Operations Manager | Experiential Design and Build Scaleup | London / Hybrid

Harmonic are delighted to be partnering with a fast-growth specialist in the events and structures space in their search for an Operations Manager. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced operational leader who thrives under pressure, enjoys real variety, and wants to work with some of the most high-profile events on the global sporting and entertainment calendar.

The Client

Our client is a specialist business delivering complex structures, builds and logistical programmes for major events across sport and entertainment. With a lean permanent team and a contractor network of around 1,000, they consistently operate at a scale that belies their headcount - running multiple large-format, high-pressure projects simultaneously for some of the world's most recognised brands.

The business is in a period of rapid growth, having recently secured a significant new contract that will meaningfully increase their footprint.

The Role

Reporting to the Director of Business Operations, the Operations Manager will own end-to-end planning and delivery across multiple live projects running simultaneously. In peak season, that means 4-5 major projects in the air at once, up to 200 crew on a single event, and stakeholders ranging from international contractors to director-level clients. You will line manage the Operations Assistant and work in close day-to-day coordination with the Site Operations Manager.

This is a role for someone who finds complexity energising rather than exhausting. No project ever runs without a problem; what the business needs is someone who makes clear decisions fast, builds trust with contractors and crew alike, and is willing to get on site to do it. Regular site visits are expected and genuinely valued.

The role is a 12-month fixed-term contract, perfect for someone looking to work with some of the world's most recognised sporting and entertainment events.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end operational and logistical delivery across 4-5 simultaneous live projects in peak season, with up to 200 crew on a single event
• Manage crew resource across all projects: who goes where, which crew to move between events, and sourcing local crew internationally
• Line manage the Operations Assistant, tracking task completion across every active project and keeping delivery tight
• Build and maintain strong relationships with contractors and crew through regular site visits and genuine engagement
• Lead supplier management and rapid problem-solving when things go wrong: kit that does not arrive, crew shortfalls, last-minute changes
• Coordinate closely with the Site Operations Manager on ground-level operational issues across all projects
• Keep every project running to plan and make fast, clear decisions when they do not

What our client needs to see (essential):

• A proven track record managing large crews (100+) across multiple simultaneous projects
• Background in live events, staging, or temporary structures - large-scale, high-pressure environments essential
• Experience delivering for major brand clients, with the confidence to operate at director level and with contractors alike
• Strong administration, planning and logistics skills - the ability to hold many complex moving parts at once
• Fast and solutions-focused under pressure; someone who finds solutions rather than escalates problems
• Direct and confident, with the willingness to get on site and build genuine relationships with contractors and crew

What we would like to see (non-essential):

• Experience sourcing and coordinating international crew and local logistics across multiple markets
• Background at a large events agency or similarly scaled operation
• Line management experience including junior operations or logistics staff

Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 (up to £65,000 for an exceptional candidate)

Location: South West London / Hybrid - minimum 2 days per week in office

Start Date: Mid to end of October

Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract

At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.

At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.