Holdham Events is seeking an Event Delivery Manager responsible for the planning, coordination and operational delivery of Holdham Group’s portfolio of live events, immersive experiences, rail tours and visitor attractions.
The postholder will take ownership of events from planning through to delivery and post-event review, ensuring they are delivered safely, efficiently, on budget and to the highest possible customer experience standards.
A key aspect of the role will be leading the delivery of internationally recognised experiences, including THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride at Edinburgh Waverley Station, alongside charters, immersive productions and other large-scale public events operated by Holdham Group companies.
The role requires regular travel throughout the United Kingdom and extensive on-site presence during event delivery periods.
Key Responsibilities
Event Planning & Coordination
- Develop and maintain detailed event delivery plans and operational schedules.
- Coordinate internal teams, contractors, suppliers, performers and venue stakeholders.
- Ensure all event requirements are identified, planned and delivered within agreed timescales.
- Monitor project milestones and proactively address risks and issues.
- Support the development of new event concepts and visitor experiences.
Operational Delivery
- Lead event setup, operation and de-rig activities.
- Act as the operational lead during live events.
- Ensure events are delivered in accordance with approved plans and budgets.
- Manage event control functions where required.
- Make operational decisions and resolve issues in real time.
- Ensure staffing levels remain appropriate throughout delivery.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
- Support the preparation of risk assessments, method statements and operational documentation.
- Conduct site inspections and safety audits.
- Ensure all contractors and suppliers comply with health and safety requirements.
- Escalate incidents and operational concerns appropriately.
Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain positive relationships with clients, venues, railway operators, local authorities, emergency services and external partners.
- Represent Holdham Group professionally at all times.
- Attend planning meetings and stakeholder briefings.
- Ensure effective communication between all parties involved in event delivery.
Financial Management
- Monitor event expenditure against approved budgets.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and value for money.
- Support procurement activities and supplier negotiations where required.
Team Leadership
- Lead temporary event staff, volunteers and contractors during event delivery.
- Deliver operational briefings and toolbox talks.
- Promote a positive, professional and customer-focused culture.
- Support training and development activities within the wider operations team.
Post Event Evaluation
- Conduct post-event reviews and lessons learned exercises.
- Produce event reports and recommendations.
- Support continuous improvement across all Holdham Group events.
Person Specification
Essential
- Minimum two years’ experience delivering live events, attractions, visitor experiences or large-scale public events.
- Excellent organisational and project management skills.
- Strong leadership and people management capability.
- Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and event management systems.
- Full Clean UK Driving Licence.
- Willingness to travel extensively and work evenings, weekends and public holidays.
Desirable
- Experience delivering immersive or theatrical experiences.
- Experience within rail, tourism, hospitality or visitor attractions.
- IOSH Managing Safety, NEBOSH or equivalent qualification.
- First Aid at Work qualification.
- Experience managing seasonal events.
- Experience working in regulated operational environments.
Working Conditions
The role involves frequent travel across the United Kingdom and significant periods working on-site during event delivery.
During peak operating periods, including THE POLAR EXPRESSTM Train Ride season, the postholder will be required to work extended hours, weekends, bank holidays and overnight stays away from home.
The role is operational in nature and will involve working outdoors, in railway environments, visitor attractions, event ventures and temporary event infrastructure.
Key Performance Indicators
- Successful delivery of events to agreed operational standards.
- Customer satisfaction scores.
- Budget adherence.
- Health and safety compliance.
- Stakeholder satisfaction.
- Event profitability.
- Staff engagement and performance.
- Completion of post-event reviews and lessons learned actions.
About Holdham
Holdham is a rapidly growing transport, tourism and live events business operating across the United Kingdom. The Group delivers immersive experiences, luxury rail tours, heritage railway events, visitor attractions and internationally recognised brands. Through innovation, operational excellence and a commitment to customer experience, Holdham is building one of the most exciting event and experiential businesses in the UK.
Pay: £25,000.00-£30,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
