Event Operations Manager

Who are we?

We are Shack Events, a leading bar & confectionery operator. We operate at some of the UK's largest stadia and sporting venues, specialising in serving alternative drinks such as our own kegged spirit & mixers and cocktails, as well as heavily supporting with mainstream draught beer, craft beer and real ale. As of 2023 we also offer confectionery support, including pick & mix, doughnuts, ice cream and popcorn.

However, we haven't always been in the world of Stadia. Just over 10 years ago we were a small business, ran by two brothers, selling bottled apple juice at farmers markets. Through determination, commitment and ambition from not only the owners of the business, Rich and James, but also through the growing team, we have built a business we are incredibly proud of. And we aren't going to stop there.

We are an incredibly passionate business, who are always eager to take on a challenge and tackle a new opportunity head on. We see our resilient and dedicated team as our foundation, and our aim is to help guide each and every team member and build their skillsets and confidence. We all work together, from the bar staff to the directors, to get the job done and everybody is willing to get their hands dirty when the time calls for it

We are proud of our roots and are looking to expand our team with likeminded people, who want to embed themselves into the business and help us grow.

What's the Role?

We are recruiting for the brand-new role of Event Operations Manager to join our growing and ambitious Venue Concessions business. The role oversees elements of our on site operation for all of our sites including our largest venue Wembley, which will be a key focus for the role. This includes the detailed planning of set up and breakdown days, creating event day plans from an operational perspective, overseeing and being heavily involved with the casual team and their performance, training and development and ensuring we are working efficiently and compliantly.

We are looking for someone who is able to think logistically and logically to create plans in their simplest form and with the least moving parts. Efficiency and diligence are two key aspects of the role, and therefore these must be skills the candidate holds. The events industry means you must embrace and welcome last minute change, and be able to think on your feet to ensure changes create the smallest impact on our team.

Who are we looking for?

The right fit: Personality is key for us and you must be able to thrive in high pressure and fast paced situations whilst maintaining a smile and sense of humour; this is one of our founding principles.

Team Management: You will be heavily involved with the casual event operations crew on site, and must ensure they are working to the standard expected of them, and be able to address issues with them confidently and with care. You'll not be responsible for planning where they are and their rota, but it's essential you are well versed in training and upskilling others, as this is a key element in the role. You will also eventually step into a line management role, directly overseeing our group of 3/4 casual staff who are on contracted hours. This will require a more focused level of involvement and communication with this portion of the team, with regular reports back to the Head of Event Ops regarding their performance and progression.

Client Relationships: We will require you to build good working relationships with the logistics teams on site, as well as other members of management. We work alongside the stadium teams closely and it's crucial these relationships are nurtured and are being built on continuously.

Logistical Awareness: You will be responsible for creating detailed to do lists for the team which will be dependent on the skill of the team on site, turn around time and also other attributing factors. The details of some plans will be provided but the aim of this role is to slowly take over planning for all set ups and break downs on site, so our event operations supervisors can deliver these. A logistical mind is key for this, as there's a number of moving parts.

Due Diligence & Compliance: Compliance, due diligence and Health & Safety are core components to the role, and you will need to demonstrate the ability to manage all areas of operational compliance.

Hands on approach: The candidate must show excellent communication, collaboration and team player mindset. It's key you must have a "can do" attitude and are happy to step in and help the team when needed, supporting and guiding them, by being present and hands on. We do not have a strict operational hierarchy, and all management are expected to help their team however necessary, even if this means a more hands-on approach than usual.

Who will you be working with ?

You will report directly to the Head of Event Operations, working alongside the rest of the event operations team:

• Event ops supervisor (responsible for leading the charge on the set up, breakdown and event days and executing all plans with a team of casuals)
• London logistics supervisor (responsible for upkeep and maintenance of our kit)

As well as

• Venue Managers (responsible for upkeep and maintenance of our kit)

You will also be involved in our FLT (future leadership team) and work closely with the other members to ensure communication between departments is strong and work together to find solutions to benefit your department and the wider business.

Your casual team currently consists of upwards of 30 casuals members of our event operations team. Upskilling them and supporting their progression through our tiered roles is crucial.

Where & when will you be working?

The role will be based between between our sites, largely focusing on Wembley, Emirates and Lords for the first 12 months. There will be a small requirement for Office time (Dollis Hill) however, this will not be the focus until you have a rounded operational understanding. You will be required to work weekends, bank holidays and will be able to take limited holiday between the months of May and September.

Key Responsibilities

• On site compliance training and tracking
• Planning to do lists for the team
• Creating basic switch round plans
• Taking a lead role in the planning and execution of training and upskilling of the casual event operations team
• Planning and executing dedicated training days for the casual team and wider business
• Line Management and Training of our contracted hours casuals (Main point of contact)
• Being on the ground every day and learning all aspects of the event operation

Key Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft
• Time management
• Working well under pressure and to a deadline
• Logistically Minded
• Efficient
• Scheduling
• Not afraid of hard work
• Finding the joy in the little things
• Proficient and confident in training your team
• Team Player

Benefits:

• Private Health Care with gym membership discounts
• Laptop & work phone
• Bi-annual Company-wide events
• Toil Scheme
• Life Gives You Lemons Day: support and flexibility when it's needed most.
• And additional long service benefits

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From £38,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• On-site parking
• Private dental insurance
• Private medical insurance
• Work from home

Work Location: In person