Events and Venue Hire Manager

YTL Live at Brabazon is an ambitious project aimed at transforming the historic Brabazon hangars and surrounding area into Bristol's premier live entertainment district. It will boast a 19,500-capacity indoor arena, 10,000sqm conference and exhibition centre and a new social hub.

Set to be the South West's top destination for music, comedy, sports, and entertainment, YTL Live promises unforgettable experiences for everyone. This project is part of a larger £3 billion investment in the Brabazon neighbourhood, projected to boost the local economy by £1.5 billion.

What you'll do

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Events and Venue Hire Manager to lead the successful launch and ongoing operation of a brand-new community facility, the hangar, set to open in early 2026. This unique space will feature a café, gym and flexible event space, serving as a hub for local engagement, business and culture.

In addition to managing the day-to-day operations and programming at the hangar, you will also play a key role in shaping the detailed design and operational strategy for the upcoming arena and conference and exhibition centre opening in 2028.

The responsibilities of the role will be to:

• oversee the successful launch and operations of the hangar, ensuring it becomes a vibrant community destination
• develop and manage an engaging events programme, including cultural, corporate, and community-driven activities
• work closely with the café and gym tenants to foster a collaborative and thriving environment
• build strong relationships with local businesses, community groups, and stakeholders to maximise engagement and bookings
• recruit and lead a new team running the day-to-day operations at the hangar
• ensure the facility meets commercial targets while maintaining its community-focused mission and planning obligations
• manage budgets, reporting, and operational efficiency to ensure the venue runs sustainably.

Your key responsibilities for the ‘YTL Live operational development' will be to:

• contribute to the ongoing design and operational planning for YTL Live, shaping it into a world-class event space
• collaborate with YTL Construction, architects, designers and partners to ensure the facility meets the needs of future users
• develop long-term strategies for attracting and securing major conferences, exhibitions, and non-music events to the venue
• engage with industry professionals, conference bookers, promoters and key stakeholders to build anticipation ahead of the 2028 opening
• recruit and lead a new team running the day-to-day operations for event delivery at YTL Live, focussed on conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, non-music shows, meetings and corporate events.

You will also contribute to all other pre-opening operational requirements, including the arena as needed, and be part of a vibrant, hardworking, small team dealing with tasks effectively and efficiently.

What you'll need

You will have proven experience in event venue management, community engagement or hospitality operations. Knowledge of the conference, exhibition, and live events industry will be a significant advantage.

In addition, you will have a strong track record in programming, marketing and delivering conferences, exhibitions and events, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, tenants and commercial partners.

Strong commercial acumen with experience in budget management and revenue generation, along with excellent leadership and project management skills will be essential.

What you'll receive

• Combined pension contributions up to 20%.
• Career progression and professional development opportunities. 
• 25 days' holiday rising to 28 with length of service.
• Performance related bonus.
• The opportunity to buy up to ten days' holiday and sell up to five every year.
• A healthcare package that allows you to claim back healthcare costs.
• Life assurance of up to eight times your salary. 
• A new electric car in exchange for part of your gross salary, subject to conditions.  
• Cashback and discounts from more than 3,000 retailers.
• One paid volunteering day each year. 
• Enhanced family leave and pay arrangements. 
• An interactive health and wellbeing platform. 
• Support from mental health first aiders. 
• A £1,000 referral fee if you recommend someone to work for us.

Who we are

YTL UK is part of the international YTL Group based in Kuala Lumpur. The UK companies include:

• Wessex Water – one of the top-performing water and sewerage companies in England and Wales, serving 2.9 million people across the South West.
• YTL Developments – a major UK developer currently redeveloping a 350-acre former airfield into an award winning, exciting mix of houses, apartments, schools, commercial space, restaurants, and hotels, to make a truly sustainable new community.
• YTL Construction UK – a top 20 UK contractor providing fully integrated services to infrastructure, residential, commercial, industry, energy, and environmental sectors.
• YTL Arena – the development and operation of an entertainment complex that includes a 19,000-capacity arena, conferencing, and exhibition space.
• Plus, several other retail, environmental and specialist businesses.

Our people tell us that YTL UK is a great place to work, which is why so many of them stay with us!  You will have a unique opportunity to develop and progress your career within such a diverse group.

We are passionate about diversity and inclusion – with that in mind, all applicants are welcome. We are delighted to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are a Disability Confident Employer.

If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please inform a member of our recruitment team.