From Leisure Assistant to Assistant Venue Manager: Craig’s Journey at OneRen

As part of Scottish Careers Week, we’re highlighting the career pathways of inspiring individuals within various business areas across OneRen. Today, we’re excited to share the journey of Craig Woods, an Assistant Venue Manager who has found his time at OneRen to be full of growth and learning opportunities and incredible experiences.

Introducing Craig.

Craig is an Assistant Venue Manager at Paisley Town Hall and has proudly been a part of the OneRen team for 11 years.

A Day in the Life

In his role at Paisley Town Hall, Craig manages the daily operations of the building. This includes training and scheduling staff for shifts, handling basic repairs, and planning both routine and deep cleaning schedules. He also coordinates with external contractors who assist in event operations and supports both the venue attendants and the Venue Manager in their responsibilities.

Collaboration is a key part of Craig’s role. He works closely with the Marketing, Arts, Tech, and Events teams to plan and execute a wide range of events, such as conferences, weddings, and live music performances. Together, they liaise with clients to ensure each event is delivered seamlessly.

On event nights, Craig serves as the primary contact for the production team. He coordinates venue staff, manages event timelines, and provides the go-ahead for the show once everything is in place. He is also responsible for managing emergency evacuations or any other incidents that may arise.

One of the most exciting aspects of Craig’s job is that no two days are ever the same. While some days run smoothly, others require meticulous planning, quick problem-solving, and adaptability.

Craig’s Career Path at OneRen

Craig began his journey at OneRen as a 17-year-old school leaver. After finishing school, he wasn’t sure what direction to take. He joined a youth development programme called “The Recruit,” which led to a temporary full-time position at the ON-X Sports Centre as a Leisure Assistant.

Once his initial contract ended, Craig earned his lifeguard qualification and applied for a part-time position. Despite initial concerns about reduced hours, this step opened up numerous opportunities for him. He soon began working as a casual sports coach with Active Schools alongside his ON-X role, gaining multiple coaching qualifications and eventually leading sessions.

Craig’s coaching experience led to roles running Sports Camps and Linwood’s Friday Fun Club. After the COVID-19 pandemic, he trained as a relief supervisor at the ON-X, learning to manage shifts, maintain facilities, and supervise the swimming pool, gym, and sports halls. He quickly adapted to this new role and later applied for a temporary Senior Leisure Assistant position.

This new role brought further opportunities—Craig learned how to cover duty manager shifts at various venues, including Erskine Pool and Renfrew Sports Centre. He also began taking casual shifts at OneRen’s cultural venues, like Tweedie Hall and Johnstone Town Hall, where he gained insight into being an Assistant Venue Manager.

Before Paisley Town Hall reopened, Craig was offered a position as an Assistant Venue Manager to help oversee the relaunch. Although he had prior experience, the hall’s unique setup required him to learn its operations quickly and train new staff. It has been a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience.

Throughout his career, Craig has found the support from colleagues and managers at OneRen to be outstanding. He is grateful for the supervisors, managers, and teammates who have encouraged and pushed him to grow.

Skills and Qualifications for the Role

To succeed as an Assistant Venue Manager, several key skills are essential:

• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Computer literacy
• Empathy
• Motivation
• Excellent communication
• The ability to articulate ideas clearly and be personable
• Motivational leadership
• Flexibility

While formal qualifications were not required for Craig’s role, relevant experience was crucial. However, a management qualification is desirable for those aiming to pursue this path.

What Craig Loves About His Job

One of the highlights of Craig’s role is meeting new clients daily and working with them to ensure their events run smoothly, especially weddings. It is incredibly satisfying for him to know that his work has contributed to making a couple’s special day unforgettable.

Craig also thrives on the fast-paced nature of event work and the new challenges that come with varied setups. Additionally, he enjoys collaborating with an amazing team, including colleagues from his early days at ON-X.

Advice for Newcomers

Craig’s advice for anyone considering joining the team at OneRen is simple: don’t hesitate! There are always opportunities to learn and grow. Showing interest and motivation will lead to success. The support and encouragement within OneRen will push you to achieve more than you imagined.