Head of Operations

The former Bradford Odeon, a 1930s art-deco over 3,000 capacity super cinema, will re-open as Bradford Live. Bringing music, comedy, conference and banqueting to a newly refurbished building under the approving gaze of City Hall and City Park.

The development is being managed by the Bradford Live redevelopment team and the NEC Group (the UK’s leading live events business) and when open is expected to attract 300,000 visitors each year. The venue will host a calendar of 200+ world class music, comedy and family entertainment events as well as providing the city with great conference, meeting and banqueting spaces.

You

You will be joining us in advance of opening the doors to the public, so from the very beginning you will be taking the lead role in planning and mobilising the venue’s Operations Team.

We are looking for a candidate able to provide strong credible leadership, creating a culture of empowerment, engagement and development through values and performance. An individual that understands the requirements of operating a prestigious events venue and the demands this requires. You will have the unique opportunity in building the venue’s strategic vision in conjunction with the wider Senior Management Team.

Key Responsibilities (full role profile available on request)

• Overall responsibility for building and event operations, delegating appropriately to other members of the team to ensure overall event delivery and compliance.
• Collaborate as part of the Senior Leadership Team on all aspects of the Bradford Live Business Plan.
• Responsible for all budgetary management and financial forecasting for operational departments. Ensure the achievement of budgets are achieved without compromising customer/client experience, quality, and the delivery of performance targets.
• Monthly analysis and reporting on energy consumption, to drive efficiencies in this area.
• Ownership of venue environmental and sustainability plan; driving forward change to meet industry and NEC Group targets.
• Responsibility for management of venue facilities contract. Ensure the security contract, cleaning contract and outsourced event services alongside the Operations Team are delivered to ensure service levels meet all required standards.
• Manage the Senior Technician to fulfil the requirements of the department and deputise in their absence.
• Manage the Senior Event Manager to ensure event delivery, compliance of all relevant legislation and guidance.
• Health and safety site lead with responsibility of chairing the local H&S committee. Ensure that safe systems of work, risk assessments in line with current legislative requirements and company guidelines.

 Key Skills and Experience

• Demonstrable technical and practical experience of all aspects of event technical services e.g. seating systems, concert staging systems, rigging, lighting, sound, and audio visual.
• Knowledge and understanding of building facilities and infrastructure ideally gained in an events environment.
• Experience of managing service contracts and contractors.
• Significant proven experience in a similar role in an event venue or equivalent.
• NEBOSH General Certificate or Managing Safety qualification or working towards.
• Proven track record of leading staff and controlling costs to deliver client requirements within agreed timescales and financial constraints.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects through highly effective organisational skills.
• Ability to plan and manage teams, processes, performance, and systems effectively.

Benefits 

• £45k salary + discretionary bonus scheme, payable on achieving Group targets
• 25 days annual leave rising to 26 after one year + bank holidays
• Potential home working options for part of the week
• Pension matching up to 7%
• Life Assurance
• Private Medical Insurance funded by the company
• Great Learning and Development
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Dental, Cash Health and Holiday Buy flexible options
• Exclusive Discounts and many more great benefits

The NEC Group is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, colour, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. NEC Group is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

 Our customers come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm, you will find a home within the NEC Group.