Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer

Watford Full-Time 90000 - 210000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead daily operations of a dynamic leisure business and drive international growth.
  • Company: Join a fast-growing brand in the UK leisure and attractions industry.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for travel, and a chance to shape the company's future.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant company with a focus on memorable visitor experiences.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in senior operations roles within leisure or attractions, with multi-site management skills.
  • Other info: Exciting opportunity for strategic thinkers ready to lead a growing business.

The predicted salary is between 90000 - 210000 Β£ per year.

Location Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire

MUST have strong restaurant experience in the luxury space to apply

This is a rare and exciting leadership role within a dynamic, boutique hospitality group. The business is entering a significant growth phase, with plans to refresh its sites, drive revenue, and expand operations. The investment company is stepping away, and they are looking to hire someone to run the entire operation. This role will oversee multiple sites, ensuring smooth day-to-day management and strategic growth.

We are seeking an accomplished Chief Operating Officer/Operations Director to shape the future of the business. You will work closely with the CEO, with a clear pathway to take on long-term leadership responsibilities:

  • Oversee day-to-day operations across the portfolio, ensuring each site maintains its unique energy, high standards, and guest-focused culture
  • Strategically drive growth, particularly in food & beverage, preparing the business for expansion and scaling successfully
  • Deliver operational improvements, refine processes, and ensure teams are structured and empowered to deliver revenue and exceptional customer experiences
  • Lead refurbishment plans across sites, including restaurants and rooms, and maximise revenue from F&B operations.

Who We’re Looking For:

  • Proven senior operator (COO, Operations Director, or similar) with multi-site experience in restaurant luxury, hospitality space
  • Strong track record of driving revenue growth, particularly in food & beverage-led operations (rooms knowledge is a bonus, not essential)
  • Hands-on, people-focused, and able to inspire large teams across multiple locations
  • Commercially astute with the ability to balance growth with exceptional customer experience
  • Strategic thinker with long-term vision, excited by the opportunity to help lead a business through its next growth phase
  • Independent background desirable, with experience delivering clear market communication and sales growth

The Business:

  • The group has multiple sites, including countryside and city-focused operations
  • Operations are currently F&B-led, with strong kitchen teams in place. Revenue is roughly 70% food & beverage, 30% rooms
  • Key priorities include launching and driving restaurant sales, refurbishing rooms, communicating offerings to the market, and building long-term revenue growth. Previous leadership changes have set the business up for a fresh strategic direction, creating an opportunity for a high-impact COO to shape and drive its future.

This is a standout opportunity for a highly capable operator who wants to make a genuine impact in a growing, ambitious hospitality business.

Contact Stuart Hills or call to hear more

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Chief Operating Officer employer: COREcruitment Ltd

As a leading player in the leisure and attractions sector, this company offers an exceptional work environment characterised by a vibrant culture and a commitment to employee development. With a focus on growth and expansion into European markets, employees are provided with unique opportunities for career advancement and the chance to make a significant impact within a dynamic team. Located in London, the headquarters fosters collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for ambitious professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
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Contact Detail:

COREcruitment Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Network with industry professionals who have experience in the leisure and attractions sector. Attend relevant conferences or events where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role and the company.

✨Tip Number 2

Research the company's current operations and recent expansions, especially in Europe. Understanding their strategic goals will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their vision during discussions.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed multi-site operations and driven growth in previous roles. Highlight your ability to balance operational efficiency with customer experience.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your leadership style and how it fosters a positive team culture. Be ready to explain how you inspire and motivate large teams, as this is crucial for the COO role in a dynamic environment.

We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer

Leadership Skills
Strategic Thinking
Multi-Site Operations Management
Commercial Acumen
Project Management
Team Building and Development
Customer Experience Focus
Change Management
Financial Acumen
Performance Management
International Expansion Experience
Operational Efficiency
Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in leisure and attractions, particularly any roles as COO or Operations Director. Emphasise your track record in managing multi-site operations and your experience with international expansion.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your leadership skills and strategic vision. Discuss how your background aligns with the company's goals for growth in Europe and how you can contribute to maintaining high standards and guest-focused culture.

Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include specific examples of past achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive performance and efficiency in complex operational environments. Use metrics where possible to quantify your success.

Showcase Your People Skills: Given the importance of inspiring large teams, make sure to illustrate your people-focused approach. Share experiences where you've successfully led teams across multiple locations and fostered a positive work culture.

How to prepare for a job interview at COREcruitment Ltd

✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience

As a candidate for the Chief Operating Officer role, it's crucial to highlight your previous leadership roles. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed multi-site operations and inspired large teams, particularly in the leisure or attractions sector.

✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking

This position requires a strategic mindset, so come ready to discuss your vision for the company's growth. Share insights on how you would prepare the business for international expansion and the structures you believe are necessary for success in new markets.

✨Understand the Market Dynamics

Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the leisure and attractions industry, especially in Europe. Being able to articulate your understanding of these dynamics will show that you're not only knowledgeable but also commercially astute.

✨Emphasise Customer Experience

Since the role involves maintaining high standards and a guest-focused culture, be ready to discuss how you've balanced operational efficiency with exceptional customer experiences in your previous roles. Provide examples of initiatives you've implemented that enhanced visitor satisfaction.

Chief Operating Officer
COREcruitment Ltd
Location: Watford

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