Group Operations Director- The Venues Collection in London

Competitive salary + excellent benefits including company car, healthcare, wellbeing support, 27 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.

About the role...

The Group Operations Director is responsible for the overall operational leadership of the venues, ensuring sales, profitability and guest satisfaction are maximised through high-performing on-site teams. They will establish and maintain consistent standards across the portfolio, ensuring all venues operate in line with company policies, procedures, brand standards and legislative requirements, while supporting the wider objectives of The Venues Collection, Levy UK and Compass Group. A key part of the role is leading, coaching and developing teams to continually improve operational performance and enhance the guest experience. Working closely with the Group Head Chef, the Group Operations Director will also shape and evolve the food and beverage offering, ensuring seasonal menus reflect Levy's food philosophy while meeting the diverse needs of The Venues Collection's varied client base.

We are Levy. We are a visionary venue partner. We design and deliver bespoke guest experiences that prioritise people and the planet. Trusted by some of the world's most iconic stadiums, entertainment venues, and major events from Wimbledon and Twickenham to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Edgbaston, the SEC and Excel London we bring experiences to life with passion and precision. Our mission is to succeed the right way. From pioneering tech and seamless operations to show-stopping menus and exceptional service, we use insight and innovation to understand guests, improve the customer journey, reduce environmental impact, and support local communities. We are a passionate, diverse team of venue specialists dedicated to making the planet better for future generations.

Operations Director - The Role

• Operations and Standards: To be responsible for all group operational standards - setting the 'core' standards and documenting them to ensure everyone is aware. Also allowing the venues the opportunity to enhance the guest experience, within reason and as appropriate. To ensure all venues are operating to the required company and brand standards and to follow up on any issues identified, supporting the venues with drawing up actions plans accordingly. Introducing a measurement tool that shares results across all venues and departments.
• In conjunction with the Group Head Chef ensure the food offering is regularly reviewed in line with Levy's requirements, whilst geared to The Venues Collection different client requirements.
• Responsible for the beverage offering across the portfolio, that's in line with Levy's requirements, whilst geared to The Venues Collection different clients.
• In conjunction with the Group Estate Manager ensure there is a planned maintenance schedule for all venues that continually improves the guests experience, that is in line with budget expectations.
• Maintain high levels of guest satisfaction by overseeing the guest feedback processes and sending out monthly reports to the business.
• Maintain the hotel's operations and facilities, ensuring Company and Regulatory health and safety standards are upheld.
• Be present at 'key' events to ensure the venue delivers to expectations.

• People Management: Foster a positive, inclusive and collaborative work environment, focusing on employee motivation, engagement and fulfilment. Support the training and development of the Venue Regional Managers / General Managers, Ops Managers and HOD's, encouraging growth, promotion and succession planning. Provide strong strategic leadership to all direct reports. Maintain effective, regular one to ones and annual appraisal reviews. To be involved in any recruitment and termination decisions at HOD level and above at all venues, supporting the interview process. Manage poor employee performance, conduct or absence in line with Company processes for direct reports. Hold monthly one to one meetings with the Group Head Chef and Group Estate Manager, setting clear objectives in line with the business needs. Attend each venue at least once a month, incorporating a catch up with the GM and senior team on site.

• Financial Performance: Support the Regional General Managers / General Managers to monitor and analyse the hotel's financial performance, including revenue and payroll costs. Support the venues to develop and execute their strategy and cost saving initiatives to achieve budget and profit targets. Participate in the monthly business review calls to review financial performance, guest satisfaction and compliance.

• Commercial: Work closely with the Regional General Managers / General Managers to develop and implement long and short-term strategies for the venue's growth, development and overall success. With a key focus on F&B sales. Attend the quarterly commercial reviews with the SLT, participating accordingly. From time to time, to participate in the venues forecast review / sales strategy meetings and provide guidance in terms of forecast accuracy and achieving budgets / profit targets. Identify opportunities for new services, partnerships, or market segments to enhance profitability. Stay informed about industry trends, competitors, and local market conditions to maintain a competitive edge. Ensure venues adopt all group initiatives to the required standard.

• Compliance & Safety: Ensure compliance with all Company and legislative regulations, including but not limited to; employment law, food safety, health and safety, liquor license and environmental health. In conjunction with the Group Estate Manager ensure venues adhere to all Compass requirements in terms of sustainability, ISAQAR and health and safety records.

What we're looking for

• Leadership & Team Management: Strong ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written with high levels of emotional intelligence.
• Problem Solving: Quick and effective decision-making in high-pressure situations.
• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of hotel financial management and reporting.
• Customer Service Focus: Passion for delivering high-quality guest experiences with a bias to F&B.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to ensure that all aspects of the hotel's operations run smoothly.
• Regional General Manager experience.
• Experience of a branded hotel environment and hotel opening are desirable, due to potential future contracts.

What you'll get in return

• Competitive salary with bonus, company car and full company benefits.
• 27 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme.
• Healthcare & wellbeing: Aviva Digicare, Bupa Medical.
• Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Family benefits: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave. 2 days additional leave after returning from maternity leave, day off for your baby's first birthday, enhanced family leave.
• Perks & discounts: Shopping, entertainment, and travel discounts, 20% off Nuffield Health and 10% off PureGym memberships.
• Financial wellbeing: Pension scheme, Life Assurance, preferred rates on salary finance products.
• Development opportunities: Professional subscriptions, ongoing training and structured career pathways.
• Meals on duty included.

Why Join Us?

Levy UK & Ireland is part of Compass Group, the world's largest catering company, and a vibrant leader in hospitality. We believe in celebrating individuality and building inclusive teams where everyone feels they belong. Our diverse team fuels creativity, innovation, and excellence. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, empowering workplace where everyone can thrive. Part of Compass Group UK&I, we are a grouping of seven easily accessible event spaces with hotel-like residential and leisure facilities, which all sit under the brand name The Venues Collection. Located across the UK, our venues all feature stylish and individual event spaces, including both contemporary and historic meeting areas. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses. Every day, our teams of passionate hospitality professionals strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to some of the UK's leading workplaces as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.