Venue Ops Manager

Freight Island is one of the most exciting, forward-thinking and disruptive food markets in the world, it’s a game changer and most importantly, it has a soul.

Blurring the lines between a food hall and a festival, Freight’s unique set up reflects the times. An urban oasis where guests can enjoy delicious food, great drinks and live entertainment. We specialise in curating an evolving calendar of residencies and menus that span emerging local talent and nationally recognised names, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.

We are seeking a full-time Venue Operations Manager to oversee daily operations and ensure the seamless functioning of our venue. This on-site and heavily hands‑on role, based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, involves managing staff, coordinating events, maintaining high customer service standards, and ensuring health and safety compliance. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering exceptional guest experiences and creating a welcoming environment while maintaining operational efficiency.

The Venue Operations Manager is responsible for the successful delivery, safety, compliance, and ongoing operation of Freight Island Newcastle. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will act as the client‑side lead during the construction phase, working closely with the appointed build contractor to ensure the project is delivered on time, to budget, and to specification, while embedding operational, Health and Safety, and licensing requirements from the outset.

Following handover and the venue going live, you will take full ownership of site operations, facilities, Health and Safety, compliance, licensing, and event readiness, ensuring the venue operates efficiently, legally, and safely at all times.

This is a senior, hands‑on role with clear accountability for both build delivery and live site performance.

• Act as Freight Island Newcastle’s primary liaison with the main build contractor and professional team
• Coordinate contractor activity with Freight Island operational, compliance, and future trading requirements
• Ensure Health and Safety standards are met throughout the construction phase, including contractor controls and site safety
• Review and oversee contractor risk assessments and method statements in collaboration with Health and Safety advisors
• Support practical completion, snagging, and formal handover into live operations
• Ensure utilities, compliance, licensing, and operational requirements are fully integrated into the build

• Overall responsibility for day‑to‑day site management once live
• Management of cleaning, waste, maintenance, utilities, and site facilities
• Ensure core services such as water, heating, power, and drainage are operational and compliant
• Manage external contractors and service providers, agreeing scope, cost, and delivery timelines
• Maintain asset registers and planned preventative maintenance schedules
• Lead sustainability initiatives and utility efficiency projects

• Full ownership of Health and Safety across construction, live operations, and events
• Develop, implement, and maintain site wide Health and Safety systems and procedures
• Lead all Health and Safety auditing and ensure actions are completed and evidenced
• Carry out regular risk assessments and ensure appropriate controls are in place
• Oversee scaffold inspections, contractor safety, and high‑risk activities
• Act as the primary point of contact with enforcing authorities including EHO

• Ownership of all compliance and licensing requirements for the site and traders
• Ensure compliance before, during, and after events
• Oversee food safety management systems across the site
• Manage legionella controls, pest control programmes, and associated action plans
• Ensure PAT testing regimes are in place and adhered to across all equipment

• Work closely with events, production, and operations teams to ensure site readiness
• Lead compliance and safety planning for large scale events
• Attend site works, event…