Head of Operations
Location: West Midlands
Contract: Full time, Permanent
If you love the thrill of a live event and the challenge of making everything run seamlessly behind the scenes, this could be a great next step. We are looking for a Head of Operations to help shape the day to day experience across our clients\' arena venues and lead teams who bring incredible events to life.
What you will be doing
You will take ownership of how the venues operate, from the early planning stages through to the moment the last guest leaves. The role is all about creating safe, smooth and memorable experiences. You will guide teams, build great working relationships with partners, and make confident decisions when the pressure is on.
Here is a flavour of what your week might look like:
Crowd & Event Management
- Making sure crowd plans are in place and working on the ground
- Partnering with security and emergency services
- Identifying risks early and taking proactive steps to manage them
Leading from the front
- Being a visible and supportive presence for operational teams
- Supporting teams throughout live events so everything runs as it should
Making events happen
- Taking lead on event days and keeping things moving
- Communicating clearly with teams across the venue
Championing the guest experience
- Ensuring visitors feel safe, welcomed and looked after
- Listening to feedback and using it to improve what we do
Managing resources wisely
- Keeping an eye on budgets and resource use
- Spotting opportunities to work more efficiently
What you will bring
- Strong experience in event or venue operations, ideally in arenas or other large‑scale settings
- A confident leadership style and the ability to motivate teams during busy live events
- Solid knowledge of crowd management and safety practices
- An understanding of health and safety and licensing requirements
- Relevant training such as IOSH, NEBOSH, First Aid or crowd safety qualifications is helpful but not essential
Why this role
This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who loves the pace and atmosphere of live events and wants to play a key role in how they come to life. You will help shape the operations of some of the UK’s busiest venues and work with teams who care deeply about delivering great experiences.
Apply today to find out more information, or email max.mcclure@sportingjobs.co.uk
