Operations Director at Factory International
Based: Manchester Salary: from £65,000 per annum (dependent on experience) A role central to embedding the organisation into Aviva Studios, we’re seeking an exceptional operational leader to build the success of our new home with passion, determination & commitment to excellence. Closing date – 16 Feb 2025 Anticipated Interview dates – 27-29 Feb (first stage), 14 March (second stage) This new role at Factory International is central to embedding the organisation into our new home – Aviva Studios. Over the past three years, Factory International has grown into a large complex organisation, now responsible for a major new cultural venue delivering a ground-breaking year-round programme. We are seeking an exceptional operational leader, with a commitment to rigour and excellence, with passion and determination, to help us build the success of this exceptional destination in the heart of Manchester. The Operations Director is the key point of contact for all teams and departments in assessing the practicalities, operational logistics and risk implications of events and activities taking place within Aviva Studios and in the public realm. The Operations Director will lead on management of operational risk across the organisation including H&S, Emergency Planning, Disaster Recovery and Fire Safety. They are the driving strategic force behind the Visitor Welcome shaping the Visitor Experience Strategy, overseeing the Visitor Welcome Team and contract management of our external security partner. The Operations Director will ensure that efficient operational systems and controls are in place to manage Factory International @ Aviva Studios’ day-to-day activities, ensuring also that the company’s operation and its building are safe, compliant and can help deliver the objectives of the business and the welcome we extend to all our visitors. Through management of the Facilities Team, they will be accountable for planned preventative maintenance programme, reactive maintenance and act as senior contract liaison with the third-party Facilities Management partner (CBRE). The Operations Director will work closely with creative, design and event teams to oversee the uniquely dynamic social spaces at Aviva Studios, reflecting the changing seasons and needs of different events and productions, while considering the commercial requirements of the site and working proactively with the Commercial Teams to drive revenue across the venue. The key responsibilities for the Operations Director include: Venue Operations
Accountable for all aspects of Aviva Studio operations – inputting into strategic planning and programming schedule, guiding the organisation on legislative and regulatory compliance, and ensuring standard operating procedures and manuals are regularly updated and relevant licences and consents are in place. Oversight of the reactive and preventative maintenance strategies and ensure that the venue is presented to the highest standard for the public, artists and those working there. Bring high-level expertise and insight to the scoping and planning of the varied events that make up Factory International’s programme. Lead on compliance, risk mitigation, safety and operational best practice to support delivery of the in-venue and Festival programmes. Support delivery of commercial initiatives through close engagement and operational planning with the Commercial Teams and the Food & Beverage partner.
Visitor Experience
Drive the design and ongoing development of the Visitor Experience Strategy. Leading the Welcome teams to deliver a generous, warm and inclusive welcome. Accountable for the presentation and ‘look and feel’ of our venue and public realm at Aviva Studios, collaborating with colleagues to strengthen the commercial performance and overall destination appeal of the venue and site. Maintain the safety and security of visitors, through the management of risk, overview of security strategy and through close work with the Head of Welcome on staff and volunteer training programmes.
Emergency Planning
Accountable for the ongoing development of major incident, business continuity and emergency plans, including disaster recovery, Fire Safety and counter terrorism. Ensuring end-to-end processes are compliant, fully trained in and communicated to all staff. Work closely with the Director of Audiences to refine the Crisis Communications plans ensuring consistency and alignment across a range of incident scenarios.
Security
Accountable for the delivery of the security strategy and to actively manage the outsourced security contract. Lead on procurement for renewal or additional third-party security services.
Health & Safety
Responsible for building out the Health & Safety policy and organisational delivery plan including accident reporting and investigation processes and first aid provision. As Chair of the H&S Steering Group, ensure that all plans and policy are communicated and trained to all staff and stakeholders. Maintain compliance through regular reviews. Keep up to date with any changes in Health & Safety legislation and provide reports to the Executive Director in order that the Board and CEO can exercise their full oversight responsibilities. Identify risk and manage mitigation for Aviva Studio operations including managing the organisation’s insurance broker relationship and ensuring adequate up to date cover. Lead renewal negotiations or retendering process for key service partners e.g. cleaning, security and facilities management contracts, ensuring favourable commercial terms and alignment with Factory International values.
