James Flaherty
Ireland
Summary
Ambitious Stadium & Events Manager with a focus on enhancing employee well-being and achieving organisational goals. Delivers exceptional event management through strategic planning, effective crisis resolution, and rigorous safety compliance. Cultivates strong relationships and fosters a culture of accountability, driving financial targets and operational excellence.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Stadium & Events Manager
Baxterstorey | Pairc Ui Chaoimh
Cork, Ireland
09.2025 - Current
- 45,000-capacity stadium managing small and large-scale events, conferences, sporting events, concerts, and seminars.
- Handled crisis management efficiently, resolving unexpected issues swiftly to minimise disruption and maintain high standards.
- Organised catering, venues and AV requirements for conferences.
- Conducted regular health and safety audits, identifying risks and implementing corrective measures to maintain a safe working environment.
- Coordinated cross-departmental efforts to meet financial targets, fostering a culture of fiscal responsibility.
- Produced monthly and year-end closing statements, financial documents and invoices.
- Maintained excellent employee relationships by cultivating a supportive, positive, and helpful working environment.
Events Operations Manager
Gleneagle Arena
, Ireland
01.2025 - 09.2025
- Plan strategically, pre-plan festivals, conferences, and events to ensure that all critical information is thoroughly compiled and consistently updated.
- Lead impactful event operations meetings that empower stakeholders with vital insights, while expertly delegating tasks to enhance overall productivity.
- Collaborate seamlessly with the Gleneagle Hotel and Arena teams to execute events flawlessly, conducting rigorous safety checks, and managing logistics with precision.
- Serve as the pivotal liaison for events, fostering connections between clients and management to guarantee an exceptional, memorable service experience.
- Manage the security teams, overseeing roster completion, comprehensive training, and strict adherence to standards to ensure compliance.
Hospitality & Events Manager
Rhubarb Hospitality | 22 Bishopsgate
London
09.2023 - 01.2025
- Transitioned the business from a reactive operating style to a proactive approach by identifying and implementing quarterly goals.
- Identified revenue gaps within the business and addressed them by introducing new pricing strategies, implementing new client charges, and enhancing bespoke culinary offerings.
- Spearheaded the redesign of client food and drink brochures, focusing on visual appeal, menu offerings, pricing, and upselling opportunities.
- Improved the communication structure between clients and the business, fostering strong relationships, and building trust while driving the business forward.
Events Operation Manager
Freelance
London
01.2023 - 09.2023
- Provided leadership and operational management for KERB London (food court), Somerset House, Events. 6, and Royal Albert Hall.
People & Culture Manager
TRIBE London Ennismore
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Independently organised a hiring plan to successfully onboard 80 team members within eight weeks, building a total headcount of over 100.
- Developed a competitive compensation model to remain competitive in the marketplace while being in line with budgets and allowing for headcount growth.
- Implemented and led a comprehensive team member culture strategy, developing a suite of well-being, engagement, communication, and development initiatives that drive an inclusive, robust, and positive organisational culture.
- Customised the Departmental Trainer programme to ensure the right people are recruited, and the community is upskilled and engaged. All training delivered across the hotel is of a high and consistent standard.
HR Operation People Partner
D&D London South Place Hotel
London
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Making it Happen, by stimulating change, challenging assumptions and ways of working to move the business forward.
- Refocused communications around recruitment while restructuring manpower plans with General Managers to drive profitability, reduce team turnover and staffing costs.
- Transformed succession planning with General Managers to identify top talent with a focus on developing team members to ensure a pipeline of internal talent.
- Clarified the selection and recruitment of new team members, improving overall team happiness, guest experience, and feedback.
Assistant General Manager
Dishoom
01.2015 - 01.2019
Creative Hair Stylist, Ireland, London & Australia
Freelance
01.2008 - 01.2015
Hospitality Supervisor
Baxter Storey
01.2003 - 01.2008
Education
CIPD L5 -
Acacia Learning
12-2020
Diploma - Transformational Coaching
Animas Center for Coaching
05-2026
Irish Leaving Certificate -
Moyderwell Mercy Secondary School
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Leadership
- Adaptability
- Communication
- Emotional Intelligence
- Negotiations
- Critical thinker
- Recruitment and selection
- Coaching
- Team building
- Project management
- Operational efficiency
Languages
English
First Language
French
Elementary
A2
Hobbies and Interests
- Keen interest in endurance sports such as hiking, cycling and swimming.
- Love discovering new places while walking my French Bulldog Finn (when he decides to walk).
- Always in search of ways to improve myself through self-development.
Timeline
Stadium & Events Manager
Baxterstorey | Pairc Ui Chaoimh
09.2025 - Current
Events Operations Manager
Gleneagle Arena
01.2025 - 09.2025
Hospitality & Events Manager
Rhubarb Hospitality | 22 Bishopsgate
09.2023 - 01.2025
Events Operation Manager
Freelance
01.2023 - 09.2023
People & Culture Manager
TRIBE London Ennismore
01.2022 - 01.2023
HR Operation People Partner
D&D London South Place Hotel
01.2019 - 01.2022
Assistant General Manager
Dishoom
01.2015 - 01.2019
Creative Hair Stylist, Ireland, London & Australia
Freelance
01.2008 - 01.2015
Hospitality Supervisor
Baxter Storey
01.2003 - 01.2008
CIPD L5 -
Acacia Learning
Diploma - Transformational Coaching
Animas Center for Coaching
Irish Leaving Certificate -
Moyderwell Mercy Secondary School