Venue Operations Manager (FTC)

ZipRecruiter; Oxford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits as an Operations Manager for a dynamic family-run company specializing in event catering at iconic venues. You will be at the forefront of delivering exceptional hospitality services, ensuring seamless operations from corporate events to large festivals. Your leadership will be key in managing teams, optimizing logistics, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Join a passionate team that thrives in fast-paced environments and values creativity and excellence in service delivery. This role offers a chance to make a significant impact in a vibrant industry while enjoying the thrill of large-scale events.

Qualifications

• 3+ years managing teams in high-volume hospitality.
• Strong operational background with customer-facing experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage event operations including client communication.
• Oversee staffing, training, and performance monitoring.
• Implement operational policies and ensure stock levels.

Skills

Team Management

Customer Service

Operational Planning

Food and Beverage Knowledge

Health and Safety Regulations

Education

Experience in Hospitality Management

Job description

Job Description

A great opportunity to oversee the staffing of an established F&B provision at a key fantastic venue and UNESCO world heritage site on a FTC (6-9 months).

THE COMPANY

Partnering with some of the most iconic large-scale events, festivals, and brands, this family-run company supplies event and stadium public catering and bar services on a large scale. They support over 400 of the UK's best events and reach over 15 million people each year. Centered on the provision of on-the-go F&B, this company offers varied services across their 7 divisions to deliver enhanced customer experiences for their diverse clients.

THE ROLE

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 end-to-end operational delivery, ensuring every element is meticulously planned and brilliantly executed.

You’ll manage on-site bar and catering setups, coordinate staffing logistics, oversee inventory, and act as the point of contact between departments to ensure smooth communication and flawless delivery.

Whether working with the finance team to forecast stock requirements or aligning with marketing on brand activations, you’ll play a pivotal role in maintaining high standards, boosting profitability, and ensuring customer satisfaction. You’ll also lead and support your operational team with a hands-on approach—setting expectations, encouraging performance, and always prioritizing health and safety.

THE CANDIDATE

We’re looking for a confident and capable leader with a strong operational background in high-volume hospitality or events. You thrive under pressure, remain calm in fast-paced environments, and have a track record of turning complex logistics into well-oiled operations.

Requirements include:

• At least three years of hands-on experience managing teams in a customer-facing setting
• A good grasp of food and beverage operations
• A commercially astute mindset
• A full UK driving licence
• Flexibility to work varied hours, as events don’t stick to the 9 to 5

Your people skills are second to none—you can lead, coach, and motivate a diverse workforce while building strong relationships across departments. A sound knowledge of health and safety regulations and the ability to interpret data for post-event analysis are key to your success.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage event operations, including client communication and bar set-ups for festivals, conferences, parties, and ad hoc events
• Implement and develop operational policies
• Oversee front and back-of-house operations
• Manage staffing, rotas, and training
• Ensure proper stock levels and ordering
• Monitor performance, provide direction, coaching, and troubleshooting as needed

If this position isn’t quite what you're looking for, please visit our website to view all available opportunities. We are recruiting across various disciplines and levels in events, experiential, and exhibitions.

Alternatively, if you know someone perfect for this role, take advantage of our £350 referral scheme.

Vacancy Reference MR14415