Venue Operations Manager

Position Overview

The Venue Operations Manager is responsible for the overall operational management, performance, safety and commercial readiness of the venue. The role provides strategic and hands-on leadership across daily venue operations, events, facilities management, guest experience, technical operations, contractors, maintenance and stakeholder coordination.

The position ensures that the venue operates safely, efficiently and to a consistently high standard while supporting revenue generation, private events, exhibitions and other commercial activities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Venue Operations & Management

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the venue and ensure smooth, efficient and professional delivery.
• Establish and maintain operational standards, SOPs, policies and emergency procedures.
• Oversee opening, closing, daily inspections and operational readiness.
• Monitor venue performance, operational KPIs, manpower deployment and service standards.
• Identify operational risks and implement corrective and preventive measures.
• Ensure the venue remains compliant with applicable statutory, safety and operational requirements.

1. Events & Commercial Operations

• Lead operational planning and execution for corporate events, private functions, exhibitions, launches and special events.
• Coordinate with event organisers, production companies, contractors and internal departments from planning through dismantling.
• Review event proposals, layouts, load-in/load-out plans, technical requirements and operational risks.
• Ensure event activities comply with venue rules, safety requirements and approved operating conditions.
• Support the commercial team in maximising venue utilisation and revenue opportunities.
• Ensure event-related reinstatement, damage recovery, deposits and performance bonds are properly managed.

1. Facilities & Technical Operations

• Oversee the performance of facilities management, M&E, HVAC, electrical, lighting, AV, security, cleaning and other building services.
• Manage contractors and service providers to ensure agreed service levels, maintenance schedules and response times are achieved.
• Monitor defects, preventive maintenance and corrective works.
• Ensure proper handover, documentation and maintenance records for venue systems and equipment.
• Coordinate with landlords, building management, consultants, main contractors and specialist contractors on technical and operational matters.

1. Health, Safety & Risk Management

• Maintain a strong safety culture across all venue operations.
• Ensure risk assessments, method statements, permits-to-work and safety procedures are properly implemented.
• Lead operational response to incidents, emergencies and business disruptions.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness, evacuation procedures and drills.
• Ensure contractors, vendors and event organisers comply with venue safety requirements.
• Investigate incidents and implement appropriate corrective actions.

1. Manpower & Team Leadership

• Lead, develop and manage the venue operations team.
• Establish manpower requirements, duty rosters and operational coverage.
• Set performance objectives and conduct regular performance reviews.
• Develop staff training programmes covering operations, safety, customer service and emergency response.
• Build a culture of accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement.

1. Contractor & Stakeholder Management

• Manage relationships with landlords, government agencies, consultants, contractors, vendors and strategic partners.
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders on venue approvals, access, utilities, maintenance and event requirements.
• Review contractor performance and commercial proposals.
• Ensure contractors deliver works according to agreed scope, quality, cost and schedule.
• Escalate critical operational and contractual matters to senior management.

1. Budget & Cost Management

• Prepare and manage the venue operations budget.
• Monitor operational expenditure, utilities, maintenance and manpower costs.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimisation without compromising safety, quality or guest experience.
• Review quotations, contracts and service agreements.
• Track operational costs associated with events and recover applicable costs from clients or contractors.

1. Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure venue operations comply with applicable legislation, licence conditions, authority requirements and landlord requirements.
• Maintain accurate operational records, inspection reports, maintenance records and incident reports.
• Ensure drawings, certificates, permits, SOPs and technical documentation are properly maintained.
• Support audits, inspections and authority submissions when required.

1. Business Continuity & Crisis Management

• Develop and maintain contingency plans for power failures, equipment breakdowns, technical failures, severe weather, security incidents and other operational disruptions.
• Lead the venue's operational response during major incidents.
• Ensure critical systems and business continuity arrangements are regularly tested and reviewed.

Key Performance Indicators

• Venue operational readiness and uptime
• Safety performance and incident reduction
• Guest satisfaction and service standards
• Event delivery and client satisfaction
• Venue utilisation and operational support for revenue generation
• Maintenance and contractor performance
• Operational cost control
• Compliance with statutory and venue requirements
• Staff productivity and training
• Successful delivery of major events and special projects

Qualifications & Experience

• Hospitality Management, Facilities Management, Business, Engineering, Events Management or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8 - 10 years of relevant experience in venue operations, hospitality, MICE, exhibitions, entertainment, integrated resorts or large-scale commercial facilities.
• Proven experience managing complex venues and high-profile events.
• Strong experience in facilities, technical operations, contractor and stakeholder management.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and outsourced service providers.
• Strong understanding of workplace safety, risk management and operational compliance.
• Strong commercial awareness and budget management skills.

Leadership Competencies

• Strong operational leadership
• Decision-making and problem-solving
• Stakeholder and relationship management
• Financial and cost management
• Crisis and incident management
• Team development and performance management
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced event environment