Venue Operations Manager

About the role

This position is for a confident, capable Venue Operations Manager who will oversee the operational planning and live delivery of events and activities across the venues. As part of the Venue Operations Management team, the role blends planning, hands-on event execution, and day-to-day leadership of event staff to make sure every event runs safely, smoothly, and to a high standard.

You will work closely with Event Managers and other operational partners to build event run plans, coordinate the people and resources needed, and manage operations on event days. The role also supports continuous improvement work, operational leadership, and the growth of team capability.

This is a roster-based role in a seven-day operation, so you must be available for shifts, evenings, weekends, and public holidays.

About us

Venues Ōtautahi manages a range of well-known venues central to Christchurch’s events scene, including Christchurch Town Hall, Wolfbrook Arena, Hagley Oval, the Air Force Museum of New Zealand, and One New Zealand Stadium. Across this portfolio, more than 500 events are delivered each year, welcoming over 900,000 guests.

The events hosted across these venues create important social, cultural, and economic value for the region, and the venues themselves are an important part of life in Christchurch and the wider prosperity and wellbeing of the community.

What you will do

• Direct and assist venue operations teams to ensure excellent service and presentation across allocated events and venues.
• Coordinate staffing, equipment, and operational needs so events are delivered efficiently and without disruption.
• Provide active, on-the-ground leadership during events with a focus on safety, efficiency, and customer experience.
• Work closely with Event Managers, set-up teams, and other stakeholders to turn event plans into successful operational outcomes.
• Create, review, and improve standard operating procedures.
• Support ongoing improvement efforts by finding better ways of working and helping build a strong, collaborative team environment.

What you will bring

You should be an assured leader with solid experience in fast-paced venue operations. You’ll need a calm, practical approach to solving problems and a strong focus on delivering quality events.

A keen eye for detail and a strong commitment to health and safety are essential, along with a drive for operational excellence. Your people-first style should help you motivate teams and contribute to a positive, high-performing workplace.

The organisation values aspiration, agility, kindness, and a commitment to caring for the venues so they remain places of pride and enjoyment for everyone.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through the company careers page. The closing date for applications is 01 July 2026.