Stakeholder Relations
Strengthen key external stakeholder relationships ensuring Factory International is positively represented at all relevant meetings, including: Manchester City Council, blue light agencies, St John’s Estate and local business and resident forums.
The person specification for the Operations Director includes: ESSENTIAL – Experience & Skills
Comprehensive experience in managing venue or site-based operations with proven ability to work at a senior level within a complex organisation, to lead, inspire, and motivate a diverse team within a fast-paced operational setting. Ability to drive forward our unique visitor experience, ensuring a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment and delivering consistent quality and accessibility for all. Experience in developing and implementing emergency planning, major incident and business continuity strategies informed by practical experience of security strategies, crowd management, counter terrorism preparedness and fire safety. Knowledge of licensing compliance and Health & Safety legislation, including NEBOSH or equivalent qualification/practical experience level. Experience of supporting the scoping planning and delivery of large-scale events. Track record of successfully procuring and managing third-party service contracts. Strong budget management and record of thinking innovatively in balancing cost control with quality and high performance. Confidence in written and verbal communication, underpinned by excellent IT and organisational skills. Willingness to work irregular hours, including weekends and evenings when required. Commitment to championing representation and inclusion at every level of the organisation with a proven ability to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds. Willing to take relevant statutory checks e.g. DBS (Factory International can support with processing and payment).
Attributes
Great interpersonal and diplomatic skills for working closely with departments and teams with competing priorities and focus. Confidence to represent Factory International with the public and with external partners communicating an understanding and enthusiasm for the vision and values of the organisation. Appetite for creative problem solving and generating solutions. Highly organised with ability to work at pace with close attention to detail and quality. Background in cultural, creative, events or leisure venues. Knowledge of sustainability practices and innovative operational strategies. Track record in contributing to strong commercial results. Familiarity with capital planning, planned and reactive maintenance strategies. Experience of working with venue scheduling software and BMS systems. DPS/Personal Licence holder. Formal qualifications or training in: Crowd Management, Experience Design, Project Management, Emergency Planning.
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Based: Manchester Salary: from £65,000 per annum (dependent on experience) A role central to embedding the organisation into Aviva Studios, we’re seeking an exceptional operational leader to build the success of our new home with passion, determination & commitment to excellence. Closing date – 16 Feb 2025 Anticipated Interview dates – 27-29 Feb (first stage), 14 March (second stage) This new role at Factory International is central to embedding the organisation into our new home – Aviva Studios. Over the past three years, Factory International has grown into a large complex organisation, now responsible for a major new cultural venue delivering a ground-breaking year-round programme. We are seeking an exceptional operational leader, with a commitment to rigour and excellence, with passion and determination, to help us build the success of this exceptional destination in the heart of Manchester. The Operations Director is the key point of contact for all teams and departments in assessing the practicalities, operational logistics and risk implications of events and activities taking place within Aviva Studios and in the public realm. The Operations Director will lead on management of operational risk across the organisation including H&S, Emergency Planning, Disaster Recovery and Fire Safety. They are the driving strategic force behind the Visitor Welcome shaping the Visitor Experience Strategy, overseeing the Visitor Welcome Team and contract management of our external security partner. The Operations Director will ensure that efficient operational systems and controls are in place to manage Factory International @ Aviva Studios’ day-to-day activities, ensuring also that the company’s operation and its building are safe, compliant and can help deliver the objectives of the business and the welcome we extend to all our visitors. Through management of the Facilities Team, they will be accountable for planned preventative maintenance programme, reactive maintenance and act as senior contract liaison with the third-party Facilities Management partner (CBRE). The Operations Director will work closely with creative, design and event teams to oversee the uniquely dynamic social spaces at Aviva Studios, reflecting the changing seasons and needs of different events and productions, while considering the commercial requirements of the site and working proactively with the Commercial Teams to drive revenue across the venue. The key responsibilities for the Operations Director include: Venue Operations
Accountable for all aspects of Aviva Studio operations – inputting into strategic planning and programming schedule, guiding the organisation on legislative and regulatory compliance, and ensuring standard operating procedures and manuals are regularly updated and relevant licences and consents are in place. Oversight of the reactive and preventative maintenance strategies and ensure that the venue is presented to the highest standard for the public, artists and those working there. Bring high-level expertise and insight to the scoping and planning of the varied events that make up Factory International’s programme. Lead on compliance, risk mitigation, safety and operational best practice to support delivery of the in-venue and Festival programmes. Support delivery of commercial initiatives through close engagement and operational planning with the Commercial Teams and the Food & Beverage partner.
