Chief Operating Officer

Legends/ASM Global Europe

  • London
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 15 days ago
Olympia Events is more than an exhibition venue, conference centre and live-event space - it’s an inspiration. Against a backdrop of grand Victorian architecture, the seven connected spaces inspire engagement and enjoyment. Olympia Events is recognised in the industry for exceptional levels of customer service and support, and our numerous awards are testament to our clients' satisfaction. Beyond the walls of our venue, Olympia is on the ground, working to invest in people, strengthen our communities, and protect the environment.Olympia Events is undergoing a period of change. In 2017, the venue was bought by a consortium led by Yoo Capital and Deutsche Finance international. Work is currently underway to transform the wider estate into a cultural hub of which Olympia Events will be the central part. Once complete, the estate will include a new theatre, music venue, two hotels, over 30 eateries, world-class office space and over two acres of public realm. More information can be found atJob Purpose: Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this role presents a unique opportunity to enact transformational change, implement Olympia’s vision and drive growth. In this pivotal role you will oversee all operational departments, ensuring seamless execution across venue, event and facilities management, food and beverage, health and safety, ESG and guest experience. You will play a key role in delivering our long-term strategy, driving commercial growth and enhancing operational excellence.You will be responsible for overseeing operations for hundreds of large-scale exhibitions, conferences and events, leading a broad operations infrastructure and championing innovation and excellence during an ongoing venue redevelopment and expansion.You will also be responsible for structuring the department so your ability to provide inspirational leadership in a fast-paced, constantly evolving environment is essential. This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative and forward-thinking individual who is passionate about leading high-performing teams and shaping a sustainable, inclusive future for Olympia.Key responsibilities
  • Oversee the operations and management of Olympia, ensuring smooth event execution, optimal facility maintenance, and a positive experience for all stakeholders.
  • Lead and coordinate all core operational functions at Olympia, ensuring strategic alignment and operational excellence.
  • Translate board-level strategy into operational roadmaps, align business units, and track performance against KPIs.
  • Work in conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer and Head of Human Resources to devise a workforce structure for the department which is fit for the future and meets the ambitions of the redevelopment, providing opportunities for high performers to progress and excel.
  • Oversee compliance with all relevant industry regulations, contractual obligations, supplier agreements and risk/health and safety etc. by ensuring Olympia has appropriate processes in place, liaising closely with departmental heads and the legal team where required
  • Collaborate with the CEO, Finance and Sales Directors on the creation of commercially sustainable plans.
  • Work alongside the Finance Director to set and monitor budgets, guaranteeing the business achieves financial targets of revenue and profit to ensure its ongoing financial viability.
  • Oversee the Food and Beverage department to ensure high standards for food quality, service, and customer satisfaction, and maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Manage contracts with service providers to ensure the venue is clean, well-maintained and safe for all users, continuously ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Oversee IT infrastructure and digital systems to ensure security, efficiency, and scalability.
  • Drive digital transformation and improve internal and external service delivery.
  • Champion a high-quality guest experience and service excellence.
  • Increase efficiencies through continual improvement and evolution of processes, procedures, workflows and tools which are scalable and support growth.
  • Oversee the continued implementation and delivery of Olympia’s sustainability strategy.
  • Oversee and maintain positive relationships with partners, service providers and key stakeholders.
  • Represent the CEO at key internal and external events and functions, sharing responsibility with other members of the Leadership Team as appropriate.
  • Identify, adopt and implement KPIs and management information for the board to track and measure success.
  • Provide inspirational leadership and management to the department, supporting and guiding the team where required.
  • Foster a positive, inclusive culture focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and accountability.
  • Where required, work positively and collaboratively with operational leads and partners across the ASM family and Olympia Estate to ensure all work and efforts are aligned to the wider destination strategy.
Person specificationSkills, experience and behaviours
  • Proven experience in a senior operations leadership role, ideally within events, sport, entertainment, or a similarly dynamic and stakeholder-driven environment.
  • Proven success delivering large-scale live events and venue operations.
  • Demonstrated success in strategic planning, execution of food and beverage plans, commercial delivery, and operational excellence.
  • Excellent communicator with confidence in board-level engagement and stakeholder management.
  • Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management and forecasting.
  • Experience leading diverse functions such as operations, events, IT, facilities, and customer experience.
  • Solutions-focused, collaborative mindset with a strong sense of integrity, accountability, and resilience.
  • Passion for developing high-performing teams and promoting inclusive, people-first leadership.
  • Proven experience of managing a flexible workforce in a cost-effective manner to maximise revenue to the business.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute operational plans that align with business objectives.
  • Ability to work under pressure and navigate fast-paced environments.
  • A high level of integrity and an ability to be discrete and tactful with due respect for confidentiality.
  • Highly organised and efficient with excellent attention to detail.
  • Ability to analyse situations quickly and respond to those seeking advice/guidance.
  • Ability to present complex information to a wide range of audiences.
  • A self-starter with a positive, enthusiastic attitude
Sustainability Responsibilities:
  • Continuously improve your knowledge of Olympia Events’ sustainability programme - the ‘Grand Plan’. Complete all training provided and promote sustainability practices to meet our Grand Plan objectives
  • Follow and promote all sustainable workplace policies and procedures and seek ways to make your department more sustainable by taking an active role to initiate change
ASM and Olympia Events is fully committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups) that attend our premises. Therefore, we may require any successful applicant to complete a DBS Check prior to working in our business.ASM and Olympia Events is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and expects all its people to have a positive commitment to EDI by treating others fairly and not committing any form of discrimination, victimisation or harassment and to promote positive working relationships amongst employees and stakeholders.This Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary according to the changing needs of the business.

Legends/ASM Global Europe