Operations Manager

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to take the lead in shaping the day-to-day delivery of a brand-new temporary entertainment exhibition like no other, ensuring that all aspects of operations, staffing, and visitor experience are prepared to the highest standard ahead of opening—and maintained thereafter with consistency and care.

This is a rare opportunity to be part of a pre-opening team and operations where your skills in recruitment, process development, team building, and operational leadership will directly influence the guest experience. You will be part of an exhibition like no other by a deeply cool and cutting-edge entertainment and arts brand.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Opening Phase: 2.5 days per week. Hybrid working.

• Manage the recruitment of Supervisors, Stewards and Actors, from the early stages of shortlisting for interviews to the issue of the contracts.
• With Management, develop and implement a comprehensive training programme for new staff, covering customer service, health & safety, emergency procedures, and in venue-specific operations.
• Lead with set up and oversee administrative systems such as rota management, payroll processes and incident reporting.
• Work with the Arches Management team to ensure cross-functional alignment in readiness for launch.
• Oversee health & safety compliance and statutory obligations.
• Contribute to policy development, team culture, and launch timelines.
• Assist with all the operational planning for the venue, including creating procedures, schedules, and establishing systems and standards.

Operating Responsibilities: 5 days per week, Location Copper Box Arena

• Act as the senior on-site manager, making decisions, resolving issues, and escalating as necessary.
• Provide visible leadership and support to the Duty Managers, Supervisors, stewards and actors.
• Oversee daily checks, opening/closing procedures, and compliance with health & safety, fire safety, and licensing requirements.
• Oversee the smooth daily running of the venue as a Duty Manager, ensuring a consistently high standard of service, safety, and team performance.
• Lead and support the Duty Managers and front-of-house teams, with a strong presence on the floor and in planning.
• Maintain responsibility for staffing rotas and training.
• Monitor and improve operational workflows, respond to and resolve escalated incidents, health & safety concerns, and service issues.
• Analyse visitor feedback and staffing needs to deliver improvements.
• Liaise with the venue suppliers, contractors, and service providers to ensure smooth operations.
• Complete shift reports and handovers to ensure smooth communication between management and all the other departments.
• Maintain a calm and authoritative presence during emergencies and act as the lead fire or first aid warden when required (training provided).
• Process and verify payroll data, including timesheet checks, to ensure regular weekly submission.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Demonstrable experience in a managerial operations or visitor experience role, ideally within a cultural, entertainment, heritage or events setting.
• Strong experience in recruiting, training, and managing large and diverse teams.
• Confident in setting up and managing payroll processes, staff scheduling, and basic HR administration.
• Excellent knowledge of operational best practice, health & safety, and legal compliance in a public-facing venue.
• Outstanding communication, leadership, and organisational skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments while leading autonomously.
• Comfortable working flexibly, including long hours, weekends and evenings, as needed.
• Must be available 100% with no leave, across the fixed term period.

Desirable:

• Experience in launching or pre-opening a venue, exhibition space, or public building.
• Familiarity with systems such as Find My Shift or equivalent for rota and payroll.
• First Aid at Work, Fire Warden, or other operational qualifications.

Salary: £20-£22 Per Hour

Reports to: Arches London Bridge Managing Director

Contract Type: Fixed-Term (June to September)

Hours: part-time 2.5 days a week from June, full time from August until September

Start Date: 2^nd June

How to Apply:

Please send your CV and a covering statement explaining your interest and relevant experience based on the job description to giovanna@archeslondonbridge.co.uk before 18^th May at midnight.

Applications will be reviewed the following week, with interviews commencing 26^th May.

Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we may receive, we are only able to respond to shortlisted candidates. If you have not heard from us before the 26^th May, please consider your application unsuccessful on this occasion.