Visitor Experience
Drive the design and ongoing development of the Visitor Experience Strategy. Leading the Welcome teams to deliver a generous, warm and inclusive welcome. Accountable for the presentation and ‘look and feel’ of our venue and public realm at Aviva Studios, collaborating with colleagues to strengthen the commercial performance and overall destination appeal of the venue and site. Maintain the safety and security of visitors, through the management of risk, overview of security strategy and through close work with the Head of Welcome on staff and volunteer training programmes.
Emergency Planning
Accountable for the ongoing development of major incident, business continuity and emergency plans, including disaster recovery, Fire Safety and counter terrorism. Ensuring end-to-end processes are compliant, fully trained in and communicated to all staff. Work closely with the Director of Audiences to refine the Crisis Communications plans ensuring consistency and alignment across a range of incident scenarios.
Security
Accountable for the delivery of the security strategy and to actively manage the outsourced security contract. Lead on procurement for renewal or additional third-party security services.
Health & Safety
Responsible for building out the Health & Safety policy and organisational delivery plan including accident reporting and investigation processes and first aid provision. As Chair of the H&S Steering Group, ensure that all plans and policy are communicated and trained to all staff and stakeholders. Maintain compliance through regular reviews. Keep up to date with any changes in Health & Safety legislation and provide reports to the Executive Director in order that the Board and CEO can exercise their full oversight responsibilities. Identify risk and manage mitigation for Aviva Studio operations including managing the organisation’s insurance broker relationship and ensuring adequate up to date cover. Lead renewal negotiations or retendering process for key service partners e.g. cleaning, security and facilities management contracts, ensuring favourable commercial terms and alignment with Factory International values.
Stakeholder Relations
Strengthen key external stakeholder relationships ensuring Factory International is positively represented at all relevant meetings, including: Manchester City Council, blue light agencies, St John’s Estate and local business and resident forums.
The person specification for the Operations Director includes: ESSENTIAL – Experience & Skills
Comprehensive experience in managing venue or site-based operations with proven ability to work at a senior level within a complex organisation, to lead, inspire, and motivate a diverse team within a fast-paced operational setting. Ability to drive forward our unique visitor experience, ensuring a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment and delivering consistent quality and accessibility for all. Experience in developing and implementing emergency planning, major incident and business continuity strategies informed by practical experience of security strategies, crowd management, counter terrorism preparedness and fire safety. Knowledge of licensing compliance and Health & Safety legislation, including NEBOSH or equivalent qualification/practical experience level. Experience of supporting the scoping planning and delivery of large-scale events. Track record of successfully procuring and managing third-party service contracts. Strong budget management and record of thinking innovatively in balancing cost control with quality and high performance. Confidence in written and verbal communication, underpinned by excellent IT and organisational skills. Willingness to work irregular hours, including weekends and evenings when required. Commitment to championing representation and inclusion at every level of the organisation with a proven ability to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds. Willing to take relevant statutory checks e.g. DBS (Factory International can support with processing and payment).
Attributes
Great interpersonal and diplomatic skills for working closely with departments and teams with competing priorities and focus. Confidence to represent Factory International with the public and with external partners communicating an understanding and enthusiasm for the vision and values of the organisation. Appetite for creative problem solving and generating solutions. Highly organised with ability to work at pace with close attention to detail and quality. Background in cultural, creative, events or leisure venues. Knowledge of sustainability practices and innovative operational strategies. Track record in contributing to strong commercial results. Familiarity with capital planning, planned and reactive maintenance strategies. Experience of working with venue scheduling software and BMS systems. DPS/Personal Licence holder. Formal qualifications or training in: Crowd Management, Experience Design, Project Management, Emergency Planning.
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