Courtyard Programme & Operations Lead (Events) in London

Courtyard Programme & Operations Lead (Events) in London

London Freelance 14560 - 14560 € / month (est.) No home office possible
Pembroke House

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead exciting events in a vibrant outdoor courtyard and engage with the local community.
  • Company: Pembroke House, a hub for social action and community connection.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and the chance to shape a community space.
  • Other info: Join us for a 4-month contract with potential for extension and growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by creating memorable experiences for locals and fostering community spirit.
  • Qualifications: Experience in event management and a passion for community engagement.

The predicted salary is between 14560 - 14560 € per month.

Contract Brief: Walworth Living Room Courtyard Programme and Operations (Events)

Brief Published: 15.5.2026

Deadline for expressions of interest: 1.6.2026

Pembroke House is a centre for social action and residential community based in Walworth, SE17. We are seeking a dynamic freelancer to activate our newly opened outdoor Courtyard at the Walworth Living Room, while also maximising the use of capacity within the main building.

Contract Focus

Our focus is to establish the Courtyard at the Walworth Living Room as a premier summer destination through a vibrant social events programme and a high-quality local food offer, while developing a sustainable business model for courtyard activities. Our focus times for the first stages are Friday evenings and Saturday daytimes/evenings, and we are particularly interested in attracting those living and working locally who are not available during the currently daytime opening hours of the Walworth Living Room, including young professionals and families.

You will have strong foundations to build on, including a strong programme of activities already underway at the Walworth Living Room, a semi-regular pop-up from Kaieteur Kitchen and growing local awareness of the Walworth Living Room as a venue.

The Living Room offers a comfortable and welcoming space where people can drop in, have a cup of tea, and connect with their neighbours. We host a wide range of regular activities—from collage to ESOL classes to brunch to chess/board games—providing accessible and enjoyable ways for people to build relationships. This regular programme is complemented by workshops, discussions, and creative sessions on topics such as sustainable food systems, local social services, housing rights, community art projects, and responses to current social issues.

The Courtyard

We now have an exciting opportunity to take the Walworth Living Room to the next stage by activating the spacious courtyard through new landscaping, introduction of a new food hatch (created from a converted shipping container) and new connections through to the large activity spaces within the main building. This development will extend the use of the site beyond the building itself, creating a more vibrant and inclusive environment for the community. The courtyard can be integrated with the indoor spaces - including a large main hall (100 sqm) and a smaller lounge area (45 sqm) - allowing for flexible and simultaneous use across the site. Together, these spaces can support a wide range of activities and events. The overall aim of this contract is to use these enhanced facilities to attract a broader and more diverse community, establish the Walworth Living Room as a well-known local destination, and create a space where there is always something happening for everyone.

Contract Terms

  • Duration: 4 months (with potential for extension).
  • Total Fee: £14560 (e.g. 3 days @ £280 per day).
  • Location: On-site at Pembroke House estate, Walworth, SE17.
  • Budget: There will be a small working budget to cover the costs related to this work.

Deliverables

  • Deliverable 1: Summer Events Programme. Design and execute social and cultural events on Fridays and Saturdays to attract various target audiences.
  • Deliverable 2: Marketing & Audience Strategy. Produce and implement a marketing campaign utilizing free resources (Google Ads, Eventbrite) and targeted local outreach to build a consistent audience.
  • Deliverable 3: Food & Beverage (F&B) Setup. Oversee the kit-out and setup of the shipping-container as a point of sale and service hatch, in coordination with the existing Walworth Living Room kitchen.
  • Deliverable 4: F&B model. Establish a collaborative model with a pool of local food partners, including the setup of the shipping-container point-of-sale and kitchen kit-out.
  • Deliverable 5: Operations & Compliance Pack. Create a suite of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for kitchen use, including food safety vetting for food vendors, and on-site fire evacuation procedures.
  • Deliverable 6: Financial Viability & Data Report. Produce a final report supported by performance data (footfall, revenue, community reach) and recommended business models for future sustainable seasons.
  • Deliverable 7: On-site Execution. Lead the safe and compliant operation of all scheduled events, acting as the primary premises supervisor and fire warden during activation.

Experience Required

  • Operational Leadership: Proven experience running or supporting commercial/semi-commercial event spaces or F&B operations.
  • Strategic Mindset: Ability to develop and test business models based on data and community feedback.
  • Compliance Rigour: Minimum Level 2 Food Safety certification (Level 3 desirable) and a strong understanding of H&S and licensing. Current Personal Licence holder, or willing to obtain one, in order to oversee the sale of alcohol onsite.
  • Community Engagement: Experience working with diverse communities and a passion for the vision of Pembroke House.

Payment Terms

  • Invoices: Submitted monthly
  • Terms: We will issue a contract for services.
  • Expenses: Total fee is exclusive of direct project costs; travel expenses to the site are excluded.

Courtyard Programme & Operations Lead (Events) in London employer: Pembroke House

Pembroke House is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, dedicated to community engagement and social action. As the Courtyard Programme & Operations Lead, you will have the opportunity to shape a dynamic events programme in a welcoming environment, while benefiting from a supportive team that values creativity and collaboration. With a focus on professional growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact in Walworth, this role offers a unique platform for personal and career development.

Pembroke House

Contact Detail:

Pembroke House Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Courtyard Programme & Operations Lead (Events) in London

Tip Number 1

Get to know the venue! Before your interview, visit the Walworth Living Room and Courtyard. Familiarise yourself with the space, the vibe, and the community. This will help you speak confidently about how you can enhance their events programme.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with local businesses and community members who might be involved in the events. Building relationships can give you insights into what works and what doesn’t, plus it shows you’re already invested in the community.

Tip Number 3

Show off your creativity! Prepare some ideas for events or marketing strategies that could work at the Courtyard. Presenting your vision during the interview can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your passion for the role.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

We think you need these skills to ace Courtyard Programme & Operations Lead (Events) in London

Event Planning
Community Engagement
Marketing Strategy
Food Safety Certification
Operational Leadership
Data Analysis
Compliance Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for community engagement and events.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in event management and community work. Show us how your skills align with our vision for the Walworth Living Room!

Showcase Your Ideas:We love creativity! If you have innovative ideas for the summer events programme or ways to engage the local community, include them in your application. We’re all about fresh perspectives!

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your interest and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at Pembroke House

Know Your Audience

Before the interview, take some time to understand the local community and the target audience for the Courtyard Programme. Familiarise yourself with the demographics of Walworth and think about how your ideas can attract young professionals and families. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in making a real impact.

Showcase Your Event Experience

Be ready to discuss your previous experience in running events or F&B operations. Prepare specific examples of successful events you've managed, focusing on how you engaged the community and created memorable experiences. Highlight any innovative strategies you used to draw in diverse audiences.

Demonstrate Strategic Thinking

Think about how you would develop a sustainable business model for the Courtyard activities. Be prepared to share your thoughts on marketing strategies, audience engagement, and potential partnerships with local food vendors. Showing that you can think strategically will set you apart from other candidates.

Prepare Questions

At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask. Inquire about the current challenges Pembroke House faces or how they envision the Courtyard evolving over time. This not only shows your interest but also gives you valuable insights into the organisation's goals.