Site and Compliance Manager

Location: Freight Newcastle, Eldon Square, NE1

Working week: 40 hours a week, typically Monday – Friday. Weekends and evenings may be required per business needs. TOIL is given for additional days worked.

Start date: February / Early March 2026

Key relationships: Build contractor and professional team, senior site leadership, operations and events teams, local authorities, EHO, licensing bodies, Health and Safety advisors, suppliers and contractors.

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.

The Role

The Site & Compliance 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 (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
• Monitor construction progress against agreed programme, budget, and specification
• Attend and contribute to regular site and project meetings
• Challenge delays, variations, and quality issues, escalating risks where required
• 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

Skills, experience, and attributes

• 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

First stage video call with our Head of People