Operations Manager
Part-time

Kairos is a unique events and conversation space exploring radical ideas for social and cultural change in response to the climate and nature crises. We are looking for a passionate, practical and dynamic Operations Manager to take on responsibility for the day-to-day running of the venue and events at Kairos and to play a leading role in realising our vision.

About Kairos

Kairos was set up in 2022 by journalist and climate activist Zoë Blackler as a platform for ideas not being discussed in the mainstream. Our first home was on Holborn Viaduct. We are now settled into a former furniture shop on Tottenham Court Road.

The core programme is our salon-style talk events: intimate evenings in which participant numbers are kept intentionally small with significant time allocated for discussion. Food is an important component of our events, which include a break for a one-pot vegan supper that we eat together.

Speakers include academics, public intellectuals, policy experts, activists and writers on subjects ranging from animal consciousness and the rights of nature to alternative economics, systems thinking, bioregionalism and the Commons. In addition, we regularly screen films, host workshops and experiment with new formats.

Kairos is also a growing community and many participants come repeatedly. Our Friday drinks nights, Sunday reading room, monthly book club, open mike nights, parties, walks and other informal activities reinforce this community.

For a more thorough explanation of the ethos behind Kairos, and details of forthcoming and past events, please explore the website.

Salary: in the region of £35-40K pro rota depending on experience.
Hours: 3 days per week – probably Tuesday, Thursday, and one other.
Location: Kairos, 84 Tottenham Court Road, central London, with the opportunity to work some hours from home.
Organisation type: Not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Funded by the Open Society Foundations.
Deadline for applications: Friday October 3rd.

Accessibility

We welcome applications from all candidates and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace. As Kairos is currently operating from a temporary ”meanwhile” venue, there is no lift access to the event space.

Job Outline

The Operations Manager has overall responsibility for managing the venue and ensuring the smooth running of events. As this is a new role, you will work closely with the Director to agree a clear and sensible allocation of responsibilities. You will be flexible, unflappable, used to working in a small, hands-on team, and highly motivated to ensure the smooth running of the building and our events. You should have a genuine enthusiasm for the Kairos project, enjoy spending time in the space, and have the energy to help build something transformational.

This is a part-time role of three days per week. Core working days are likely to be Tuesdays and Thursdays, with the third day scheduled in advance according to the events programme. This third day will either involve another evening event on a weekday or, a couple of times a month, a weekend event (daytime or evening).

You will generally be required to be at the venue for an eight-hour day, taking responsibility for venue and staff administration, setting up for events, maintaining the building, managing staff, and welcoming guests and members. While you will not always need to stay until the end of an event, you will ensure that responsibility for closing the venue is delegated to another team member before leaving. Sometimes you may set up for, but not attend, an event. Occasionally it may be possible to work from home, but the role is primarily based at the venue. We recognise that, as this is a part-time role, you may have other commitments, and we aim to confirm work schedules several weeks in advance. However, some flexibility and ability to respond to the unexpected will be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Overseeing the operational delivery of the Kairos events programme.
• Working closely with the Director to maintain a detailed understanding of all events, communicating this in response to queries, in person or by email.
• Opening and setting up the venue for events, including furniture layout, and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
• Managing event operations, including guest lists, taking payments, and enforcing house rules (eg ‘no phones’ policy).
• Ensuring the smooth running of events by liaising with speakers and attendees, and welcoming guests and members.
• Liaising with the venue technician to set up AV equipment and lighting, and operating it during events.
• Closing down and locking up the venue at the end of the evening, or delegating this to a designated team member when appropriate.
• Scheduling and booking freelance bar staff and other temporary event support staff.
• Training new team members as required, using processes and checklists agreed with the Director to ensure safe, effective working practices.
• Overseeing catering and bar service, managing bar staff during events to ensure safe and efficient service.
• Liaising with the cook to confirm menus and checking food is prepared safely and served on time, and cleaning-up is completed after events.
• Overseeing compliance with legal requirements, including health and safety, liability insurance, and safeguarding policies, and reporting to the Director, and undertaking relevant training as required.
• Managing occasional outside hires of the venue, including setup and operational oversight.
• Ensuring the venue building is properly maintained. Arranging repairs or contractors as needed, after discussion with the Director.
• Managing the cleaner and other support staff, maintaining the cleaning rota, ensuring quality standards and arranging cover if needed.
• Keeping records of staff hours and salaries, and other spending, passing invoices to the Director for payment.
• Providing administrative support for events, including communicating any programme changes to attendees, and assisting guest speakers with travel and logistics.
• Occasionally supporting the Director with unexpected operational and administrative needs, within agreed boundaries for the role.

Skills and Experience

• Highly organised, reliable, and able to work independently while coordinating with the Director and the team.
• Friendly, sociable, and confident in dealing with people, including event attendees, speakers and freelance staff.
• Hands-on experience in a venue, events, or hospitality setting, with a practical approach.
• Comfortable using basic software to manage schedules, records, and communications.
• Problem-solving mindset and willingness to take on operational tasks across events and venue operations, within the scope of the role.
• Knowledge of basic AV and lighting equipment, or willingness to learn.
• Proven ability to manage staff and contractors. Preferably some experience onboarding and training new staff.
• Understanding of health and safety, and safeguarding requirements, in a public venue setting, or willingness to learn.
• A genuine alignment with our values and world view.

To apply, please email your CV and covering letter to:
Zoë Blackler
Director, Kairos
jobs@kairos.london

You are strongly encouraged to attend an event at Kairos before applying.

To see all our current vacancies visit the Get Involved section of our website.