Event Operations Manager - 12 month maternity cover contract

Location: Brackley, Northamptonshire

We are Strata! Imagine being part of a fast and exciting brand experience agency whose clients include specialists in new technology, creators of some of the most stunning electric vehicles on the planet, financial institutions, and global leaders in pharmaceutical solutions. As an agency, we elevate these brands and make them heard through immersive and memorable virtual and face-to-face experiences. As a people-first business, we encourage ambition, support and reward. We’re always listening and open to your ideas, just as we do with our clients. Our name? It’s Strata, an agency on a mission to be the very best. This means we always want to hear from the very best creative and intelligent souls who genuinely believe that every moment matters.

Job Overview

Reporting to the Head of Event Operations, the Event Operations Manager plays a pivotal role within the agency, acting as the key link between the Operations and Warehouse teams and the Account Directors and Project Managers. The role is responsible for supporting the planning and delivery of new projects, contributing operational insight, creative solutions, and innovative ideas where appropriate. The Event Operations Manager will quote for, and ensure the timely, efficient, and high-quality delivery of client assets at events across the UK and Europe. With overall responsibility for managing project-related operational tasks, the role requires clear and accurate communication of project information across teams, alongside a strong commercial focus to help maximise project margins. In addition to project delivery, the role has responsibility for developing and managing the Operations team, including training, performance, and career development. The Event Operations Manager ensures that health and safety standards are consistently met, freelance staff are appropriately briefed and trained, suppliers are effectively managed, and inventory systems, both internal and client-facing, are accurate, well maintained, and continuously improved. Working closely with the Head of Event Operations, the role also contributes to expanding the scope of services and equipment offered to clients.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate the below experience:

• Proven experience in event operations, production, or a similar operational role within an agency or live events environment
• Strong ability to coordinate between multiple teams, including operations, warehouse, and client-facing departments
• Experience managing projects with a commercial mindset, ensuring efficiency and margin optimisation
• Demonstrated leadership skills, with experience training, motivating, and developing team members
• Sound knowledge of health and safety requirements within events or production environments
• Experience overseeing inventory systems, with a strong focus on accuracy, quality control, and continuous improvement
• Previous experience of identifying the need for and implementing new systems, processes and ways of working
• Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously
• Ability to prioritise work, especially in a fast paced and on demand setting
• Ability to react quickly and problem solve effectively to get the right outcomes for the business, delivery team and the client
• Ability to think on your feet, identify issues and manage/deal with them quickly and effectively. Problem solving and time management are key
• Solutions focused mindset and a can-do attitude are essential
• Able to adapt and deliver based on client and team demands, and work quickly and effectively to do so
• Willingness to be hands-on and flexible, including supporting warehouse operations or on-site event delivery when required

Employee Benefits

• 25 days annual leave, plus usual Bank Holidays
• Birthday day off
• Private Health Insurance*
• Workplace pension scheme
• Death in service scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Hybrid working arrangement
• Regular social events

*Upon successful completion of a 6-month probation period

Our Principles

We are a people-first brand experience agency with a set of core principles that guide our every action by measuring:

• A win for the client: Client success is at the forefront of everything we do. We measure our success by the impact we make for our clients. We strive to exceed your expectations, delivering moments that matter with results that matter.
• A win for the company: We believe in long-term partnerships and sustainable growth. When your business prospers, so does ours. Our commitment to excellence and innovation means we’re always ahead of the curve, offering you the best brand experiences.
• A win for the team: Our team is the lifeblood of our agency. We celebrate diversity, promote collaboration, and foster an inclusive culture where every team member feels valued and empowered. When our team thrives, their passion and dedication is reflected in everything we deliver.
• A win for you: Whether you’re engaging us for your events, already fostering a career at Strata, or considering one, our goal is to create a win for you. We’re dedicated to providing our employees with an enriching workplace that supports their growth and well-being.
• A win for the planet: We are committed to making environmentally responsible choices in our work. We recognise our responsibility to minimise our impact on the planet and contribute to a sustainable future. From eco-friendly event practices to conscious resource management, we aim to create events that are a win for the environment.

Diversity at Strata

At Strata, people are at the heart of who we are. We recognise and value the diverse and unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds that each individual brings. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels respected, heard, valued, and empowered. We strive to create an innovative, creative, and inclusive environment where all employees and applicants can thrive. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Recruitment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, and business needs. Embracing diversity isn’t just our goal, it’s our strength, driving us towards a more inclusive future.