Harris Hill is delighted to be working with a dynamic, values-led arts and culture charity to recruit a Head of Venue Operations.
Permanent | 32 hours per week (4 days) | London (multi-site)
Salary: Circa £45,000, with flexibility for exceptional candidates
This organisation is known for transforming spaces into vibrant, community-focused cultural venues, supporting artists, experimental programming and inclusive night-time culture across London. The Head of Venue Operations will play a critical role in ensuring these venues operate safely, sustainably and to a consistently high standard.
The role
Reporting to the senior leadership team, the Head of Venue Operations will have strategic and hands‑on responsibility for the organisation’s public-facing venues, including cafés, bars, event spaces and late-night cultural sites. Managing a team of Venue Managers, you will oversee day-to-day operations, compliance, staff leadership, financial performance and guest experience across multiple locations.
A key early priority will be leading the operational launch of a new venue, acting as interim Venue Manager during its establishment phase before transitioning to a permanent management structure.
This is a senior operational role requiring both strong systems thinking and an ability to lead from the front in busy, public environments.
Key responsibilities include:
* Leading and line‑managing Venue Managers and operational teams across multiple sites
* Embedding consistent operational systems, policies and procedures
* Overseeing licensing, health & safety, safeguarding and late-night compliance
* Ensuring excellent customer experience and inclusive, welcoming venues
* Managing budgets, staffing costs, stock control and financial reporting
* Supporting live events, performances, nightlife and community programming
* Playing a central role in opening and launching new venues
* Championing staff wellbeing, development and inclusive working practices
About you
You will bring significant experience managing complex venues, bars, cultural spaces or late-night operations, with a strong understanding of licensing and compliance. You will be a confident people manager, comfortable leading multi-site or large teams, and able to balance commercial awareness with community and artistic values.
Experience within the arts, charity or community sectors is highly desirable, as is a genuine commitment to accessibility, inclusion and grassroots culture.
For more information,
Please send your CV to lizzy.clark@harrishill.co.uk
As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.
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