Organisation: We Group (The Fair, We Are Placemaking and We Are OPS)

Job Overview 

Lead operational planning and delivery

Lead operational planning across assigned projects, taking responsibility for the development and coordination of traffic management, security, ingress and egress, emergency planning and other operational workstreams from advance through to live delivery.

Manage clients, venues and stakeholders

Act as a senior day-to-day operational contact for clients, venues, suppliers, local authorities and stakeholders, maintaining clear communication and ensuring operational requirements are understood, progressed and delivered.

Lead safety, licensing and multi-agency processes

Develop event safety documentation and support projects through licensing and SAG processes, working confidently with local authorities, emergency services and other multi-agency partners.

Deliver strong on-site operations

Act as the on-site Operations Manager on large-scale events, leading operational coordination, supporting Event Control and chairing Emergency Liaison Team meetings where required.

Support the growth and standards of OPS

Contribute to company systems, supplier auditing, contracting, insurance, new business and the ongoing development of OPS processes and operational standards.

Operational Planning

• Lead operational event planning, including traffic management, security, ingress and egress planning
• Lead advance OPS project work, including direct liaison with clients, venues and suppliers
• Work closely with Production Managers at The Fair and Creative Producers at We Are Placemaking to develop joined-up operational plans
• Develop practical operational solutions that consider customer experience, site constraints, safety, licensing and local stakeholder requirements
• Coordinate operational schedules, actions and deliverables across multiple projects

Safety, Licensing & Compliance

• Write Event Safety Management Plans, Risk Assessments, Fire Risk Assessments and associated appendices for large-scale outdoor events, festivals and public realm activations
• Liaise with multi-agency representatives from Safety Advisory Groups and Local Authorities during planning and live event delivery
• Confidently manage projects through the SAG process, including preparation, attendance, presentations, actions and follow-up
• Support Premises Licence Applications
• Submit event licensing and permissions including Temporary Event Notices (TENs) and Section 30 notifications
• Support the OPS Health & Safety Manager with supplier auditing where required
• Maintain clear project records, logs and audit trails to support compliance and post-event review

Stakeholder Engagement & Sustainability

• Act as the lead for project-based stakeholder engagement where required
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with residents, businesses and other local stakeholders
• Plan and host resident and stakeholder meetings where required
• Lead event sustainability administration and advance work, coordinating requirements with clients, suppliers and internal teams

Client, Supplier & Commercial Management

• Manage a diverse portfolio of client projects and maintain strong client relationships throughout the project lifecycle
• Manage project budgets, cost tracking and client invoicing
• Oversee supplier contracting, including Preferred Supplier Agreements and review of supplier terms and conditions
• Manage company and individual event insurance requirements, including cancellation, hired equipment and public liability insurance, and provide appropriate guidance to clients
• Accurately record project time using company project management software
• Draft presentations and contribute to new business pitches

On-Site Event Delivery

• Act as the on-site Operations Manager for events of up to 20,000 people
• Provide senior operational leadership during build, live event and de-rig periods
• Liaise with clients, production teams, security, traffic management, emergency services, local authorities and other operational suppliers on site
• Lead on-site Emergency Liaison Team (ELT) meetings where required
• Support Event Control and incident response processes, ensuring clear communication, escalation and record keeping
• Lead or contribute to post-event operational debriefs and ensure actions and learning are captured

Company & Team Responsibilities

• Assist with wider OPS company administration, including updates to the company Event Calendar and Paperwork Tracker
• Support consistent operational standards and ways of working across the OPS team
• Share knowledge and operational experience with colleagues and support less experienced team members where appropriate
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of templates, processes and operational planning tools

Person Specification

Essential

• At least 2–3 years’ experience working in the live events industry, including experience gained on-site at outdoor events and festivals
• Confidence working as an Operations Manager on-site at large-scale outdoor events and festivals
• Proven ability to plan ahead, prioritise workload and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong time management, organisation and attention to detail
• Ability to manage a diverse client portfolio and maintain strong professional relationships
• Resilience and the ability to work effectively in a high-pressure live event environment
• Awareness of licensing legislation and application processes, including Premises Licences and Temporary Event Notices
• Confidence managing the Safety Advisory Group process
• Experience developing and maintaining positive relationships with local stakeholders, including residents
• Confidence communicating with clients, suppliers, emergency services, local authorities and personnel at all levels
• Experience producing or contributing to event safety and operational documentation
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel
• Full driver’s licence

Desirable

• Crowd Safety Management, NEBOSH or similar event safety / health and safety qualification
• Experience with traffic management, security or crowd management planning
• Experience supporting Premises Licence applications and other event permissions
• Experience leading ELT meetings or working within Event Control
• Experience with stakeholder engagement, sustainability planning or public consultation

About We Group

We Group is an independent live event production collective based in East London, specialising in festivals and large-scale events. We have been producing live events for over 20 years, working with some of the most exciting independent festival promoters, brands and organisations across the UK, US and beyond deliver live events across music, sports, activities and cultural events.

