Head of Venue Operations

Role: Head of Venue Operations
Reports into: Head of Space
Location: Manchester
Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent (42.5 hours per week) 

Who we are:

Broadwick is a multifaceted international company with headquarters in London who create, develop, own and operate a diverse portfolio of venues, spaces, events and experiences.

We believe in redefining spaces and how people experience music, art, culture and recreation by breaking down the traditional barriers. Our history and heritage is deeply rooted in music, building a portfolio of 20 global festivals before selling the portfolio in 2019 to focus on our growing portfolio of venues that includes Printworks London, Depot Mayfield Manchester, Drumsheds, Exhibition White City and Magazine London.

Collectively we strive to push boundaries and disrupt the cultural landscape by combining big thinking, bold ideas and commercial intelligence to produce spaces and experiences for discerning audiences in inspiring locations.

What we’re looking for:

We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded operations leader to work alongside the Head of Space, with a core focus on estate management, maintenance, facilities and project delivery, alongside leading event operations.

This role is responsible for the day-to-day running of the estate, ensuring all spaces are safe, compliant, well-maintained and operationally efficient, while also overseeing the successful planning and delivery of events. 

Direct reports:

• Space Operations Manager x2

What you’ll be accountable and responsible for:

Operations & Event Delivery

• Lead the overall operational running of all sites.
• Oversee planning and delivery of events.
• Ensure effective handover from sales to operations.
• Approve event documentation and licences.
• Oversee staffing models across security, cleaning and crew.
• Support high-value or complex events.
• Develop operational processes and procedures.
• Act as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, maintaining strong relationships with clients, suppliers’ senior business leadershi, site landlords, local authorities, emergency services and regulatory bodies.

Property & Estate Management

• Lead day-to-day estate management.
• Oversee planned and reactive maintenance.
• Manage maintenance schedules and works programmes.
• Ensure all facilities are safe and compliant.
• Manage contractors and suppliers.
• Maintain compliance records and documentation.
• Identify and deliver site improvements.
• Lead small to medium capital projects.

Projects and Commercial Oversight:

• Deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Manage operational budgets and P&L.
• Drive cost efficiency and supplier value.
• Identify operational improvements.

Sales & Growth Support:

• Working with the Head of Sales and Events to ensure operational compliance and championing and enabling growth across Broadwick Spaces.
• Attending site visits pre-contract where necessary to lend support to the sales team.
• Maximising sales and upselling at all opportunities.

New Spaces

• Consulting and advising on operations for new space acquisitions as and when required.
• Assisting leadership in the delivery of new space activations as and when required.

Team Leadership:

• Liaising with the People team and company payroll across salaries, overtime, new starters/leavers and management of the bonus in partnership with the line manager.
• Supporting the line manager with resource planning and leading on operations and property management recruitment for your team.
• Leading on the performance management and development of direct line reports.
• Managing People/HR proceedings as required.
• Working with the line manager to identify training needs and guiding team development.
• Creating a work environment that aligns with Broadwick values and principles.

Other

• Carrying out ad hoc duties when required to.

Working Hours:

This role requires flexibility to support estate operations and event delivery, including evening and weekend work where required.

You’ll need to have:

• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in a senior operations role within venues, estates or high-volume event environments.
• Proven experience managing, leading and developing operational teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong experience in facilities, maintenance and estate management, alongside live event operations.
• Demonstrable experience managing operational budgets, P&Ls and working closely with finance teams.
• Excellent knowledge of H&S, compliance, licensing and relevant industry legislation.
• Confidence in managing contractors, suppliers and service partners, with the ability to set and maintain high standards.
• Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, problem solve effectively and make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging senior leadership, landlords and external authorities.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Good understanding of the local event and venue landscape.

Nice to haves:

• Relevant H&S Qualification (IOSH / NEBOSH).
• Proficient use of CAD.
• Level 4 Crowd and Spectator Safety Management.
• Personal Licence Holder.
• First aid qualification.
• SIA qualification.
• IPAF license.

 What we offer:

• Discretionary bonus scheme of base salary.
• Paid overtime.
• 27 days paid holiday (plus bank holidays).
• Social events and free tickets to our live events.
• Other discounts including 50% off drinks and 20% off food at Corner Corner.
• Competitive pension plan.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Other schemes including Season Ticket Loan, Cycle to Work, Optical Care and Referral Scheme.
• Training and professional development opportunities.
• An inclusive, collaborative and creative working environment.

At Broadwick, we are dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment that empowers all individuals to reach their full potential. We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures and backgrounds to apply, as we believe in the strength of a diverse and vibrant team.