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- Tasks: Lead the programming and operations of a vibrant live music venue.
- Company: Join the UK's leading live music and entertainment venue operator.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and access to free live events.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of Liverpool's live music scene and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in live events, strong leadership skills, and a passion for music.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Venue: O2 Academy Liverpool
Company: Academy Music Group
Location: Liverpool
Reports to: Operations Director
Working Hours: Full time
Job Type: Permanent
Role
The Head of Live is a key role within the organisation, accountable for the wider team at O2 Academy Liverpool and management of the day-to-day business and operational functions of the venue. A dynamic programmer with general venue management responsibilities who will lead exceptional delivery within this high-volume venue in the heart of Liverpool. Passionate about the live events industry and highly motivated to maximise the events diary, you will generate commercial and creative opportunities for shows and events with established acts, emerging artists and club events.
Our team
The Head of Live is the linchpin for the team at O2 Academy Liverpool, an established and thriving venue where our shows and events are as diverse as the individuals within it. The successful candidate will be drawn to managing, training and supporting an innovative team in a fast-paced live environment, driving our inclusive culture to deliver the best possible programme of live entertainment for everyone, where collaboration is at the heart of everything we do.
About you
- Proven track record in programming / promoting in small to mid-sized venues
- Strong commercial acumen with experience in budgeting, costing and forecasting
- Established relationships with promoters, agents and artists
- Knowledge of health and safety regulations and licensing
- Excellent communication and diplomacy skills
- Experience managing teams in a live events environment
- Proficient in Microsoft Office packages
- Self-motivated and results driven
What we need
- A dynamic, forward-thinking programmer to deliver exceptional service
- Ability to drive the venue business forward
- First-class client and customer service
- Demonstrable leadership and motivation of others
- Passionate and enthusiastic for the live events and club industry
- Flexibility to work irregular hours (weekends/evenings/public holidays)
- Willingness to build positive working relationships
What you'll be doing
- Lead venue programming strategy to deliver a vibrant and commercially viable events diary
- Act as first point of contact for all live enquiries, managing client relationships and evaluating events for commercial viability
- Generate new business opportunities and secure repeat bookings
- Develop and manage event budgets, sales projections and P&L forecasts
- Work closely with Ticketing and Marketing teams on sales performance and promotion
- Line manage the venue team, supporting training and development
- Meet Company business objectives and manage operations
- Implement efficient business strategies as directed by the Company
- Duty manage events and programming to the highest quality
- Meet or exceed annual budgets
- Ensure all paperwork and reporting is completed and professionally retained
- Oversee all licensing administration, risk assessment and due diligence
- Adhere to all existing and new health and safety legislation
- Control all operating costs in line with set targets
- Manage expenditure for all venue departments
- Ensure the venue is maintained to the highest standards
- Lead on compliance for all Company working practices
- Uphold and enforce the relevant terms of the entertainment licence and changes to the law
- Work collaboratively with the venue team, local authority and Company head office
- Support all training requirements and annual appraisals for full-time employees
- To publicly represent the venue and Company in a professional manner
Equal Opportunities
We are passionate and committed to our people and go beyond the rhetoric of diversity and inclusion. You will be working in an inclusive environment and be encouraged to bring your whole self to work. We will do all that we can to help you successfully balance your work and home life. As a growing business we will encourage you to develop your professional and personal aspirations, enjoy new experiences, and learn from the talented people you will be working with. It's talent that matters to us and we encourage applications from people irrespective of their gender identity, race, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability status or caring responsibilities.
The Company
Academy Music Group (AMG) is the UK's leading owner and operator of live music and entertainment venues with award-winning credentials. Several of our historic theatres are unique institutions of British music and culture and our vision is to inspire artists and audiences by hosting unforgettable live performances. AMG is part of Live Nation Entertainment which is the world's leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, LN Media and Artist Nation Management.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 1st April 2026. We reserve the right to close applications at any time.
Live Nation Entertainment will never request payment or equipment purchases as part of the hiring process. Recruiters will only contact candidates from official Live Nation or affiliated brand email domains.
Head of Live, O2 Academy Liverpool employer: Academy Music Group
Contact Detail:
Academy Music Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Live, O2 Academy Liverpool
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, gigs, and meet-ups to connect with people in the live events scene. You never know who might be looking for someone just like you!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for live events shine through. Share your ideas on how to make their venue even better!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to venues or companies you admire and express your interest in working with them. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at O2 Academy Liverpool!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Live, O2 Academy Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your love for live events shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm for the industry and how it drives you to create amazing experiences.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in programming and managing live events. We’re looking for specific examples that showcase your skills and achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us see your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can consider you for this exciting role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Academy Music Group
✨Know Your Venue Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you research O2 Academy Liverpool thoroughly. Understand its history, the types of events it hosts, and its role in the local music scene. This knowledge will show your passion for the venue and help you discuss how you can contribute to its success.
✨Showcase Your Programming Skills
Prepare examples of past programming successes you've had in similar venues. Be ready to discuss how you’ve maximised event diaries and generated commercial opportunities. Highlight your relationships with promoters and artists, as this is crucial for the Head of Live role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since this role involves managing a team, come prepared with specific examples of how you've led and motivated teams in high-pressure environments. Discuss your approach to training and development, and how you foster an inclusive culture within your team.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle unexpected situations during live events. Think of scenarios where you had to manage crises or adapt quickly, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.