About us

We’re an award-winning, global production and creative agency creating live experiences that stay with you for a lifetime. We produce some of the biggest and most highly acclaimed events across the Middle East and Europe, with the biggest artists from across the world. Find out more at: https://wearefab.com/.

About the role

Reporting to the Venue Manager, the Assistant Venue Manager is responsible for assisting with the delivery of the day-to-day operational management of the Gladiators Experience, the brand new immersive event at the Birmingham NEC.

A key supporting role, The Assistant Venue Manager will work closely with the Venue Manager to drive the overall success of the event, coordinating across all functional departments to ensure a seamless operational delivery and strong commercial performance.

The Assistant Venue Manager will assist in the integration of the core functions of the event, stepping in to support operations, commercial activity and customer service in the absence of the Venue Manager and in alignment with shared objectives, owning the staffing and payroll procedures of the show and providing a strategic and hands-on presence during show times.

Responsibilities

• Working alongside the Venue Manager to support the daily operations of the event, ensuring all departments are aligned fully briefed and show-ready

• Acting as Duty Manager when required, taking responsibility for event operations in the absence of the Venue Manager and ensuring the safe and commercially successful delivery of the event

• Step in as on-site decision maker during live operating hours in the absence of the Venue Manager

• Ensure the minimum required staffing levels are met for each show day by managing rotas, shift allocations and absence cover maintaining operational efficiency and cost control

• Take ownership of the payroll process for the event team, approving hours and handling adjustments in a timely manner and inline with Far & Beyond payment policy

• Assist in delivering comprehensive pre-show briefings to the wider team, clearly communicating key operational updates, targets and expectations

• Maintain high standards of customer service across all departments and work closely with the Customer Service Manager for consistent service delivery.

• Act as escalation point for complex complaints or sensitive customer issues

• Collaborate with the Venue Manager to review feedback and implement continuous improvement initiatives to maximise ticket sales

• Collaborate with the Health & Safety Manager to implement and comply with show audit procedures and Health & Safety standards

• Support the delivery of commercial objectives across ticket sales, upsells and retail

• Maintain strong communication across all channels to ensure cohesive team work and efficient problem solving

About you

ESSENTIAL

• Extensive experience as a Duty Manager, Venue Supervisor, or Assistant Operations Manager preferably within a large capacity venue or within the events industry

• Demonstrable experience supervising multi - disciplinary teams in high pressure and live operating environments

• Proven ability to supervise high customer throughput environments

• Strong leadership skills and ability to motivate teams

• Effective communication skills both written and verbal

• Strong understanding of UK Health and Safety legislation

• Clear, confident communicator, both written and verbal

• Passionate about delivering high quality customer service with a strong customer focus approach

• Flexible availability with the ability to be on-site for all events including on evenings and weekends

DESIRABLE

• Experience with participatory or physical interactive attractions

• Experience managing family focussed events

Rate

Rate dependent on experience and will be discussed at the offer stage.

Any sickness, holiday or any other absence will be taken as unpaid leave and will be deducted from this monthly figure, based on a pro rata figure.

Agreement Type & Length

Freelance agreement until the end of August/beginning of September 2026.

Applicants must be available for all of the below dates:

On-site attendance will be required for up to 3 days during the event build period in the final 2 weeks of April.

Live show dates will be from 1st May, initially requiring 3 to 5 days per week across May, June, and July. This will increase to 5 days per week from 20th July through to the end of August.

Up to 1 day may be required at the beginning of September.

Please note that the above schedule is indicative and subject to change in line with operational requirements.

Start Date

Friday 24th April 2026

Location

• Onsite working days will be carried out at the NEC Arena in Birmingham.

• Please note that accommodation is not provided, therefore applicants must be local to Birmingham or have accommodation available to them throughout the duration of the agreement.

Working Hours

Onsite hours vary in length but are generally 8:30am – 18:45pm (this will also include weekends)

Full working hours to be discussed at the offer stage.