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- Tasks: Oversee daily operations, manage staff, and ensure exceptional guest experiences.
- Company: Freight Island, a unique food market blending dining and entertainment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a game-changing venue that celebrates local talent and creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience in venue management and strong knowledge of health and safety compliance.
- Other info: Hands-on role with clear accountability and exciting challenges in a vibrant setting.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Freight Island is one of the most exciting, forward-thinking and disruptive food markets in the world, it’s a game changer and most importantly, it has a soul. Blurring the lines between a food hall and a festival, Freight’s unique set up reflects the times. An urban oasis where guests can enjoy delicious food, great drinks and live entertainment. We specialise in curating an evolving calendar of residencies and menus that span emerging local talent and nationally recognised names, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.
We are seeking a full-time Venue Operations Manager to oversee daily operations and ensure the seamless functioning of our venue. This on-site and heavily hands-on role, based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, involves managing staff, coordinating events, maintaining high customer service standards, and ensuring health and safety compliance. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering exceptional guest experiences and creating a welcoming environment while maintaining operational efficiency.
The Venue Operations Manager is responsible for the successful delivery, safety, compliance, and ongoing operation of Freight Island Newcastle. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will act as the client-side lead during the construction phase, working closely with the appointed build contractor to ensure the project is delivered on time, to budget, and to specification, while embedding operational, Health and Safety, and licensing requirements from the outset.
Following handover and the venue going live, you will take full ownership of site operations, facilities, Health and Safety, compliance, licensing, and event readiness, ensuring the venue operates efficiently, legally, and safely at all times. This is a senior, hands-on role with clear accountability for both build delivery and live site performance.
Key Responsibilities (to include but are not limited to):- Construction and Project Delivery
- Act as Freight Island Newcastle’s primary liaison with the main build contractor and professional team
- Coordinate contractor activity with Freight Island operational, compliance, and future trading requirements
- Ensure Health and Safety standards are met throughout the construction phase, including contractor controls and site safety
- Review and oversee contractor risk assessments and method statements in collaboration with Health and Safety advisors
- Support practical completion, snagging, and formal handover into live operations
- Ensure utilities, compliance, licensing, and operational requirements are fully integrated into the build
- Site Operations and Facilities Management
- Overall responsibility for day-to-day site management once live
- Management of cleaning, waste, maintenance, utilities, and site facilities
- Ensure core services such as water, heating, power, and drainage are operational and compliant
- Manage external contractors and service providers, agreeing scope, cost, and delivery timelines
- Maintain asset registers and planned preventative maintenance schedules
- Lead sustainability initiatives and utility efficiency projects
- Health and Safety Leadership
- Full ownership of Health and Safety across construction, live operations, and events
- Develop, implement, and maintain site wide Health and Safety systems and procedures
- Lead all Health and Safety auditing and ensure actions are completed and evidenced
- Carry out regular risk assessments and ensure appropriate controls are in place
- Oversee scaffold inspections, contractor safety, and high-risk activities
- Act as the primary point of contact with enforcing authorities including EHO
- Compliance and Licensing
- Ownership of all compliance and licensing requirements for the site and traders
- Ensure compliance before, during, and after events
- Oversee food safety management systems across the site
- Manage legionella controls, pest control programmes, and associated action plans
- Ensure PAT testing regimes are in place and adhered to across all equipment
- Events and Live Trading Support
- Work closely with events, production, and operations teams to ensure site readiness
- Lead compliance and safety planning for large scale events
- Attend site works, event planning, and operational coordination meetings
- Ensure temporary builds, installations, and activations meet safety and licensing standards
- Commercial and Budget Management
- Manage construction related costs with professional team during the build phase
- Control site operating budgets post-opening
- Negotiate with contractors and suppliers to achieve value, quality, and reliability
- Monitor utilities and operational costs in collaboration with Finance
- Identify risks, cost pressures, and efficiency opportunities early
- Strong working knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and compliance frameworks
- Experience operating complex venues, multi-use sites, or large-scale hospitality or events environments
- Demonstrable experience managing contractors and external stakeholders
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Confident decision maker able to challenge contractors and influence outcomes
- Clear and effective communicator at all levels
- Experience working with local authorities, EHO, and licensing bodies
- Knowledge of food safety management systems and live event compliance
- Experience overseeing utilities, facilities management, and sustainability initiatives
Venue Ops Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Freight Island
Contact Detail:
Freight Island Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Venue Ops Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue inside out! Before your interview, visit Freight Island if you can. Familiarise yourself with the layout, the vibe, and the events they host. This will help you speak confidently about how you can enhance the guest experience.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with people in the industry on LinkedIn or at local events. Building relationships can give you insider info about the role and even lead to referrals. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about scenarios you might face as a Venue Ops Manager. Be ready to share examples of how you've handled challenges in the past, especially around health and safety or event management. It’ll show you’re the right fit for the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications that come directly from our site. It shows you're keen and makes it easier for us to track your application. Plus, you might find additional resources to help you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Venue Ops Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about being part of Freight Island and contributing to its unique vibe.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Venue Ops Manager role. Highlight relevant experience in managing operations, health and safety, and event coordination. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we do!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets right to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Freight Island!
How to prepare for a job interview at Freight Island
✨Know Your Venue Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you research Freight Island thoroughly. Understand its unique concept, the types of events it hosts, and its approach to customer experience. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you align your answers with their vision.
✨Demonstrate Your Health and Safety Knowledge
Given the importance of health and safety in this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with compliance frameworks and risk assessments. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed safety protocols in previous roles, especially in busy environments.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
As a Venue Ops Manager, you'll need to juggle multiple tasks. Prepare to share specific instances where you've coordinated projects or managed contractors effectively. Highlight your organisational skills and how you ensure everything runs smoothly under pressure.
✨Engage with the Interviewer
During the interview, don't just answer questions—engage in a conversation. Ask insightful questions about the venue's future plans or challenges they face. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you too.