Operations Director
We’re on the hunt for an exceptional leader to take charge of operations, overseeing venue management, facilities, safety, security, and ticketing, and to help guide sustainability across the UK’s largest live entertainment arena.
This is a really special opportunity to get involved from the ground up, leading on the development and implementation of operations strategy and joining a growing team focused on disrupting the norm and making a real difference to artists, fans and the local community.
Role Purpose
This is a key role operating as part of the Co-op Live Senior Management Team. Responsible for Venue Management, Facilities, Safety, Security and the Ticketing function. The Operations Director will lead on the development and implementation of the operations strategy, recruiting, developing, and leading a team of event experts across operations to ensure the efficient, effective and compliant operation of the Arena, authorising all required documentation for the safe.
Role Responsibilities
- To recruit and develop a senior leadership team, to develop department strategies to successfully mobilise the Arena
- To lead all operational delivery through effective management of the venue, facilities, security, health & safety and ticketing leadership teams
- To lead and develop a robust Security Strategy including effective Incident Management, Contingency and Crisis Communication plans, working with all relevant departments
- To develop a robust, positive security culture for Co-op Live colleagues, contractors, partners and customers
- Responsible for overseeing ticketing strategies including event builds, manifest creation, on sales, partner allocations, box office operation and customer services.
- To build and develop relationships with key stakeholders across OVG, City Football Group, our partners and sponsors to deliver exceptional events which meet the needs of each stakeholder group
- To manage event performance using data analytics to identify commercial opportunities to maximise revenue on event days
- To identify and develop opportunities for revenue streams on non event days
- Responsible for delivery of the guest experience strategy, creating events that exceed customer expectations
- To support work in our communities, championing opportunities for underrepresented groups, positively impacting social mobility and attracting talent to the industry.
Key Measures & Targets
- Budget responsibility for Event Expenses
- Annual Operational Departmental Budget
- Up to 6 direct reports
- Total team size up to 25, plus event day casual workers
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Essential
- Strong leadership experience
- Strong strategic thinking and influencing skills
- Results focused, with a drive for success
- Adaptable and flexible in managing change and operating in a fast-paced environment
- Understanding of governance, safety and security requirements at large events
- Commercial awareness of operational delivery
- Strong project mobilisation and project management experience
Desirable
- Experience of obtaining and operating under a Premise License
- Critical understanding of the Safety at Sports Grounds (Green Guide) Guidance
- Senior experience in the music, sport or entertainment industry
- H&S Qualification such as NEBOSH General Certificate, NVQ Level 5 Occupational H&S, NVQ L5 Spectator Safety
- Understanding of the Construction, Design & Management (CDM) Regulations 2015
Our Inclusion Commitment
Our venue is for the fans, the artists, everyone! Attracting a diverse workforce which reflects our local community is what will make our venue the best music venue in the UK! To continue to positively disrupt the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. We are committed to creating a great place to work amplifying voices from all different backgrounds. If you are ready to make a positive disruption in the live entertainment and hospitality industry, then Co-op Live is for you.
If you do require any additional support or reasonable adjustments to support your application, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure you have everything you need. We will consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the required skills necessary to fulfil the role.
Employee Screening & Eligibility to work
We recognize the importance of safeguarding, dependent on role you may be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service Check, details of which will be shared with you at interview. If successful in your application, you will be required to provide eligibility to work evidence in line with the ‘Eligibility to Work in the UK’ requirements.
