At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hands-on event operations and ensure seamless delivery of high-energy activations.
- Company: Join PNI Events and Rolling Minds, leaders in experiential catering and events.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commission opportunities, private healthcare, and unlimited ice cream!
- Why this job: Be part of iconic events with top brands like Google, Disney, and TikTok.
- Qualifications: Experience in event operations and a full UK driving licence required.
- Other info: Dynamic, fun work environment with travel opportunities and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Salary: Competitive, based on experience + commission opportunities
Location: Full-time, On-site or Office (W10 5BN – Notting Hill, London)
Start date: ASAP
About Us
PNI Events and Rolling Minds are two of the UK’s most exciting and fast-growing experiential catering and events companies. We deliver high-impact, high-energy food and drink activations for some of the world’s biggest brands - including: Google, Disney, Meta, Nike, Amazon, Netflix, Instagram, Apple, Spotify, Pinterest, TikTok and many more. You’ll find us activating at the world’s most iconic events — Cannes Lions, Coachella, Formula 1, Glastonbury — as well as countless major festivals, launches, and global brand experiences.
We specialise in creating unforgettable, fully branded food and drink experiences, including:
- Branded truck tours
- Bespoke product sampling
- Immersive pop-up builds and branded takeovers
- Interactive dessert installations
- Innovative design-led drink pop-ups
The Role
This is a very hands-on role. You won’t just be managing from behind a desk — you’ll be actively involved in preparing, loading, delivering, setting up, running and packing down events, working closely with the wider events team to ensure excellence at every turn. You must genuinely enjoy being on-site, working with equipment, solving problems in real time, and leading from the front.
As Operations Manager, you will be responsible for the smooth operational delivery of all PNI Events and Rolling Minds activations across the UK and internationally. You will oversee logistics, stock, equipment, staffing and warehouse operations – ensuring every event runs efficiently, on time and within budget.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Delivery
- Oversee end-to-end event operations from preparation through to pack-down.
- Lead the setup, live running and breakdown of activations.
- Troubleshoot operational challenges quickly and effectively on-site.
- Ensure all events are delivered to the highest standard.
Logistics & Equipment
- Maintain and organise warehouse operations and inventory systems.
- Ensure all catering equipment is maintained, serviced and event-ready.
- Oversee ordering of stock and supplies, minimising wastage.
Food & Beverage Operations
- Maintain a strong understanding of food and drink service operations.
- Ensure proper handling, storage and transportation of food and drink.
- Understand catering equipment including freezers, fridges, coffee machines, ice cream machines, bar equipment and mobile kitchen setups.
- Ensure all food hygiene and health & safety standards are met at all times.
Team Leadership
- Manage and support in-house and freelance operational and event staff.
- Lead by example on-site with energy, professionalism and attention to detail.
- Ensure all team members follow processes and maintain high standards.
Financial & Process Management
- Monitor event costs and support efficient budget management.
- Implement and follow operational systems and processes to improve efficiency.
- Use spreadsheets and operational tools to manage scheduling, stock and logistics.
Who We’re Looking For
- Minimum age: Over 25 years old (required)
- Full UK driving licence (manual) – confident and experienced driving vans (essential).
- Proven experience in event operations, catering operations, or experiential activations.
- Strong understanding of food and drink service and associated equipment.
- Highly organised and detail-oriented.
- Physically capable and comfortable with lifting, loading and on-site work.
- Calm under pressure and solutions-focused.
- Willing to travel across the UK and occasionally internationally.
- Strong communication and leadership skills.
- Positive, proactive attitude and genuinely enjoys hands-on work.
Commission Structure
In addition to salary, this role includes a highly attractive commission structure: Earn up to 8% of revenue from any new event you bring in where we don’t already have an existing relationship (T&Cs apply).
Perks & Benefits
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Private Health Care (after 1 year)
- Dog-Friendly Office
- Unlimited Free Ice Cream
- Travel opportunities in the UK & internationally
- Fun, casual work environment in Notting Hill
- 28 Days Holiday
Operations Manager in London employer: Rolling Minds
Contact Detail:
Rolling Minds Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research PNI Events and Rolling Minds, their past events, and their clients. This way, when you chat with them, you can show off your knowledge and passion for what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend industry events or connect with people on LinkedIn who work in experiential catering. Building relationships can open doors and give you insider info about job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to operations management. Think about how you’d handle on-site challenges and be ready to share examples from your past experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for events and hands-on work shine through. We want to see that you genuinely enjoy being on-site and leading from the front!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in event operations and catering. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in logistics, team leadership, and problem-solving – we love a good story!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for the Operations Manager role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolling Minds
✨Know Your Events Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the types of events PNI Events and Rolling Minds handle. Research their past activations and understand what makes them stand out. This will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Since this role is very hands-on, be ready to share specific examples from your past where you’ve actively managed event operations. Highlight any challenges you faced on-site and how you resolved them, demonstrating your problem-solving skills.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you motivate teams during high-pressure situations. Share anecdotes that illustrate your ability to lead by example and maintain high standards, as this is crucial for the Operations Manager role.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your operational knowledge and decision-making skills. Think about how you would handle logistics, equipment issues, or team dynamics during an event. Practising these scenarios can give you a solid edge in the interview.