Operations Manager - Arts + Events

Department: Arts & Events

Company: Canary Wharf Management Limited

Reporting to: Associate Director - Arts + Events

Job Summary

The Operations Manager – Arts + Events will be responsible for the overall creation, logistics, co‑ordination and management of departmental, office and event operations inclusive of production and technical related technologies and aspects, scheduling, administration and the provision of excellent aesthetics, customer services and quality control. This position will administrate and manage all departmental and event Health & Safety and welfare arrangements, and the management of all departmental and event related suppliers, contractors, technical staff and crew. The Operations Manager - Arts + Events will be responsible for ably assisting, researching, reporting and where relevant, co‑ordinating major annual existing and future events within the A+E programme. The Operations Manager – Arts + Events have overall responsibility of event and departmental production and technical budgets and equipment inventory and maintenance.

Annual salary: £60,000 - £62,000

Closing Date: 10th June 2026

Mon‑Fri 09:00 - 17:30 4 days office / 1 day WFH

Main Responsibilities

• To effectively co‑coordinate and manage all of the daily operations of the department and department’s events and activities inclusive of suppliers, services providers and contractors;
• To efficiently design, co‑ordinate and manage the production and technical aspects, operations and logistical activities of all the departmental events and activities;
• To assist with and co‑ordinate the delivery and development of event logistics, planning and requirements;
• To provide full and effective communications and liaison with relevant internal departments of Canary Wharf Limited and Canary Wharf Management Limited, ensuring the needs of the A+E programme are met;
• To provide thorough and effective liaison with Canary Wharf’s tenants, external businesses, community and arts organisations and individuals with regards to all departmental events;
• To be responsible for ensuring thorough and effective liaison is delivered to the relevant internal personnel and ensure the needs of internal departments and the events are achievable and delivered;
• Prepare and co‑ordinate all relevant departmental and event correspondence, schedules, reports, evaluations and other documentation as required;
• To prepare, complete and distribute thorough event Risk Assessments, Method Statements and other H+S documentation for mid‑sized to larger scale internally produced events;
• To proactively ensure all events are installed, operated and dismantled within the company’s and legislative Health + Safety and quality control standards and regulations;
• To effectively prepare, negotiate and execute where relevant, the tendering, quoting, purchase order and invoice processes;
• To logistically and cost‑effectively book, monitor and manage all relevant event production and technical infrastructure, hires, suppliers, contractors, and contracts;
• To competently control, monitor and manage all event production and event budgets as assigned, and present clear and concise production/technical accounts and financial reports when required;
• To develop, update and maintain all production and technical databases, systems, SOPs and processes;
• To actively source new and sustain existing service providers in order to achieve best value and quality control;
• To assist in the development and promotion of the A+E programme and in strategic planning and policies;
• To research and present feasibility studies, cost breakdowns and forecasts of future and proposed events including purchases, hires, maintenance and upgrades;
• To effectively manage the maintenance, regulations, storage and inventories of all departmental and event equipment;
• To regularly report and present expenditure breakdowns on equipment usage, maintenance, purchases, upgrades and hires;
• To prepare and present logical feasibility proposals and cost breakdowns on future technical equipment acquisitions;
• Identify and assist with the procurement of external event production and technical freelance staff;
• To efficiently book and supervise event crew, site/production managers, technicians and external production and technical companies for assigned events;
• To productively prepare and manage all event production and technical staffing rosters for assigned events;
• Along with the Arts + Events Manager, advise and assist with relevant departmental and event licensing, insurances and all other related issues;
• Update and maintain relevant departmental and event working procedures in line with existing and new regulations and legislations introduced by the HSE, IOSHH, relevant industries, local authority and others where applicable;
• Work alongside HS&W to ensure any larger scale events or builds are CDM compliant where relevant;
• To create, develop and maintain positive relationships with internal, external and other key partner organisations and individuals;
• To proactively attend internal and external meetings, site inspections, venues, performances and organisations as and when required;
• Other duties as may be reasonably requested from time to time by the Arts + Events Manager and Associate Director - Arts + Events.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Proven experience delivering medium to large-scale live outdoor events, with senior-level responsibility for production and technical operations.
• Demonstrated experience working within professional business or office environment.
• Sound knowledge, understanding and experience of coordinating live indoor and outdoor event requirements inclusive of AV, LX, PA, crew, temporary structures, power, aesthetics, quality control, H+S, etc.
• Thorough knowledge, understanding and experience of all event H+S, Licensing, IOSHH, insurance and other relevant legislative regulations and requirements.
• Knowledge or hands‑on experience of CDM 2015 regulations.
• Staff management or supervisory experience and skills.
• Proven ability of effectively managing multiple tasks and events, and meeting deadlines.
• Self‑motivator with excellent organisational, communication and negotiation skills.
• Advanced experience of effective budget control and management.
• Strong administration and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Experience and sound knowledge of Microsoft software, AutoSketch/CAD and WYSIWYG computer packages.
• A proven team player with a flexible and adaptable approach and creative flair.
• Good presentation skills.
• Ability to work with limited supervision.

Desirable

• NEBOSH certificate or diploma
• Experience of working within the arts, events and/or entertainment industries.
• Experience of event post evaluation and development.
• Events, production, technical and H&S qualifications and training.

Health Safety And Welfare Responsibilities

All staff are required to fulfil their legal duty to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others who may be affected by their acts and omissions, and to follow all guidance and instructions given in this respect.

Environmental, Social & Governance (esg) Responsibilities

Recognising the centrality of ESG principles within our organisation, we have developed a comprehensive ESG Strategy. It is imperative that all staff members understand and adopt this strategy into their respective roles. This includes adhering to environmental regulations, minimising waste, supporting nature within our urban environment, and facilitating positive change for those in need within our community and utilising our volunteering.

Quality Management Responsibilities

In line with the latest ISO 9001 requirements and our dedication to quality management, all staff are mandated to comply with system requirements as detailed within the Company Quality Manual & Policies. Additionally, it's vital to ensure the effective implementation of all Procedures, Plans, and Forms within our Electronic Document Management Systems (EDMS) to meet the ISO 9001: Quality Management Standard.