SET is seeking an experienced, values-driven Head of Venue Operations to oversee and lead our venues as we expand, including the launch of SET Social Vauxhall and SET Walthamstow in 2026.

This senior leadership role is both strategic and hands-on, combining operational oversight, staff leadership, financial management, safety compliance, and a commitment to SET’s inclusive, experimental, and community-focused ethos.

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Job details

Job Title: Head of Venue Operations
Duration: Permanent
Hours: 32 hours per week (4 days per week, full-time equivalent)
Salary: From £40,000+ pro rata (full-time equivalent), with the potential to offer a competitive, industry-aligned package for candidates with outstanding experience
Probation: 3 months
Reports to: Line Manager: Ollie Tobin, SET Co-Director; Directors managing venues: Ollie Tobin and Josh Field
Location: On-site across SET Centres, with flexibility for remote working for specific tasks
Application deadline: Monday 5 January 2026 at 23:59pm

With an inclusive ethos always, SET actively encourages applications from all sections of the community, particularly from people whose backgrounds are underrepresented across the arts and charity sectors. This includes people from low-income backgrounds, people from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds, and disabled people.

As an employer participating in the government-backed Disability Confident scheme, we are committed to offering an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role.

Role overview

The Head of Venue Operations will oversee day-to-day operations, licensing, safety and service standards across four key SET venues:

• SET Social Peckham — café bar and community arts centre
• SET Social Vauxhall — events venue, function room, project spaces, café and bar
• SET Walthamstow — café and bar, live music and multipurpose venue (opening 2026)
• SET Vault (location TBC) — late-night venue with a 6am licence for experimental nightlife and music programming

You will lead and develop Venue Managers, embed operational systems, support staff wellbeing, and ensure high-quality event and bar delivery.

During the establishment phase of SET Social Vauxhall, the postholder will act as launch Venue Manager, recruiting staff, setting up systems and ensuring a smooth opening before handing over to a permanent manager.

For full responsibilities, person specification and staff benefits, please download the job pack below.

Download Job Pack

How to apply

Please submit:

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the role and why you’d like to work at SET (no more than one page of A4)
• Your CV with two referees (no more than two pages of A4).
• The anonymous equal opportunities monitoring form.
• Please email all documents to work@setspace.uk

The closing date for application is Monday 5 January 2026 at 23:59pm. Applications received after this time will not be considered.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview during the week commencing 19 January 2026, with final decisions in February 2026.

Please note: References from previous employers will only be contacted after a job offer. If there are valid reasons for this not to be possible, please mention this on your application.

If you require reasonable adjustments or alternative formats for your application, please contact us at the same email address.

Download Job Pack