Company Description
Freight Island is one of the most exciting, forward-thinking and disruptive food markets in the world, it's a game changer and most importantly, it has a soul.
Blurring the lines between a food hall and a festival, Freight's unique set up reflects the times. An urban oasis where guests can enjoy delicious food, great drinks and live entertainment. We specialise in curating an evolving calendar of residencies and menus that span emerging local talent and nationally recognised names, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.
Role Description
We are seeking a full-time Venue Operations Manager to oversee daily operations and ensure the seamless functioning of our venue. This on-site and heavily hands-on role, based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, involves managing staff, coordinating events, maintaining high customer service standards, and ensuring health and safety compliance. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering exceptional guest experiences and creating a welcoming environment while maintaining operational efficiency.
The Venue Operations Manager is responsible for the successful delivery, safety, compliance, and ongoing operation of Freight Island Newcastle. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will act as the client-side lead during the construction phase, working closely with the appointed build contractor to ensure the project is delivered on time, to budget, and to specification, while embedding operational, Health and Safety, and licensing requirements from the outset.
Following handover and the venue going live, you will take full ownership of site operations, facilities, Health and Safety, compliance, licensing, and event readiness, ensuring the venue operates efficiently, legally, and safely at all times.
This is a senior, hands-on role with clear accountability for both build delivery and live site performance.
Key Responsibilities (to include but are not limited to):
Construction and Project Delivery
Act as Freight Island Newcastle's primary liaison with the main build contractor and professional team
Coordinate contractor activity with Freight Island operational, compliance, and future trading requirements
Ensure Health and Safety standards are met throughout the construction phase, including contractor controls and site safety
Review and oversee contractor risk assessments and method statements in collaboration with Health and Safety advisors
Support practical completion, snagging, and formal handover into live operations
Ensure utilities, compliance, licensing, and operational requirements are fully integrated into the build
Site Operations and Facilities Management
Overall responsibility for day-to-day site management once live
Management of cleaning, waste, maintenance, utilities, and site facilities
Ensure core services such as water, heating, power, and drainage are operational and compliant
Manage external contractors and service providers, agreeing scope, cost, and delivery timelines
Maintain asset registers and planned preventative maintenance schedules
Lead sustainability initiatives and utility efficiency projects
Health and Safety leadership
Full ownership of Health and Safety across construction, live operations, and events
Develop, implement, and maintain site wide Health and Safety systems and procedures
Lead all Health and Safety auditing and ensure actions are completed and evidenced
Carry out regular risk assessments and ensure appropriate controls are in place
Oversee scaffold inspections, contractor safety, and high-risk activities
Act as the primary point of contact with enforcing authorities including EHO
Compliance and Licensing
Ownership of all compliance and licensing requirements for the site and traders
Manage trader licensing processes
Ensure compliance before, during, and after events
Oversee food safety management systems across the site
Manage legionella controls, pest control programmes, and associated action plans
Ensure PAT testing regimes are in place and adhered to across all equipment
Events and Live Trading Support
Work closely with events, production, and operations teams to ensure site readiness
Lead compliance and safety planning for large scale events
Attend site works, event planning, and operational coordination meetings
Ensure temporary builds, installations, and activations meet safety and licensing standards
Commercial and Budget Management
Manage construction related costs with professional team during the build phase
Control site operating budgets post-opening
Negotiate with contractors and suppliers to achieve value, quality, and reliability
Monitor utilities and operational costs in collaboration with Finance
Identify risks, cost pressures, and efficiency opportunities early
Skills, Experience, and Attributes
Essential
Strong working knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and compliance frameworks
Experience operating complex venues, multi-use sites, or large-scale hospitality or events environments
Demonstrable experience managing contractors and external stakeholders
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Confident decision maker able to challenge contractors and influence outcomes
Clear and effective communicator at all levels
Desirable
Experience working with local authorities, EHO, and licensing bodies
Knowledge of food safety management systems and live event compliance
Experience overseeing utilities, facilities management, and sustainability initiatives
Interview process
First stage video call with a People & Talent Manager
Second stage with our Managing Director
Salary - £35 - 37k, DOE