Operations Director in Chester-le-Street

Organisation Durham Cricket C.I.C. Salary Competitive, relative to skills / experience Location Chester-le-Street Contract type Permanent (Full time) Closing date 24 November 2025 Job Description Operations Director

Job Title

Operations Director

Department

Operations

Reports to

Chief Executive Officer

Location

Banks Homes Riverside

Hours

35 hours per week, including evenings, weekends and matchdays as required

Contract

Permanent

Salary

Competitive

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The Role and its purpose

As Operations Director, you will assume overall control of all operational management at Banks Homes Riverside. You\’ll be the driving force behind the safe, efficient, and customer focused operation of our venue — ensuring every member, visitor, and colleague experiences the very best service on a consistent basis.

You will take full accountability for all operational matters including responsibility for match-day and event management, venue maintenance, safety and security and ground development projects.

You\’ll also be instrumental in the Club\’s long-term growth strategy, contributing to major refurbishment and redevelopment projects, and collaborating with third-party contractors to bring the masterplan vision to fruition.

As postholder you will be the organisation’s Safety Certificate holder, ensuring all elements of the certificate are delivered satisfactorily and all events at the Banks Home Riverside are operated safely, in line with Club policy and procedures.

You will work closely with all contractors, suppliers and partners to deliver outstanding matches and events, ensuring that at all times a consistently high standard of customer experience is delivered.

If you\’re an inspiring leader with a proven track record in operational management, and you\’re ready to play a key role in the next exciting phase of the Club’s development, we\’d love to hear from you.

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Reports

• Head of Facilities
• Head of Event Safety

Key relationships

• All other members of Senior Leadership Team
• On site hospitality and catering provider
• Cricket Operations Manager
• On-site partners
• ECB, particularly Match Manager and Facilities contact
• Safety Advisory Group & members

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

General Operations and Venue Management

1. To assume overall responsibility for operational issues at the Bank Homes Riverside.
2. Continue to develop the Venue Masterplan for the site that ensures all ECB Facility Standards for an international cricket ground are met by 2028 and the overall customer experience is enhanced.
3. Develop a plan in conjunction with the Finance Director and Head of Facilities to utilise funds received from ECB annually (Maintenance Fund, Major Match Fund and Strategic Investment Fund) effectively and to improve facilities and enhance income generation.
4. Ensure all buildings, services, and equipment are maintained to industry standards, with a focus on safety, reliability, and presentation.
5. Work with Head of Facilities to devise a Planned Preventative Maintenance Schedule for the site and ensure it is delivered effectively with all statutory issues covered.
6. Create an Environmental Sustainability Action Plan for Durham Cricket in coordination with the ECB and drive the sustainability agenda for the site.

Safety and Compliance

1. Develop and maintain a venue-wide compliance strategy, ensuring adherence to all regulatory and operational requirements expected of a major sports ground.
2. In conjunction with the Head of Facilities ensure the site operates safely year round, and in line with the Club’s Health and Safety Policy and non-matchday Health and Safety Manual.
3. Ensure a Risk Assessment approach is applied to all areas of site operation and all steps to minimise risk are implemented and monitored.
4. Work with the Head of Event Safety to devise an Operations Manual for the Club for all events that ensures the events are delivered safely and in line with the Club’s Safety Certificate.
5. Maintain strong relationships with responsible authorities and external partners, acting as the Club\’s lead with the Safety Advisory Group.
6. Demonstrate strong crisis management skills, with the ability to lead confidently during unforeseen challenges or incidents.

Event Delivery

1. Lead the planning and delivery of all assigned matches and events at the venue, ensuring full stakeholder compliance and operational excellence are achieved.
2. Be the main point of contact for the ECB, and particularly the ECB Match Manager, for all major matches held at the facility.
3. Work closely with the leadership team to ensure a coordinated approach to all events that happen on site including developing a procedure for operating on‑site parking on non‑match and match days and communicating to all relevant parties and ensuring it is adhered to.
4. Deliver outstanding customer service across all operational teams, actively responding to and acting on customer feedback.

Strategic and Financial Management

1. Develop a long-term vision and strategic objectives for the development of the ground and facilities, ensuring alignment with the Club’s ambitions.
2. Lead on the creation and implementation of an annual maintenance and development strategy for the venue alongside the Head of Facilities.
3. Develop, manage, and deliver the agreed annual operational budget in liaison with the Finance Director.
4. Maximise operational profitability, margins, and service levels while ensuring robust financial controls are adhered to consistently.

Team Leadership

1. Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture across all operational teams, promoting accountability and continuous improvement.
2. Provide inspirational leadership to a talented team, ensuring high standards of operational and logistical delivery.
3. Set clear annual objectives for all team members and manage performance through structured processes and development planning.
4. Address HR matters proactively and supports the professional growth of direct reports and wider teams.
5. Oversee and manage all third-party contractors and agencies, ensuring performance, compliance, and value for money.
6. Forge strong relationships with all on-site partners such as Bannatynes and Riverside Leisure Pavilion.

The Person

The successful candidate will have the following experience / skills / qualities :

Essential

• Extensive experience in a senior operations leadership role, ideally within a stadium or sporting organisation
• Proven track record of managing cross-functional teams with a strong focus on logistics, venue management, and stakeholder coordination
• Good understanding of project delivery, operational planning, and event execution
• A genuine passion for sport, fan experience, and creating memorable moments
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate at all levels
• Demonstrable success in managing large-scale operational events and delivering projects on time and within budget
• Strong financial acumen, with experience managing significant budgets and driving cost‑effective performance
• Inspirational leadership style with experience managing and mentoring high-performing, cross-functional teams
• Experience in driving a positive organisational culture and fostering team engagement
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on continuous improvement and high operational standards

Desirable

• Event Management qualification
• NEBOSH General Certificate
• Project Management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP)
• NVQ Level 4 in Spectator Safety Management or equivalent