Venue Manager | Gladiators

About us

We’re an award-winning, global production and creative agency creating live experiences that stay with you for a lifetime. We produce some of the biggest and most highly acclaimed events across the Middle East and Europe, with the biggest artists from across the world. Find out more at: .

Reporting to Senior Management, the Venue Manager is responsible for delivering the day‑to‑day operational requirements of the Gladiators Experience, the brand new immersive event at the Birmingham NEC.

A key role, the Venue Manager will ensure the overall success of the event integrating all functional departments to ensure a seamless operational delivery and commercially successful event.

The Venue Manager will integrate the core functions of the event, overseeing operations, commercial and customer service to ensure cohesion and alignment with shared objectives, providing strategic and hands‑on leadership to ensure a safe, inclusive and memorable experience for all customers.

• Working alongside Operations Management, lead the daily operational delivery of the event ensuring all departments are aligned and show ready
• Act as on‑site decision maker during live operating hours
• Ensure event is operationally ready by liaising with wider team ensuring each area is prepared and ready for doors
• Prepare and deliver comprehensive pre‑show briefings to wider team
• Collaborate with the Customer Service Manager and Staffing Manager on the training, scheduling and management of the event team, providing ongoing coaching and development to maintain high standards
• Ensure the minimum required staffing levels are met for each show day by managing rotas, shift allocations and absence cover maintaining operational efficiency and cost control
• Set and maintain high standards of customer service across all departments and work closely with the Customer Service Manager for consistent service delivery.
• Act as escalation point for complex complaints or sensitive customer issues
• Review feedback and implement continuous improvement initiatives to maximise ticket sales
• Collaborate with the Health & Safety Manager to implement and comply with show audit procedures and Health & Safety standards
• Support the delivery of commercial objectives across ticket sales, upsells and retail
• Maintain strong communication across all channels to ensure cohesive team work and efficient problem solving

• Extensive experience as a General Manager, Venue Manager, or Operations Manager preferably within a large capacity venue or within the events industry
• Demonstrable experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in high pressure and live operating environments
• Proven ability to manage high customer throughput environments
• Strong leadership skills and ability to motivate teams
• Effective communication skills both written and verbal
• Strong understanding of UK Health and Safety legislation
• Clear, confident communicator, both written and verbal
• Passionate about delivering high quality customer service with a strong customer focus approach
• Flexible availability with the ability to be on‑site for all events including evenings and weekends

• Experience with participatory or interactive attractions
• Experience managing family focussed events

Rate dependent on experience and will be discussed at the offer stage.

Any sickness, holiday or any other absence will be taken as unpaid leave and will be deducted from this monthly figure, based on a pro rata figure.

Freelance agreement until the beginning of September 2026.

Applicants must be available for all of the below dates:

Up to 3 days will be required in March.

During April, 2 to 3 days per week of advance work will be needed, with on‑site presence required throughout the event build period in the final 2 weeks of the month.

Live show dates will be from 1st May, initially requiring 3 to 5 days per week across May, June, and July. This will increase to 5 days per week from 20th July through to the end of August.

3 days per week will then be required during the first 2 weeks of September.

Please note that the above schedule is indicative and subject to change in line with operational requirements.

Wednesday 25th March 2026

• Remote working during the advance stage.
• Onsite working days will be carried out at the NEC Arena in Birmingham.
• Please note that accommodation is not provided, therefore applicants must be local to Birmingham or have accommodation available to them throughout the duration of the agreement.

Onsite hours vary in length but are generally 8:30am – 18:45pm (this will also include weekends)

Full working hours to be discussed at the offer stage.