Operations Manager

The Barbican; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Cash Plan

Life Assurance Scheme

Optional pension scheme

Discounts at local retailers and cafes

Job summary

The Barbican is seeking an experienced Event Operations Manager to own end-to-end delivery of B2B events, conferences and networking experiences. This hands-on role coordinates behind-the-scenes operations to ensure events run smoothly, professionally, and within budget.

You'll work closely with sponsors, speakers, venues and suppliers to oversee on-site set-up, travel, hospitality and logistics, with a hybrid pattern (Victoria office 3 days, 2 days from home).

Qualifications

• Organised and proactive events professional with strong planning and delivery skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Comfortable coordinating with sponsors, speakers, venues and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Manage operational delivery of B2B events from planning to completion.
• Coordinate communications, branding and event requirements for speakers and sponsors.
• Liaise with venues and suppliers for layouts, catering, AV and logistics.

Skills

Organised

Commercial awareness

Stakeholder management

Communication

Attention to detail

Deadline management

Team collaboration

Job description

Are you an organised, proactive events professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment? Looking for an opportunity to take ownership of events from initial planning through to live delivery, with plenty of variety and room to develop your career?

We're looking for an Event Operations Manager to oversee the end-to-end operational delivery of a portfolio of B2B events, conferences and networking experiences. This is a hands-on role where you'll coordinate everything behind the scenes to ensure each event runs smoothly, professionally and within budget.

You'll work closely with internal teams, sponsors, speakers, venues and suppliers, taking responsibility for the operational details that bring each event to life.

The Role

• Manage the operational delivery of events from initial planning through to completion.
• Act as a key point of contact for speakers and sponsors, coordinating communications, presentations, branding and event requirements.
• Liaise with venues and suppliers to organise room layouts, floor plans, catering, AV equipment, signage and event logistics.
• Coordinate drinks receptions, private dinners, networking sessions and other hospitality requirements.
• Oversee on-site event set-up, live delivery and breakdown, ensuring everything runs to plan.
• Manage speaker travel, accommodation and logistical arrangements where required.
• Track event expenditure, review supplier quotations and help ensure events remain within budget.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams to deliver an excellent experience for attendees, sponsors and speakers.
• Troubleshoot issues as they arise and adapt quickly to changing priorities and tight deadlines.

We're interested in candidates who are organised, commercially aware and confident coordinating multiple moving parts.

Experience in B2B events, conference management or corporate event operations.

Experience managing events from planning through to on-site delivery.

Alternatively, a background in venue management, hospitality, event coordination or a highly organised EA/coordinator role with transferable logistical experience.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing deadlines.

A proactive, hands-on approach and the confidence to solve problems independently.

The flexibility to travel to the USA when required.

Previous line-management experience is not required. This is an individual-contributor role with responsibility for coordinating on-site teams and stakeholders rather than managing direct reports.

Salary of approximately £30,000 for a more junior candidate, rising into the mid-to-high £30,000s for someone with stronger relevant experience.

A variable event bonus linked to a percentage of net profit, paid following each event.

Hybrid working, with three days in the Victoria office and two days from home.

Full training and ongoing support from experienced managers.

Opportunities for career progression within a growing events environment.

• 25 days' annual leave, increasing with service up to 30 days.
• Health Cash Plan and Life Assurance Scheme.
• Optional pension scheme and access to local retail and restaurant discounts.

If you're an ambitious events professional who enjoys taking ownership, working with people and delivering successful events, we'd love to hear from you