On Event Production Co
Head of Operations
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Head of Operations
Location: Castle Donington, Derby - On-site (plus travel as required)
About Us
On Event Production Co is one of the UK's leading live event production and scenic fabrication companies, delivering technical and creative solutions for conferences, awards ceremonies, exhibitions, product launches, fashion shows, and live experiences across the UK and Europe.
Working with major brands, agencies, and event organisers, we combine technical production expertise with in-house scenic fabrication to create exceptional event environments. Following significant investment and continued growth within our Scenic Fabrication department, including the launch of our new 15,000 sq ft facility in Castle Donington, we are seeking an experienced and ambitious leader to take ownership of this important part of our business.
The department currently comprises a talented team of 9 project management, workshop, and onsite professionals, with ambitious plans to continue growing over the coming years.
The Role
This is a senior leadership position with responsibility for the strategic direction, operational performance, profitability, and continued growth of our Scenic Fabrication department.
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, you will lead and develop a multi-disciplinary team across project management, workshop operations, and installation delivery. You will be responsible for shaping the future of the department, driving operational excellence, improving profitability, and building a high-performing team capable of supporting continued growth.
This is a genuine opportunity to lead a business within a business. You will inherit a capable and committed team of 9 people and be responsible for developing the structure, capability, and culture required to support growth to a team of 15+ over the coming years.
This role is best suited to someone who thinks like a business leader rather than a project manager. Whilst experience within scenic fabrication, exhibitions, events, or manufacturing would be advantageous, we are primarily looking for an exceptional leader who can build teams, drive performance, improve profitability, and create a scalable business unit.
You will play a key role in shaping the future of the department as we continue to invest in facilities, people, and capability.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Lead the Scenic Fabrication department and contribute to the wider strategic direction of the business.
- Develop and implement the department's strategic plan in line with company objectives.
- Identify opportunities for growth, operational improvement, and increased profitability.
- Report regularly to the Board on performance, opportunities, risks, and strategic initiatives.
- Establish clear objectives, KPIs, and performance measures across the department.
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Financial Management
- Take ownership of the department's financial performance and profitability.
- Drive improvements in operational efficiency, utilisation, and margin performance.
- Monitor project performance and departmental profitability.
- Ensure accurate forecasting, resource planning, and operational reporting.
- Support commercial decision-making, pricing strategies, and investment recommendations.
People & Culture
- Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing team across project management, workshop, and installation functions.
- Build a culture of accountability, ownership, continuous improvement, and collaboration.
- Recruit, mentor, and retain talented individuals as the department continues to grow.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and development planning.
- Develop future leaders within the department and build succession plans.
Operational Excellence
- Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on time, and to the highest quality standards.
- Oversee resource planning, capacity management, and workflow across the department.
- Continuously improve systems, processes, and ways of working.
- Ensure effective communication between project management, workshop, production, and installation teams.
- Maintain high standards of health and safety, compliance, and operational governance.
Client & Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, agencies, suppliers, and key stakeholders.
- Support business development opportunities and major client engagements.
- Act as a senior escalation point for complex projects and client issues.
- Represent the Scenic Fabrication department both internally and externally.
Job Requirements
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in a senior leadership role within scenic fabrication, exhibitions, events, construction, manufacturing, or a related industry.
- Demonstrable experience managing departmental or business unit performance.
- Strong commercial awareness and experience managing profitability and operational performance.
- Excellent people management, leadership, and coaching skills.
- Experience building, developing, and leading high-performing teams.
- Strong strategic thinking and decision-making abilities.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience presenting to senior leadership teams or boards.
- Ability to drive organizational change and continuous improvement.
- Full UK driving licence.
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Desirable Skills & Experience
- Experience within the live events, exhibitions, or experiential sectors.
- Knowledge of scenic fabrication, set construction, or exhibition stand production.
- Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams.
- Experience supporting business growth, restructuring, or departmental expansion.
- Familiarity with project management, manufacturing, or ERP systems.
Working Hours
This is a full-time position based primarily from our Castle Donington facility, with occasional travel to client sites, suppliers, and industry events as required.
Employee Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Performance-related bonus scheme.
- Company pension scheme.
Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to lead a growing scenic fabrication department at a pivotal stage in its development.
With a newly established 15,000 sq ft facility, a talented team of 9 people, and ambitious plans for future growth, you will have the opportunity to shape the structure, culture, and long-term success of the department.
Reporting directly to the Board, you will have genuine autonomy to influence strategy, recruitment, investment, operational direction, and future growth while helping build one of the UK's leading scenic fabrication businesses serving the live events industry.
As an equal opportunities employer, On Event Production Co. is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join our team.
Please note, the successful applicant will be asked to provide 2 references and complete a basic DBS check.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should a suitable candidate be identified.
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