Columbia Events
Operations Manager - Bars
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Event Operations Coordinator – Bar Construction & Live Operations
Company: Columbia Events
Contract: Full Time
Salary: £40,000
Location: London & South East–based, UK-wide event & festival sites
ABOUT THE ROLE
Columbia Events is seeking an Event Operations Manager with strong experience in event production, bar construction and live bar operations to support the delivery of temporary bar installations across festivals, sporting venues and live events year round.
This is a hands-on, site-focused role covering the full event lifecycle - from bar build and production through to live trading and breakdown. Working closely with the senior operations and bar management teams, you will support the physical delivery of bar structures, draught systems, site infrastructure and on-site operations during live event days.
This role suits someone with solid technical and operational experience in live events who is comfortable working across build and live environments and is ready to take on increased responsibility without full commercial ownership.
The role will require long periods of remote work where accommodation and food are fully provided.
WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR
- 2-4 years’ experience in events.
- Strong hands-on experience with bar builds, container bars or temporary hospitality structures.
- Good understanding of draught beer systems, cellar set-ups and bar back-of-house operations.
- Experience supporting live bar operations during events.
- Confident working on fast-paced, construction-style event sites.
- Willingness to work on-site at events, including extended build periods, weekends and time away.
- Experience working on licensed events.
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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Bar Construction & Event Production
- Support the planning and delivery of temporary bar structures, container bars and back-of-house areas.
- Assist with site surveys, bar layouts and production planning.
- Coordinate bar builds, fit-outs and breakdowns.
- Support installation and testing of draught beer systems, cooling equipment and bar infrastructure.
- Assist with temporary power distribution, lighting and equipment positioning.
- Ensure builds are delivered in line with approved method statements, risk assessments and site plans.
Live Bar Operations Support
- Support bar managers during live event days to ensure smooth and efficient trading.
- Assist with cellar operations, stock movements and equipment troubleshooting.
- Help manage bar back operations, including keg changes, waste management and replenishment.
- Act as a practical point of contact between bar teams and operations during live trading.
- Support issue resolution related to equipment, infrastructure or site logistics during live events.
Site & Build Operations
- Support management of build and derig crews.
- Assist with plant, equipment and materials handling on site.
- Operate telehandler and other site machinery where required.
- Coordinate deliveries, load-ins and load-outs.
- Support warehouse preparation, equipment returns and post-event breakdowns.
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Team & Stakeholder Support
- Act as a key on-site contact for crew, suppliers and subcontractors.
- Support senior operations staff with day-to-day site management.
- Communicate progress, issues and solutions clearly and proactively.
- Contribute practical ideas to improve build efficiency, bar operations and overall delivery.
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Ability to work from site plans, bar layouts and build drawings.
- Telehandler licence (essential or near-essential depending on experience).
- Good understanding of site health & safety and licensing requirements.
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
- High attention to detail.
- Personal Licence Holder (preferred but not essential).
WHY COLUMBIA EVENTS
Columbia Events designs, builds and operates high-volume temporary bar solutions across festivals, sporting venues and live events. This role offers hands-on involvement across build, live trading and breakdown phases, exposure to complex bar operations, and a clear pathway into senior event production or operations roles.
Pay: £40,000.00 per year
Experience:
- Event Industry: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
Work Location: In person
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