Operations Director (Events & Installations)

Visual Architects; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A creative events company in Manchester seeks an Operations Director to oversee its operational delivery across the UK and worldwide. The ideal candidate will have proven operations management experience and be skilled in logistics, scheduling, and team leadership. This role offers the opportunity to work on large-scale immersive projects and lead a talented team within a supportive and creative culture. Join us as we expand into new markets and create unforgettable experiences.

Benefits

Progression opportunities

Collaborative culture

Creative projects

Qualifications

• Proven operations management experience in events, logistics or production.
• Strong ability to manage multi-site logistics and drivers.
• Experience with European or global freight is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational departments and Installation Managers.
• Manage day-to-day logistics and transport.
• Oversee warehouse prep and stock return.

Skills

Operations management experience

Scheduling and planning

Logistics management

People leadership

Communication skills

Job description

Operations Director (Events & Installations)

Visual Architects is a leading creator of immersive environments, bespoke scenic builds and large scale installations for events, festivals, nightlife, retail and experiential brands. Our in house design, technical and fabrication teams work together to transform spaces into unforgettable visual worlds, from themed rooms and festival stages to complex décor, props, scenic sets and full-scale immersive experiences.

We are entering an exciting new chapter. The company is on a strategic path of growth that will see Visual Architects evolve into three specialist companies by 2027. We are laying the foundations for this transformation now, strengthening our production capabilities and building the systems, standards and structures for the future.

This is a rare opportunity to join at a defining moment in our journey.

About you

Are you a highly organised, people focused Operations Director who thrives in a fast paced environment?

Do you love improving systems, managing logistics, leading teams and making complex projects run smoothly?

Visual Architects is looking for a dynamic Operations Director to take full ownership of our operational delivery across the UK, Europe and worldwide.

The Role

We are looking for an Operations Director to oversee the entire operational flow of the business, ensuring all departments work together smoothly including Installations, Warehouse, Construction, Logistics and International Freight.

You will lead the Installation Managers, manage van and transport logistics, coordinate European and worldwide freight, ensure jobs are fully prepared with the correct tools and equipment, and oversee the full prep to return cycle in the warehouse.

You’ll work alongside the Head of Sales to move jobs quickly into production and deliver more installations with efficiency, quality and consistency.

This role does not require hands‑on installation knowledge. You’ll be supported by our Installation Training & Operations Coordinator, who understands our products, tools and technical methods and will help bridge the technical gap.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all operational departments and Installation Managers
• Oversee scheduling, staffing, and workforce planning
• Manage all vans, drivers, routing and day to day logistics
• Plan and oversee freight across the UK, Europe and worldwide
• Ensure every job leaves with the correct tools, equipment and build items
• Oversee warehouse prep, stock return, repairs and readiness
• Liaise with venues on RAMS, access information and health & safety
• Improve operational processes, communication and efficiency
• Support recruitment, onboarding and installer skill development
• Work with Sales to push confirmed jobs quickly into production
• Drive KPIs around output, job quality, logistics efficiency and stock accuracy
• Lead continuous improvement across tools, systems, vans and processes

What We’re Looking For

• Proven operations management experience (events, logistics, production or similar)
• Strong scheduling, planning and organisational ability
• Confident managing vans, drivers and multi‑site logistics
• Experience with European or global freight is a major advantage
• A calm, structured and solutions‑focused mindset
• Great people skills and ability to lead teams
• Strong communication skills and ability to coordinate multiple departments
• Highly organised, detail‑led and process driven
• Able to thrive in a fast‑paced, deadline driven environment
• You do not need technical installation expertise — we have internal specialists to support you.
• We need a strong operational leader who can bring structure, clarity and efficiency.

Why Join Us?

• Work on large‑scale creative and immersive projects
• Be part of a growing business expanding across the UK and internationally
• Lead a talented team and shape how the company operates
• Real progression opportunities as the business scales
• A collaborative and supportive culture with a passion for creativity

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