About the Role
The Head of Operations is responsible for the day-to-day operational delivery of International’s flagship events. Reporting to the Event Managing Director, this role ensures that all operational elements logistics, staffing, scheduling, venue management, and supplier delivery are executed seamlessly, safely, and to the highest standards. This is a highly practical role, requiring strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to lead teams under pressure in live-event environments.
Responsibilities
* Translate the Event Managing Director’s strategic plan into detailed operational schedules.
* Manage on-site operations during planning, build, live delivery, and de-rig phases.
* Coordinate crowd management, access control, fan zones, accreditation, transport, and accommodation logistics.
* Lead daily operations meetings during event periods and ensure rapid resolution of issues.
* Ensure strict adherence to timelines, site rules, and safety standards.
* Line-manage the operations team.
* Ensure clear communication of roles, responsibilities, and procedures to all staff on site.
* Work closely with the Head of HR to assess staffing needs, resource demands, staff rotas and employee relations query’s.
* Motivate and support teams during high-pressure event delivery.
* Act as the main operational contact for venues, contractors, and service providers.
* Manage supplier delivery on site, ensuring deadlines, quality, and safety compliance.
* Conduct site visits and readiness checks with vendors and partners.
* Implement and enforce health & safety protocols, emergency procedures, and incident reporting.
* Conduct risk assessments and put mitigation plans in place.
* Act as the operational safety lead on site, liaising with security, medical, and emergency services.
* Manage day-to-day operational spend in line with agreed budgets set by the Event Managing Director. Track costs logistics.
* Track costs for logistics, and supplier services; flag variances early.
* Identify efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities without compromising delivery.
* Lead debrief sessions with the operations team, suppliers, and venue staff.
* Capture lessons learned and feed into continuous improvement processes.
* Provide operational input for the Event Managing Director’s post-event reports.
Required Skills
* Proven track record of running on-site operations for complex, multi-day or multi-venue events.
* Operational leadership and delivery experience in sports, entertainment, or large-scale live events.
* Background in sports
* Strong working knowledge of health & safety, crowd management, and venue operations.
* Excellent supplier and contractor management skills.
* Hands-on leadership style, able to motivate large teams in live environments.
* Strong organisational skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities.
* Calm, decisive, and solutions-focused under pressure.
Preferred Skills
* Detail-oriented, practical, and execution-focused.
* Strong communicator who ensures clarity on-site.
* Resilient and adaptable to changing circumstances.
* Passionate about delivering seamless, safe, and memorable event experiences.