Venue Operations Manager (FTC)

ZipRecruiter; Oxford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company seeking an Operations Manager to oversee staffing and logistics at high-profile events. This position requires strong leadership skills and operational expertise in hospitality, with a focus on efficiency and customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate will have a background in event management, able to thrive under pressure while ensuring successful operational delivery.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in high-volume hospitality or events management.
• Strong background in customer-facing roles.
• Proven ability to manage teams under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Oversee hospitality services from planning to execution.
• Manage staffing logistics and coordinate bar set-ups.
• Implement operational policies and monitor performance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Logistical Coordination

Health and Safety Knowledge

Budget 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. Centred on the provision of on-the-go F&B, this company offers varied services across their 7 divisions to deliver enhanced customer experiences for each of 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 the 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 it’s 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 keeping health and safety at the forefront.

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, keep calm in fast-paced environments, and have a track record of turning complex logistics into well-oiled operations.

If you have at least three years of hands-on experience managing teams in a customer-facing setting, a good grasp of food and beverage operations, and a commercially astute mindset, this could be the ideal role for you.

You're just as comfortable in the back office working on schedules and budgets as you are on the ground with your team. 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 will be key to your success.

A full UK driving licence is essential, as is a flexible approach to working hours – events don’t stick to the 9 to 5!

Key Responsibilities

• Event operations
• Communicate with clients ahead of the events
• Manage bar set-ups for festivals, conferences, parties, and ad hoc events
• Implement and develop operational policies
• Oversee front and back-of-house operations
• Staffing, rotas, and training
• Responsible for stock levels and ordering
• Monitor performance, provide direction, coaching, and troubleshooting as needed

Live specialises in all disciplines (and at all levels) across events, experiential, and exhibitions. If this position isn't quite what you're looking for, please visit (url removed) to view all of the opportunities we are recruiting for.

Alternatively, if you know someone who would be perfect for this position, why not take advantage of our £350 referral scheme.

Vacancy Reference MR14415