Role: Holiday Operations Manager

Contract Type: Freelance Contract - Up to 3 Festivals

Start Date: January 2026

About us

Mainstage Festivals is a market leader in overseas festivals, specialising in delivering music events in unique locations.

Our current portfolio includes Snowboxx, a 5,000-person festival set in a breathtaking ski resort in the French Alps; Kala, which in 2018 became Albania’s first-ever international music festival and paved the way for new events along the stunning Albanian Riviera; and Explorations, a festival we run in partnership with Anjunadeep. Looking ahead, Mainstage Festivals will be launching several new projects over the coming years, alongside further expansion of our team to manage a growing portfolio of festivals and events.

Who we are looking for

At Mainstage, we have a brilliant variety of personalities but there are a few traits we all have in

common. New Mainstage recruits should be passionate, determined, dedicated, adaptable and resilient and be aligned with our company values.

Collaborative - We think and work as one team, always supporting each other.

Passionate - We are enthusiastic and love what we do.

Innovative - We are ambitious, proactive and think creatively about what we do.

Trustworthy - We work honestly and can rely on our team to achieve the best.

Tenacious - We don’t give up, are resourceful and give our all to achieve the best.

This person will bring fresh perspectives to our team and be seeking high energy, rewarding work within a ‘work family’ environment.

The Holiday Operations Manager will be working closely with the Operations Manager and the rest of the operations team to deliver the best customer, staff and artist experience possible.

We are looking for a confident, innovative, reliable and highly organised individual with an interest in live music, festivals, and the travel and tourism industry. Ideally with 3+ years experience.

We are looking for potential, not always experience, so encourage you to apply if you think you’ve got what it takes.

Responsibilities

The Holiday Operations Manager is in charge of the travel and accommodation arm of the business, for customers, staff, partners and artists, as well as the the delivery of any ancillary products.

The Holiday Operations team is ever-changing and improving, responsibilities will include, but not be limited to;

- Oversee all holiday & travel operations

- Plan, implement and oversee the check in and check out process of all customers staff, partners and artists

- Plan, implement and oversee and manage the transport of all customers, staff, partners and artists

- Assist the Holiday Operations team with the delivery of all festival extras - such as ski hire, ski pass distribution, lessons etc

- Management and delivery of the festival accreditation

- Management of all core staff within the Holiday Operations team - across accommodation, transport, volunteers and accreditation

- The sourcing and management of all the equipment required by the Holiday Operations team

- Manage, reconcile and audit multiple departmental budgets

- Working closely with the Customer Service department to resolve any issues that may arise throughout the week.

Experience Required

- 3+ years of experience within travel and tourism

- Extensive experience and a deep understanding of all Google Suite products and software. Primarily Google Sheets.

- Prior experience managing teams - In person and remotely

- Budget management experience

- A deep knowledge of festival operations

- Health and Safety knowledge

Personal Skills and Traits

- Highly self-motivated and proactive

- Exceptionally organised with great time management skills and attention to detail

- Ability to prioritise and stay calm under extreme pressure

- Able to tackle challenges constructively, and find creative ways forward.

- Passion for travel and tourism

- Passion for music and events

- Relate to our company values.

- Strong people management skills

- Ability to be assertive but kind

- Creative thinker

Other Requirements

- Passport required

- Valid driving license

- Based in the UK

- Right to work in the UK

Show Dates and Days

Snowboxx - 14th - 21st March, Avoriaz, France

On-Site Dates: 7th - 24th March

Estimated Days - 35 Days Advance + 13.5 Days on site

KALA and Explorations - 3rd-17th June. Dhërmi, Albania

On-Site Dates: 25th May - 22nd June

Estimated Days - 45 Days Advance + 21 Days on site

Days and dates are estimates and may change slightly if both parties are in agreement.

Advance is remote working within a GMT timezone, with some days in a London based office.

Inclusions and Perks

- On site accommodation, travel and catering included for live events

How to apply

Please fill this form to apply for the role.

Applications will officially close on the 23rd of December at 16:00. If the right applicant is found within this time we may close the application early. If you are interested in the role please complete your application as soon as you can.

Inclusion and Equality

Mainstage Festivals recruit, employ, train and promote regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or gender reassignment.

At Mainstage, we aim to create a family feel, where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay and do their best work. For this reason, our recruitment process is based purely on merit, experience and values.

We believe that multiculturalism, unique personalities, varied points of view and diverse backgrounds are essential to growing the company and creating customer experiences that will last a lifetime.

Jobs

Holiday Operations Manager (Freelance)