Location
Office, Warehouse and Client/Event Sites (UK-wide travel required)
Role Purpose
The Operations Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, resourcing and successful delivery of corporate events across the business. The role oversees all operational aspects including staffing, vehicle deployment, logistics, health & safety compliance, warehouse operations and event content solutions.
Working closely with the Sales Team, the Operations Manager will attend client meetings, site visits and venue inspections to understand client objectives, develop operational solutions and identify opportunities to upsell additional company products and services.
The Operations Manager will lead and develop a team of full-time and freelance Event Managers, ensuring events are delivered safely, efficiently, profitably and in line with company standards while maintaining exceptional levels of customer service.
Key Responsibilities
Event Operations & Delivery
- Oversee the operational planning and delivery of corporate events from confirmation through to completion.
- Ensure all events are appropriately resourced with staff, vehicles, equipment and materials.
- Develop detailed operational plans and event logistics schedules.
- Manage event set-up, delivery and breakdown processes.
- Support event teams in resolving operational challenges before, during and after events.
- Conduct event debriefs and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Ensure all events are delivered safely, on time and within budget.
Staff Scheduling & Resource Management
- Create and manage staff rotas across all events and business activities.
- Schedule and allocate full-time and freelance Event Managers to projects based on skills, availability and client requirements.
- Monitor staffing levels and forecast future resource requirements.
- Manage annual leave, availability and working time compliance.
- Coordinate the recruitment, onboarding and deployment of freelance event staff.
- Maintain a skills matrix to ensure the most suitable personnel are allocated to projects.
Team Leadership & Management
- Lead, mentor and manage a team of full-time and freelance Event Managers.
- Conduct regular one-to-one meetings, performance reviews and development planning.
- Support staff training and professional development.
- Foster a positive, collaborative and high-performing team culture.
- Ensure clear communication of company objectives, standards and operational procedures.
- Support recruitment and succession planning within the operations team.
Client Liaison & Sales Support
- Work closely with the Sales and Business Development teams to support business growth.
- Attend client meetings to understand project objectives, event requirements and operational needs.
- Undertake site visits and venue inspections to assess logistics and delivery requirements.
- Provide operational expertise during the proposal and planning stages.
- Develop practical and innovative event solutions that meet clients' objectives.
- Identify opportunities to upsell additional company services, products and event solutions.
- Build strong relationships with clients, venues and suppliers to encourage repeat business.
- Act as a key operational contact throughout the planning and delivery process.
Health & Safety Management
- Lead the company's health and safety compliance activities.
- Ensure risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) are completed, reviewed and implemented.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant UK health and safety legislation.
- Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses and implement corrective actions.
- Deliver health and safety briefings when required.
- Maintain company health and safety documentation, policies and procedures.
- Promote a strong culture of safety across all operational activities.
Vehicle & Fleet Management
- Manage the allocation and scheduling of company vehicles.
- Ensure all vehicles remain roadworthy, compliant and available for operational use.
- Oversee vehicle servicing, inspections, MOTs, insurance and maintenance schedules.
- Coordinate transport logistics for staff, equipment and event materials.
- Monitor vehicle utilisation and identify efficiency improvements.
- Manage vehicle compliance records and reporting.
Event Content Solutions
- Support the development and implementation of innovative event content and engagement solutions.
- Work with clients and internal teams to create bespoke event experiences.
- Ensure activities, formats and event content align with client objectives.
- Assist in the development of new products, activities and delivery solutions.
- Contribute ideas that enhance the company's event offering and competitive position.
Warehouse & Asset Management
- Work closely with warehouse teams to ensure equipment is prepared and maintained.
- Monitor equipment availability and asset utilisation.
- Ensure inventory systems are maintained and accurate.
- Support the implementation of effective equipment tracking processes.
- Ensure all operational equipment is safe, compliant and fit for purpose.
Financial & Operational Performance
- Monitor labour costs and operational expenditure.
- Ensure resources are utilised efficiently to maximise profitability.
- Support budgeting and forecasting activities.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.
- Contribute to the achievement of company revenue and profit targets through effective resource planning and service delivery.
Person Specification
Essential Experience
- Minimum 3 years' experience in an operations management role within events, hospitality, logistics or a related industry.
- Proven experience managing corporate events and operational delivery.
- Experience leading and developing teams.
- Experience scheduling staff, vehicles and operational resources.
- Experience managing freelance or temporary workforces.
- Strong understanding of health and safety requirements within event environments.
- Experience working directly with clients and stakeholders.
Essential Skills & Competencies
- Excellent organisational and planning skills.
- Strong leadership and people management abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability.
- Commercial awareness and ability to identify sales opportunities.
- Attention to detail and commitment to high standards.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
- Strong customer service focus.
Essential Requirements
- Full UK Driving Licence.
- Willingness to travel throughout the UK and attend events, client meetings and site visits.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and occasional overnight stays when required.
Desirable Qualifications
- IOSH Managing Safely, NEBOSH or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.
- Project Management qualification.
- First Aid at Work qualification.
Desirable Experience & Knowledge
- Experience within the corporate events, team building, conference or experiential events sector.
- Knowledge of fleet management and logistics planning.
- Experience using event management and operational planning software.
- Working knowledge of logistics and resource scheduling systems such as TeamTrack, Current RMS or similar platforms.
- Understanding of warehouse operations and inventory management.
- Experience developing new event products and service offerings.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Successful delivery of corporate events.
- Staff utilisation and scheduling efficiency.
- Client satisfaction and retention.
- Health & Safety compliance performance.
- Operational profitability.
- Vehicle utilisation and compliance.
- Team engagement and retention.
- Growth in revenue generated through upselling and cross-selling activities.
- Effective deployment of resources and operational cost control.
Working Hours
This role requires flexibility to support event delivery and may include evening, weekend and overnight work, together with regular travel throughout the UK.
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Benefits: Company pension, professional development, company events, mileage expenses, mobile phone/laptop and performance-related bonus scheme (where applicable)
Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
