Operations Manager - Aintree Racecourse - The Jockey Club Experience in Surrey

Excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.

We are looking for an Operations Manager to join The Jockey Club Experiences at Aintree Racecourse, to ensure the smooth delivery of the day-to-day and race day hospitality operations within the unit to our clients and customers whilst managing the business needs and performance standards.

ABOUT US: Jockey Club Experiences was formed in 2026 and continues to provide outstanding catering, hospitality and customer service at all of The Jockey Club's racecourses nationwide and has a portfolio of 15 racecourses delivering catering to over 333 race days a year. Jockey Club Experiences delivers exceptional race day experiences through great people and amazing customer service.

WHO YOU ARE: As an Operations Manager, you will ideally have a successful background in Food Service/Contract Catering/Hospitality/Retail Catering. With previous experience working in a fast-paced environment managing a team as well as supporting the catering, hospitality and events. You will have a flexible attitude towards hours and working tasks. You possess excellent management and communication skills, have a good understanding of financial management, and be able to demonstrate your analytical approach to problem solving. You will have the ability to display a real passion for food and customer service and be financially and commercially astute.

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS: As Operations Manager, service will be your focus area ensuring you exceed client expectations. You will thrive on getting the best out of your team and maximising commercial opportunities, ensuring the delivery of the service is exceptional. You will be supporting with the hospitality and fine dining service requirements, managing and controlling staff levels, while ensuring budgetary requirements are met. The Operations Manager will recruit, manage, train, motivate and appraise staff to promote good employee relations and a fantastic working environment whilst developing a positive team culture within the workplace. By managing and maintaining all the Hospitality areas and equipment you will ensure the working environment is clean and meets Health and Safety legislation. Assisting the General Manager in ensuring all financial targets are achieved, and the preparation of business forecasts. Comply with all Company and client policies, procedures and statutory regulations.

PRIME OBJECTIVES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the performance of any direct reports.
• Ensure every team member is given a fair objective performance review and any agreed action is effectively followed up.
• Attend all regular meetings and ensure that relevant information is cascaded as appropriate.
• Lead set up on prep days.
• Support the Deputy General Manager and General Manager to effectively induct, train and develop variable labour in accordance with the needs of the business.
• Manage the casual team to ensure effective communication.
• Acknowledge and act upon individual customer needs while observing the standards.
• Treat all customers and colleagues in a polite and courteous manner at all times.
• Provide direct liaison with client, customer and sales team to ensure clear communication for each event's needs and expectations.
• Deal with all customer comments in a positive manner and take appropriate follow-up action.
• Support the Deputy General Manager and team in effective liaison with the client to ensure the continual development of the partnership.
• Ensure day-to-day delivery of catering services as advised to standards set within the business.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform all tasks consistently adhering to the specific standard.
• Lead by example and ensure members of the team wear correct, full and clean uniform whilst on duty.
• Actively address all issues related to non-adherence of company standards.
• Support the Deputy General Manager and General Manager in communicating, motivating and involving individuals within the team.
• Demonstrate ability to identify training needs and carry out on the job training.
• Be aware and adhere to statutory, legal and company requirements for Health and Safety; Food Hygiene; Licensing Laws; Employment Law; Fire Regulations; Sales of Goods/Trade Description.
• Report all maintenance issues and hazards as in the company health and safety manual.
• Attend department meetings and briefings as required.
• Support other venues within the region and across the country as required.
• Maximise all sales opportunities through selling techniques.
• Have knowledge of all unit/location products and be able to advise the customer in a professional and helpful manner.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of all company marketing initiatives.
• Actively upsell each request to maximize revenue and profitability.
• Maximise sales opportunities that occur within the planning and operations stages of the functions and events.
• Support General Manager in achieving sales revenue targets for the department/location and to optimize profitability and efficiency within the unit.
• Demonstrate excellent control of all operating costs in line with set targets.
• Minimize operating costs by using all equipment and products in accordance with company and manufacturers' guidelines.
• Ensure all stock takes are completed to company standards and to set deadlines.

Why Join Us? Levy UK