Venue Operations Manager (FTC)

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Operations Manager to lead hospitality services at a UNESCO world heritage site. This role involves overseeing event operations, managing staffing logistics, and ensuring high standards in service delivery. The ideal candidate will have a strong operational background in high-volume environments, excellent people skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. With a focus on customer satisfaction and profitability, this position offers a unique opportunity to work at exciting events while maintaining a hands-on leadership style. If you thrive in fast-paced settings and enjoy turning complex logistics into seamless operations, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in managing teams in hospitality or events.
• Strong operational background with a focus on customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Oversee event operations and manage bar setups for various events.
• Coordinate staffing logistics and ensure effective communication between departments.

Skills

Event Operations Management

Team Leadership

Customer Service

Health and Safety Regulations

Logistics Coordination

Education

Experience in High-Volume Hospitality

Commercial Acumen

Tools

Scheduling Software

Inventory Management Systems

Job description

A great opportunity to oversee the staffing of an established F&B provision at 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 supply event and stadium public catering and bar services on a large scale.

They support over 400 of the UKs best events and reach over 15 million people each year. Centred on the provision of on-the-go F&B this company offer 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 to staff
• 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 www.live-recruitment.co.uk to view all of the opportunities, we are recruiting. Alternatively, if you know someone who would be perfect for this position why not take advantage of our £350 referral scheme.

Vacancy Reference MR14415