Operations Director, Arts & Entertainment

Join to apply for the Operations Director, Arts & Entertainment role at Endeavor

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Operations Director, Arts & Entertainment

Join to apply for the Operations Director, Arts & Entertainment role at Endeavor

Who We Are
IMG is a leading global sports marketing agency, specializing in media rights management and sales, multi-channel content production and distribution, brand partnerships, strategic consulting, digital services, and events management. It powers growth of revenues, fanbases and IP for more than 200 federations, associations, events, and teams, including the National Football League, English Premier League, International Olympic Committee, National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, ATP and WTA Tours, Wimbledon, Euroleague Basketball, CONMEBOL, DP World Tour, The R&A, UFC, WWE, and PBR. IMG is a subsidiary of TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO), a premium sports and entertainment company.

What You'll Do
This role requires strong, supportive leadership and extensive experience in delivering major events or attractions at a strategic level. Focus areas include Hyde Park Winter Wonderland’s operational delivery, covering security, stewarding, event control, crowd behavior, and profitability. The ideal candidate will have experience as a strategic delivery lead (Gold Command) on major events or visitor attractions, leading operational strategy, emergency planning, and incident management. The role also involves stewardship of the Operations team—including permanent staff and freelancers—ensuring they are supported, encouraged, and mentored.

We welcome applications from those experienced in managing large capacity public venues and/or stadiums.

Key Responsibilities And Accountabilities

• Act as overall operational planning lead for Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, managing the coordinated delivery of a safe and secure event in accordance with the premise license.
• Responsible for the operational strategy and tactical delivery as part of the senior management team, collaborating with department heads to meet commercial and operational objectives.
• Review relevant legislation and guidance, ensuring compliance and excellence.
• Serve as Event Gold and/or Silver Command during the event, as required.
• Line manage and support the operations team, including senior safety and operations managers.
• Manage the design, hiring, and budgeting of the temporary event operations team and command arrangements.
• Coordinate with major operational suppliers, including security and stewarding contractors.
• Oversee procurement, deployment, and management of security/stewarding contractors, including staff training and briefing.
• Oversee operational budgets and supplier invoicing, ensuring resource allocation within budget.
• Collaborate on emergency plans, crowd management, and site design with relevant teams.
• Design and manage the Event Control Centre, ensuring staff training and resource access.
• Monitor operational and staffing budgets, negotiating with suppliers as needed.
• Develop risk registers, contingency plans, and conduct exercises.
• Lead multi-agency and stakeholder meetings, including with The Royal Parks.
• Manage supplier contracts, negotiations, and post-event reconciliation.
• Scope event requirements, oversee tenders, and build multi-year partnerships.
• Maintain relationships with contractors, sponsors, and clients.
• Conduct post-event debriefs, gather feedback, and implement improvements.
• Assist with business modeling and research for future events, including international projects.
• Support other Arts & Entertainment events, including international Winter Wonderland projects.

Unusual Challenges or Circumstances

• Work involves regular weekends and long hours during the festive season (Nov–Jan).
• Travel to other events within the portfolio may be required, including Hampton Court Palace Festival and The Big Feastival.
• Travel for meetings outside of event periods may be necessary.

Key Results Areas

• Deliver a successful, safe, on-time, and within-budget event.
• Achieve positive feedback from stakeholders, visitors, and team members.
• Plan effectively, meet deadlines, and maintain service quality and costs.
• Contribute innovative ideas and approaches.
• Represent the company positively and participate in morale activities.

You Have These

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience managing large outdoor events or visitor attractions.
• Experience managing major contractors and senior staff.
• Experience working with emergency services and safety groups.
• Experience with detailed budget management.
• Experience in team development and growth.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and influencing skills.
• Ability to handle pressure and lead in dynamic situations.
• Effective task management and prioritization.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and enthusiastic.
• Personable, professional, and motivational management style.
• Excellent writing and proofreading skills.
• Numerate with strong budget comprehension and decision-making skills.
• Proficient in MS Office; knowledge of CAD, Visio is desirable.

Qualifications and Training

• Understanding of UK and EU Health & Safety legislation, including CDM 2015 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Desirable

• NVQS Crowd Safety Management
• NVQS Spectator Safety Management
• IOSH/NEBOSH qualification
• First aid qualification
• Full UK driving license

Working Conditions

Perm, London Chiswick Park. Start date: September 2025. Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm.