At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in event preparations, set up stages, and prepare dressing rooms at AO Arena.
- Company: AO Arena is a leading venue in Manchester, hosting over 30 million fans since 1997.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, competitive pay, and fortnightly payments for your shifts.
- Other info: The position requires working varied hours, including weekends and nights.
- Why this job: This role offers a fantastic entry point into the live events industry with hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: A positive attitude, ability to work under pressure, and physical fitness are essential.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
If you are looking for a way into the events industry, this is a great place to start. You don't need to have loads of experience - the right fit is the most important thing. But you should have an understanding of the industry, an interest in events and an enthusiastic willingness to get stuck into anything asked of you.
The Venue
A true powerhouse of live entertainment, AO Arena is one of the enigmatic indoor arenas on the planet, welcoming more than 30 million fans since 1997. From era‑defining music moments to major sporting spectacles, the arena sits at the heart of Manchester's global reputation for live events. Following a £50 million transformation, AO Arena continues to set the standard of live entertainment both in Manchester and on the world stage.
The Role
Our Casual Events Set Up Team provides all the practical planning and implementation for events at the AO Arena. This team enacts all of the advanced planning by the Events Managers, working closely to ensure that the layouts are correct to the plans, that dressing rooms are set and ready for the artists and that the venue looks great for the arriving audience.
Responsibilities
- Assist the Technical Manager/Crew Manager and Events Technician in preparations for all events.
- Build the venue's stage system to the right dimensions.
- Install the venue's crowd control barrier.
- Set the house drape system.
- Set out floor seating in accordance with the CAD plan provided.
- Prepare dressing rooms and backstage offices in readiness for the arrival of the show.
- Set the concourses and poster sites ready for the show.
- Prepare ice for Ice Hockey games and ice shows.
Essential
You should be comfortable working independently as well as collaborating effectively within a team. The role requires the ability to stay calm under pressure, using initiative to meet tight deadlines while maintaining high standards. When events come to the Arena, touring teams should feel as though they are coming home. A professional appearance is essential, as you represent the Arena to our back‑of‑house customers. A uniform will be provided, and you should always be clean and presentable, regardless of the time of day or night. A positive, can‑do attitude is key. Whether approached by the Tour Production Manager or the AO Arena General Manager, you should be someone who is willing to step in and help. Flexibility is important, as the role involves working varied and unsociable hours, including weekends, early mornings, late nights, and occasional overnight shifts. Punctuality is essential, as the team relies on you. The role also involves working at height and in confined spaces; a good level of physical fitness is required.
Desirable
- IT skills including hardware, software and systems.
- Rigging understanding and/or experience.
- Forklift licence.
- First Aid at Work qualification.
Benefits
- Competitive rate of pay – earn a strong hourly rate for your work.
- Flexible working – choose shifts that fit around your lifestyle and commitments, helping you maintain a great work‑life balance.
- Fortnightly pay – get paid every two weeks for the shifts you've worked.
- Sociable workforce – join a diverse and friendly team from across the city.
- Opportunities to grow – gain valuable experience in the live events industry and access to opportunities across Legends Global.
Recruitment Process
Interview with the Events Set Up Team at the venue. Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory pre‑employment checks, including verification of identity, proof of address, right to work, employment history, qualifications, and, where relevant to the role, a basic or enhanced DBS check. All checks will be carried out in line with data protection law and we will only request information that is necessary for the role. We will continue to review applications on a rolling basis and may close the advert before the closing date.
Inclusive Workplace
At Legends Global, we are committed to leading the entertainment industry towards a greener, faster, and more innovative digital future. We aim to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers, and suppliers. We are committed to active inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunities. If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage of our recruitment process, please let us know. We are dedicated to providing a fair and transparent assessment process and will do our utmost to accommodate your needs.
Events Team Member in Manchester employer: Legends Global
Join AO Arena, a premier venue in Manchester known for its transformative £50 million upgrade. Enjoy a sociable workforce and opportunities for growth in the live events sector. The team values diversity and inclusion, ensuring a welcoming environment for all employees.