Venue Rigging Operations Manager UK Rigging Full-Time Contract

UK Rigging is a rapidly growing company operating in the exciting, fast-paced live events and entertainment industry. We pride ourselves on providing a safe, high-quality, and professional venue rigging service.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for an organised, confident, and proactive Venue Rigging Operations Manager to join us on an 18-month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave.

While the permanent role will return to our Edinburgh office once the current manager comes back, we want the person taking on this maternity cover to be based at our Bolton Headquarters. Bolton is where most of our team is based, meaning you will get the best day-to-day support and work directly alongside your colleagues.

To ensure a smooth handover, your first 3 months will require travel to our Edinburgh office for at least 3 days a week (via train or car) so you can learn directly from the existing manager. The remaining 2 days each week will be spent in Bolton.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a leading industry name, with a real chance at future permanent job opportunities as our company continues to grow.

THE ROLE & KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

As Venue Rigging Operations Manager, you will oversee the daily activities of the Venue Rigging department, ensuring safety, efficiency, and high professional standards. You will manage a hybrid team of 3 employees split between the Bolton and Edinburgh offices, so you must be comfortable managing people remotely.

Your day-to-day duties will include:

• Team Leadership: Managing the CAD team, leading daily departmental meetings and tracking team wellbeing/performance.
• Client & Deadline Management: Answering client enquiries quickly, keeping track of event deadlines, and making sure compliance paperwork is finished on time. This includes handling layout drawings, roof analysis reports, and frequent last-minute updates.
• Liaising with Stakeholders: Working closely with a wide range of clients, venues, productions, and our network of freelance Rigging Managers across the UK.
• Industry Engagement: While primarily office-based, you will be encouraged to undertake site visits, shadow rigging shifts, and visit various venues to build client relationships and gain a deep, practical understanding of our operations.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Technical Knowledge: A solid technical background in live production, events, or a similar industry. Rigging knowledge is a big plus, but it isn’t essential.

People Management: Experience managing a small team. You must be comfortable managing staff remotely and working collaboratively with stakeholders who are based elsewhere.

Software Skills: Strong confidence using a PC, Microsoft Office (including Excel), and ideally Google Workspace. The key skill is being able to pick up programmes quickly. Existing CAD skills are beneficial, but we can teach you how to navigate the software on the job.

Communication & Character: You are a calm, confident communicator who enjoys improving processes, and has excellent time and team management skills.

WHERE AND WHEN WILL YOU BE WORKING?

• Location: Based at UK Rigging Headquarters (Bolton), with initial travel to Edinburgh.
• Position Type: 18-Month Fixed-Term Contract.
• Working Pattern: Office-based with hybrid team management, plus occasional site and client visits.
• Reporting To: Head of Venue Rigging.
• Schedule: 35 hours a week, split over Monday - Friday
• Emergency Cover: This role requires paid emergency remote cover on a rota basis.

OTHER BENEFITS

• 25 days holiday (+ 8 Statutory) with holiday reward scheme for long-term service
• Long closure for Christmas and New Year (included in the above allocation)
• Regular team building events
• Employee Assistance Program with access to free mental health support and cashback on your health expenses
• Cycle to work scheme
• Onsite occupational therapist available to all employees

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