.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual discretionary bonus

Private healthcare

25 days annual leave

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of event technologies, including networking and AV infrastructure.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large, complex technical projects.
• Experience working in high-pressure live event settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery across live projects.
• Manage on-site delivery, timelines, and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with commercial and creative teams.

Skills

Technical production

Project management

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

7+ years of experience in live events

Tools

Broadcast systems

Digital display systems

Job description

Description

ABOUT BEHIND THE VOLT :

Behind the Volt is a specialist business within the 54Group, focused on redefining sports and entertainment events through the fusion of technology, creativity, and live production excellence. Operating globally across 20+ countries, we deliver cutting-edge special effects, lighting, digital surface integration, broadcast scenography, network creation and immersive event experiences for leading rights holders, federations, and brands. With an experienced team of technical innovators and event designers, we create unforgettable environments that elevate both fan engagement and broadcast quality.

BTV operates within the 54Group, an international sports and entertainment agency working across five regions and eight offices. 54 is built on three service areas – Strategic Advisory, Asset Optimisation, and Activation & Engagement – and collaborates with leading rights holders, brands, and investors to realise the power of sport.

Role overview

ROLE OVERVIEW :

We are looking for an experienced and solutions-focused Operations Lead to take ownership of the planning, management, and execution of BTV’s technical delivery across global live projects. Reporting to the General Manager, this is a pivotal role at the intersection of technology, production, content, and operations, ensuring the seamless implementation of complex technical solutions for a range of clients and event formats.

The successful candidate will work closely with commercial and creative teams in the planning stages, provide technical leadership during development, and oversee execution - whether personally, with internal teams, or via trusted third-party partners.

This role demands deep expertise across networks, infrastructure, production, digital content, and broadcast systems, alongside strong project management skills and a calm, solutions-driven mindset in high-pressure live environments.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Planning & Technical Leadership :

• Lead the technical scoping, planning, and delivery of projects across BTV’s core services, including :
• Networks & Infrastructure (Information, E-Sports, Converged Systems)
• Digital & Broadcast (Displays, Content Systems, Interactive Screens)
• Lighting, Mapping, Lasers & SFX
• Production, Sports Presentation & Show Control
• Translate creative and commercial briefs into practical, scalable technical solutions
• Contribute to project planning documentation, budgets, technical specifications, and risk assessments
• Provide technical leadership and decision-making throughout all project phases

Cross-Functional Collaboration :

• Work closely with the Commercial Team to assess feasibility, estimate costs, and support bids / pitches
• Represent BTV in client-facing situations to build relationships, share technical insight, and help convert conversations into commercial leads
• Use existing network to develop leads for potential new business for BTV
• Collaborate with the Creative Team to ensure ideas are executable, technically sound, and compliant with venue or broadcast requirements
• Act as a bridge between concept and reality, ensuring technical plans align with creative intent and client expectations
• Prepare and deliver technical input during client meetings and reviews
• Leverage existing industry contacts and presence at events to identify new opportunities for the Commercial team and support business development

On-the-Ground Execution :

• Oversee or directly manage on-site delivery, including equipment, crew, timelines, and contingency plans
• Lead internal tech teams or manage third-party technical partners and suppliers
• Troubleshoot live delivery challenges and ensure continuity of service during events
• Maintain oversight on quality control, safety, and post-event debriefs

Supplier & Technology Management :

• Maintain a network of vetted suppliers and freelancers across all key service areas
• Stay up-to-date with new technologies, platforms, and techniques relevant to live production, digital displays, broadcast systems, and event infrastructure
• Support innovation by integrating new tools, workflows, or platforms into BTV’s delivery model

SPECIAL SKILLS / EXPERIENCE / APTITUDES NEEDED :

• 7+ years’ experience in technical production or operations within live events, broadcast, or entertainment
• In-depth knowledge of event technologies : networking, AV infrastructure, digital display systems, lighting, content playback, and control systems
• Demonstrated ability to manage large, complex technical projects across multiple disciplines
• Experience working with both in-house teams and third-party technical suppliers
• Strong understanding of broadcast environments, screen content workflows, and interactive installations
• Proven track record in delivering technically ambitious projects on time and on budget
• Excellent problem-solving, time management, and communication skills
• Ability to work calmly and confidently under pressure in live event settings
• Driving license and Plant machinery driving license preferred

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES :

• Strategic thinker with hands-on capability
• Detail-oriented and highly organised
• Collaborative mindset with strong leadership instincts
• Naturally inquisitive and always looking to innovate
• Confident representing technical solutions to clients and internal stakeholders
• Passion for live events, technology, and operational excellence

WHY YOU?

• You combine deep technical knowledge with hands-on experience delivering complex live events.
• You’re a proactive problem-solver who thrives under pressure and leads with confidence on-site.
• You speak both “tech” and “creative,” translating ambitious ideas into executable solutions.
• You’re passionate about innovation and always looking for smarter, more efficient ways to deliver world-class experiences.
• You have an existing network of contacts within the events industry to support the growth of BTV.

SALARY AND BENEFITS :

• Competitive Salary
• Annual Discretionary Company Bonus – up to 8% - 3% Company & 5% Individual
• 25 days annual leave (+ public holidays), pro-rated
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Private Healthcare
• Staff clothing
• Working hours will be from 09.00 to 17.30 with an hour taken for lunch between 12.00 and 14.00

54 is a sports and entertainment agency operating across five regions and eight offices : United Kingdom (London), Europe (Sotogrante, Spain), MENA (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia & Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates), APAC (Singapore & Adelaide, Australia) and USA (West Palm Beach, Florida). It works with rights holders, governing bodies, household brands and major investors who share its belief in the power of sport. 54 comprises three service areas each consisting of two divisions : 1. Strategic Advisory (Consultancy and Data & Insights), 2. Asset Optimisation (Operations and Commercial), 3. Activation & Engagement (Events and Marketing). At its core, the company has an unwavering belief in embracing the opportunities offered by pushing at the edges of conventional wisdom to turn the improbable into the unignorable.