At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations at a vibrant entertainment venue, ensuring exceptional visitor experiences and financial success.
- Company: Join Southampton Football Club, a Premier League team known for innovation and community spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy free match tickets, health initiatives, 26 days holiday, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Why this job: Shape the future of entertainment while inspiring a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Seeking strategic thinkers with leadership skills and strong financial acumen; experience with management tools is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible hours include evenings and weekends; apply by 28 July 2025.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Entertainment Operations Manager page is loaded
Entertainment Operations Manager
Apply locations South Stand time type Full time posted on Posted Today time left to apply End Date: July 29, 2025 (13 days left to apply) job requisition id RQ-032221
Be part of our journey…
Location: St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton
Hours: Full Time – No set hours
Contract Type: Permanent
Criminal Record Check: DBS Basic
What is the role?
We have a brand new position as the Operations Manager at our new 7-day entertainment venue at Southampton Football Club. You’ll take the lead in overseeing the entire operation—driving performance, profitability, and an exceptional visitor experience. This is a high-impact management role where you’ll be at the heart of shaping the venue’s success across multiple revenue streams.
You’ll be fully accountable for meeting budgets, hitting KPIs, and delivering strong financial results, while fostering a safe, fun, and dynamic environment for both employees and customers. Engaging with key stakeholders will be central to your role, as will implementing strategic initiatives that fuel growth and elevate our reputation.
Within this fast-paced, customer experience-led venue, you’ll coach, lead, motivate and inspire your team to deliver outstanding service that keeps our customers returning again and again.
What will you be doing?
In this role, you will develop and implement operational strategies that support long-term growth and profitability, while leading and mentoring department heads and team members to drive performance. You’ll be a key ambassador of our vision, mission, and culture, ensuring these values are embedded at every level of the organisation.
You will oversee the day-to-day operations of the venue, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently across staffing, budgeting, and supply chain management. Monitoring and optimising KPIs and metrics will be essential in maintaining high standards and achieving business objectives.
Financial oversight will be a major part of your responsibilities, including preparing and managing budgets, forecasts, and financial reports. You’ll analyse performance data, take corrective action where necessary, and ensure full compliance with all financial and legal regulations.
You will maintain strong relationships with clients, partners, and vendors, resolving high-level customer concerns and ensuring an exceptional level of service is consistently delivered. As the face of the venue, you’ll represent the organisation in both public and professional settings.
In collaboration with the sales and marketing teams, you’ll help grow brand awareness and drive revenue, adapting strategic plans in response to market trends and competitor activity.
Is this you?
You’re a strategic thinker who thrives on making smart decisions that drive growth and innovation. With strong financial acumen, you\’re confident managing budgets, spotting opportunities, and turning great ideas into results.
You’re a natural leader—someone who knows how to inspire, motivate, and bring out the best in your team. Your communication skills are second to none, allowing you to build strong relationships across all levels of the business.
You excel at solving problems, analysing data, and staying calm under pressure. You\’re comfortable using business management tools like ERP, CRM, and the Microsoft Office Suite.
Due to the nature of the operations, your working hours will include evenings, match days and weekends
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
How this benefits you…
If you are successful, you can look forward to a healthy benefits package;
- Access to x2 free match tickets for every home league game.
- Access to our staff Health & Wellbeing initiatives (Mental & Physical Health).
- Discounted Southampton Football Club merchandise.
- 26 days’ holiday per year excluding bank holidays plus your birthday off each year.
- Contributory Pension Scheme.
- Worldwide Travel Insurance for you and your family.
- Learning & Development opportunities – supporting you to develop your potential and achieve in your career.
- Free onsite parking.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Collaborative & inclusive working culture.
How can I apply?
Just click on the apply button below, enter your details and answer a quick pre-screening questionnaire, then attach your CV.
The closing date for applications is 28 July 2025.
*We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if a high volume of applicants are received.*
About Us
About Us
POTENTIAL INTO EXCELLENCE
Southampton Football Club is part of St. Mary’s Football Group, which also includes the affiliated registered charity – the Saints Foundation.
We as a Group compete as a Premier League club at the highest level of professional football with a culture which promotes respect, unity, aspiration, innovation and discipline – this is The Southampton Way.
We look for people with integrity, compassion and support for those around them; people who take pride in what they do with an honest approach, who embrace a challenge while also being accountable for their decisions; people who have the energy and passion to bring an innovative approach to their role and strive to be different from the rest; people with the aspiration to lead the way and become an example to others.
Within the walls of St. Mary’s Stadium, Staplewood Campus, the Bath Academy and our other sites and development centers across the South of England, you’ll be given the platform to work in a vibrant, intelligent and challenging environment with the potential to develop and become the best at what you do.
We don’t stand still, we are constantly moving forward.
Be part of it…
Winner of the 2017 Employee Engagement Company of the Year.
Southampton Football Club promotes equal opportunities in employment and we positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
We have the Disability Confident Award, which we pride ourselves on with regard to the commitment to employing disabled people and judging people on their abilities alone.
We will screen all applicants and select candidates whose skills and experience seem to meet our needs. We will carefully consider your application during the initial screening and will contact you only if you are selected for an interview.
We make a commitment to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and to consider them on their abilities.
Southampton Football Club is an Equal Opportunities Employer
Employment is subject to the provision of proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
Southampton Football Club recognises that the safety and protection of those children and young people in day to day contact with the Club is paramount. We are committed to creating a safe culture for all. As such, you may be subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure & Barring Service and prior to taking up any role.
Southampton Football Club is committed to protecting the privacy and security of every applicant’s personal information. Please see our Recruitment Privacy Notice and Group Privacy & Data Protection Policy on our main careers page for further information .
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Entertainment Operations Manager employer: Southampton Football Club
Contact Detail:
Southampton Football Club Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Entertainment Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the operations of entertainment venues, especially those related to sports. Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities in this sector will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the entertainment and sports management fields. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Southampton Football Club's recent initiatives and community engagement efforts. Being knowledgeable about their current projects will allow you to demonstrate your genuine interest in the club during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you motivate teams. Since this role involves coaching and inspiring staff, having specific examples ready will showcase your capability to drive performance and foster a positive environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Entertainment Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operations management, particularly in entertainment or hospitality. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive performance and profitability.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the organisation. Discuss how your strategic thinking and leadership skills align with the company's vision and culture, and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams and budgets in the past.
Highlight Key Skills: Emphasise your financial acumen, problem-solving abilities, and experience with business management tools like ERP and CRM systems. Mention any relevant certifications or training that could set you apart from other candidates.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a managerial role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton Football Club
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Entertainment Operations Manager, you'll need to inspire and motivate your team. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, highlighting your ability to drive performance and foster a positive work environment.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
This role requires strong financial oversight. Brush up on your budgeting and forecasting skills, and be ready to discuss how you've managed financial reports and KPIs in previous positions. Showing that you can analyse data and make informed decisions will set you apart.
✨Understand the Venue's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Southampton Football Club's mission and values. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their vision for the entertainment venue. This shows your commitment and understanding of the organisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle high-pressure situations. Think of specific scenarios from your past experiences where you successfully resolved issues or improved operations, and be ready to discuss these in detail.