Our team has delivered festivals including Boiler Room and Labyrinth on The Thames, brand activations for the likes of Cupra, and major events for organisations including Grosvenor and London Heritage Quarter.

We deliver everything from venue-finding and site design to council liaison, procurement, and on-site production management, helping clients bring ambitious live events to life across the UK and internationally.

We Group is made up of three agencies – The Fair, We Are Placemaking and We Are OPS – all of which work closely to deliver large-scale cultural events, public activations and festival operations.

Working at We Group

At We Group, we strive to produce the best possible experiences for the people we work with. Our team’s expertise, bravery and big-picture thinking are integral to our approach, but it’s our mix of ambition, creativity, fun and flair that really sets us apart.

Our team is our most valuable asset – we are a family, and we work hard to support each other’s development. As a member of the We Group family, you will be supported with regular personal and professional development plans, team workshops and training.

Benefits

• Hybrid working options (first month in the office, then 2 days per week from home)
• Holiday pay (additional holiday with years served) + birthday off with pay
• Health Shield membership (to claim back medical expenses)
• Company Cycle Scheme
• Option to join company share scheme after 3 years’ service
• Ongoing personal and professional development
• Access to workshops, training and industry events
• Attendance at our portfolio of festivals and events

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews will take place as suitable candidates apply, so early applications are encouraged.

Please apply by sending your CV and/or cover letter explaining how you meet the person specification to: [email protected]

Subject line: OPS – Senior Operations Manager

Successful candidates will be invited for a short phone call to assess suitability, followed by a longer interview in person.

Applications via video or audio file will also be accepted and treated with equal consideration. Please outline how you meet the person specification in your recording.

Equal Opportunities

We strive to create the best possible experiences for everyone, and for everyone to feel valued and included. Our greatest strengths come from the people who make up our family – they are the magic behind the machine.

We are committed to equal opportunities and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of age, race, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, marriage, caring responsibilities, or pregnancy and maternity.

We welcome applications from deaf and disabled people. If you require reasonable adjustments to apply for the position or attend an interview, please let us know by calling 0203 916 6310 or emailing [email protected]

Location: UK (on-site UK with occasional international travel+ office)
Contract: Freelance
Rate: TBD

We Group is looking for experienced Freelance Health & Safety Managers to support live events, festivals, public activations, and large-scale outdoor productions across the UK and occasionally internationally. You’ll work closely with our internal teams across We Are OPS, We Are The Fair and We Are Placemaking to ensure safe, compliant and well-run events.

About the Role

We’re seeking a NEBOSH-qualified  (or equivalent) professionals  with 2–3+ years’ live event experience. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on-site H&S for outdoor events and festivals (up to 15,000 capacity), including dynamic risk assessments and ELT meetings.

• Produce Event Safety Management Plans, Risk Assessments, and all supporting safety documentation.

• Manage OPS client accounts, from planning through to delivery and post-event reporting.

• Conduct on-site inspections, audits, and risk mitigation reviews (with photo logs) and report to clients and teams.

• Liaise with SAG, local authorities, and multi-agency partners during planning and live events.

• Support licensing applications: Premises Licence, TENs, Section 30, and other permissions.

• Deliver H&S briefings and training to clients and internal teams.

• Review supplier RAMS, insurance, and compliance documentation; manage RIDDOR reporting.

• Contribute to presentations and new business pitches (PowerPoint/Keynote).

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• NEBOSH National or International General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health, or NVQ/SVQ Level 6 in Health & Safety at Work

• Live event / festival H&S experience

• Strong organisational and client-facing communication skills

• Confident working independently on large outdoor shows

• Good understanding of licensing, SAG processes, emergency planning

• Proficient user of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel

Desirable:

• Experience on events 10,000+ capacity

• Additional safety knowledge/qualifications

• Background in small independent agencies

How to Apply

Please send your CV and /or a cover letter to [email protected] with the subject:
“Freelance H&S Manager Application – [Your Name]”

Successful candidates will be invited to a brief phone, or Teams call to assess suitability for the role.

If you’d like to discuss the application process, call or email us at 0203 916 6310. Video or audio applications are welcome and treated equally — please outline how you meet the person specification. We aim to respond to all applicants and provide feedback where possible, though this may not always be possible due to the volume of applications.

Equal Opportunities

We strive to create the best possible experiences for everyone, and for everyone to be valued and included. Our greatest strengths come from the people who make up our family – they are the magic behind the machine.

We are committed to equality of opportunities and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of age, race, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, marriage, caring responsibilities, or pregnancy and maternity.

We welcome applications from deaf and disabled people. Do you require reasonable adjustments to apply for the position or attend the interview? Please let us know by calling 0203 916 6310 or emailing [email protected]