Head of Operations (Commercial Venue Hire, maternity cover) in City of Westminster

The Head of Operations (Commercial Venue Hire, maternity cover) sits in the wider Commercial Venue Hire team and is responsible for leading the operational delivery of bespoke events, activations and filming. They will manage the Commercial Operations team to deliver outstanding client experiences, optimise processes and maximise profits. They will be proactive, strategic, and successful in delivering commercial hires on site, alongside Somerset House’s cultural programme and resident community.

This role will work collaboratively with the Head of Commercial Sales to ensure a seamless customer journey for all Venue Hire clients, as well as with the wider Commercial Heads to ensure an aligned approach to the delivery of all commercial activity onsite. We are looking for a self‑motivated individual who thrives working in a fast‑paced environment. The ideal candidate will have experience of managing a range of events in a unique venue, a passion for the creative industries and a keen eye for detail, together with demonstrable communication and organisational skills, and the proven ability to think holistically.

Somerset House offers 12 blank canvas event spaces, including indoor and outdoor spaces suitable for staging events of all styles and sizes – ranging in capacity from 10 to 3,000. The Commercial Venue Hire Team, comprising of two teams – Sales & Operations, are responsible for managing all bespoke commercial hires at Somerset House, ranging from drinks receptions and Christmas parties to fashion shows, film shoots and brand activations.

• Lead with operational excellence and a hands‑on approach: Successfully lead, manage and motivate the Commercial Operations team, combining strategic oversight with practical delivery, to drive exceptional client experiences, maximise revenue across events and commercial activity, and successfully deliver complex hires.
• Uphold best practice in health, safety and risk management: Take full responsibility for Health & Safety across all commercial activity, ensuring robust risk assessments, incident reporting and investigation.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively: Build strong, trusted relationships with internal teams and external partners, using exceptional communication skills to influence and inspire others towards shared goals.
• Operate with financial rigor: Manage budgeting responsibilities, including budget oversight and financial tracking, ensuring that all activities contribute to the financial success of the organisation.
• Drive sustainable innovation: Identify and implement operational and administrative efficiencies, championing access, inclusion and sustainability while maximising commercial opportunities and minimising impact on Somerset House’s residents, operations and public programme.

• Proven leadership experience within a venue, overseeing event operational functions, with responsibility for managing a team including performance and staff development.
• Large scale event experience in a unique venue – delivering commercial events alongside a cultural programme.
• Experienced in managing and working with a wide range of event suppliers and external partners, with the ability to oversee, devise and manage operational procedures to high standards.
• Health and safety management experience, ideally with IOSH / NEBOSH qualifications and excellent working knowledge of premises licences and relevant legislation.
• Strong financial management skills, to include budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Experienced in developing and enhancing client experience, ensuring high quality delivery across all touchpoints.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills – verbal, written and numerical, with superb attention to detail.
• Ability to work successfully across teams and hierarchies, building relationships at all levels, including excellent interpersonal skills, able to engage and influence internal and external stakeholders.
• A confident, resilient leader able to work under pressure whilst maintaining a strategic, long‑term vision.
• Creative problem‑solver and decision‑maker.
• A commitment and passion for Somerset House’s vision and goals, including a demonstrable personal commitment to sustainability and diversity and inclusion.

• Mental Health & Wellbeing: Access to our external Employee Assistance Programme (CiC) for free 24/7 confidential advice and support, including up to 6 free counselling sessions per year where needed. Mental health support and guidance from our in‑house trained Mental Health First Aiders. Hybrid working based on having 3 days in the office per week (pro rata if part‑time). Contribution towards eye tests and glasses. Trust life insurance scheme. We offer winter flu vaccination vouchers.
• Holiday: Enhanced annual leave – 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata). Birthday leave – additional day leave. Celebration day – to celebrate anything of your choice.
• Other Leave: Sick leave – 20 days full pay, followed by 20 days half pay (pro rata & following 3 months service). Emergency dependent care – option to use 25% of paid sick leave for emergency care of a dependent (pro rata & following 3 months of service). Enhanced maternity pay.
• Benefits: 8% employer pension contributions, no employee contribution required (following 3 months of employment). Option for salary sacrifice. Season ticket loan. Cycle to Work scheme.
• Discounts, offers and free stuff: The list is endless and includes tickets to Somerset House events and entrance to other London Heritage sites. Discounts in Somerset House cafés and restaurants. Discounts with various high street retailers and restaurants. Discounts to local leisure centres.