Head of Operations (Drumsheds)

Role: Head of Operations
Reports into: Director of Live Operations
Location: London
Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent, 42.5 hours per week 

Who we are:

Broadwick Live is a multifaceted international company with headquarters in London who create, develop, own and operate a diverse portfolio of venues, spaces, events and experiences. 

We believe in redefining spaces and how people experience music, art, culture and recreation by breaking down the traditional barriers. Our history and heritage is deeply rooted in music, building a portfolio of 20 global festivals before selling the portfolio in 2019 to focus on our growing portfolio of venues that includes Printworks, Drumsheds, Exhibition and Magazine in London, Depot in Manchester and Brooklyn Storehouse in New York.

Collectively we strive to push boundaries and disrupt the cultural landscape by combining big thinking, bold ideas and commercial intelligence to produce spaces and experiences for discerning audiences in inspiring locations. 

Our team:

Broadwick Live are home to a passionate and dedicated team of event professionals who take immense pride in delivering world-class events in exceptional venues. Our goal is to create unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impact on the thousands of guests we welcome. We are a close-knit team driven by excellence, working in a dynamic environment surrounded by like-minded, committed individuals.

What we’re looking for:

We’re looking for an exceptional and highly organised Head of Operations to join the Broadwick Live team and play a critical leadership role in the delivery of our flagship venue, Drumsheds. Reporting directly to the Director of Live Operations, you will be the operational lead responsible for planning and delivering live events at scale, ensuring seamless coordination across internal departments, external promoters, and suppliers.

You’ll oversee all aspects of show operations at Drumsheds from initial planning through to delivery and debrief acting as the strategic lead for end-to-end event execution. You’ll manage a growing operations team, take ownership of documentation and compliance, and drive a culture of safety, excellence, and continuous improvement across the venue. As a senior leader within the Live Operations team, you’ll play a key role in shaping the operational model of Drumsheds and influencing the experience of artists, guests, and teams alike.  

What you’ll be responsible for:

Event Operations – Drumsheds/Flagship Venue

• Own the operational delivery of all events at Drumsheds, working in close partnership with the Director of Live Operations and senior stakeholders across the business.
• Lead pre-event planning cycles, build and infrastructure readiness, live delivery, and post-show break and reconciliation.
• Chair internal key event briefings and debriefs, ensuring teams are aligned and feedback is actioned.
• Act as a primary key contact on site for suppliers, tour managers, production teams, and contractors with direct oversight of operational teams and key contractors.
• Maintain and lead in the enforcement of licensing conditions and safety standards as outlined in the Premises Licence and Event Safety Plans.
• Be on-site throughout build, live and break, leading the operations team in real time.
• Manage pre-event planning sessions and contribute to SAG and external stakeholder engagement as required.

Documentation & Reporting

• Oversee the creation and upkeep of all essential event documentation including operational plans, build and break schedules, staff briefs, and supplier briefs.
• Ensure world class best practice with internal safety protocols and update documentation in line with regulatory and operational changes.
• Lead the collation of detailed post-event reporting and learnings to the Director of Live Operations and broader senior team to identify areas for efficiency, innovation and continuous improvement.

Team Leadership

• Line manage key senior team members, operations managers and the wide team supporting their development and ensuring clear role delegation during show cycles.
• Foster a team culture that reflects Broadwick Live’s values: collaborative, accountable, resilient, and forward-thinking.
• Recruit, brief, and manage freelance and casual operations staff as required per event.

Suppliers & Stakeholders

• Own the operational relationship with key suppliers across security, traffic management, medical, bars, cleaning, production, and site crew.
• Support in supplier procurement, briefing, and delivery oversight to ensure operational standards are met or exceeded.
• Ensure supplier costings align with pre-agreed budgets and flag variations or risks early.
• Represent Broadwick Live to external stakeholders, including local authorities, emergency services, licensing bodies and suppliers.

Commercial & Financial Awareness

• Support the Director of Live Operations in budget planning and reconciliation flagging risks and opportunities across budgets.
• Identify and implement cost efficiencies without compromising safety or delivery.
• Ensure operational decisions are aligned with the commercial goals of the project balancing ambition and guest experience with financial sustainability and responsibility.

You’ll need to have:

• Significant experience in a senior operational leadership role at a large-scale venue or festival environment
• Deep understanding of UK licensing regulations and operational best practices for music and cultural events.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in high pressure, fast paced environments.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, particularly with promoters, local authorities, and emergency services.
• A passion for live music, combined with strong commercial and customer-service acumen.
• A calm, solutions focussed approach to crisis management, with the ability to make considered decisions in real time.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; confident with internal briefings and external representation.
• High proficiency in GDrive, Excel, Google Docs, Slack, and event management tools.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and extended periods on site during shows. 

Nice to have:

• Familiarity with electronic music events and youth culture audiences.
• Experience managing documentation for licensed premises or outdoor events.

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