Head of Hospitality (Co-op Live) in Manchester

Head of Hospitality (Co-op Live) in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead premium hospitality experiences at Co-op Live, ensuring top-notch service and guest satisfaction.
  • Company: Join a dynamic team at one of the UK's busiest live entertainment venues.
  • Benefits: Enjoy meals on shifts, a competitive pension, birthday off, and career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be a key player in delivering unforgettable events and experiences for VIP guests.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in premium hospitality and strong decision-making skills in fast-paced environments.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace with a focus on diversity and personal growth.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

The Head of Hospitality at Co-op Live is a senior leadership role responsible for delivering exceptional Premium and VIP hospitality & Events experiences across one of the UK’s busiest live entertainment venues.

You will lead the delivery of service through a team of experienced managers, ensuring every event is executed to the highest standard. Working closely with Premium Sales and venue stakeholders, you will ensure that each hospitality experience is planned and delivered in line with what has been promised to guests, members and clients.

As the senior hospitality lead on event days, you will provide visible leadership across all premium and hospitality areas and act as the main escalation point for service and guest experience matters. You will play a key role in maintaining high standards, driving consistency, and ensuring the revenue performance of all areas, with a strong commercial focus on maximising sales and guest spend in line with business budget.

This role suits a confident hospitality leader who thrives in fast-paced live environments, enjoys working cross-functionally and can make clear, effective decisions in real time. A strong operational background is essential, with a hands-on approach and the confidence to step into service and support the team whenever required.

Key Responsibilities
  • Hospitality Service Delivery
    • Lead the delivery of premium and VIP hospitality experiences across all Co-op Live events, ensuring service standards are consistently met or exceeded.
    • Oversee the operational execution of hospitality packages, menus and guest experiences across premium areas.
    • Ensure service style, flow and guest journey are aligned to brand standards and event profiles.
    • Maintain a visible leadership presence during live events, supporting managers and ensuring smooth service delivery.
  • Leadership & Escalation
    • Lead and support the Event Manager and permanent F&B Premium Managers in delivering high-quality hospitality operations.
    • Act as the senior escalation point for guest experience, service and operational issues during live events.
    • Take ownership of resolving complex or high-impact situations in real time to protect guest satisfaction and brand reputation.
    • Set clear expectations for service standards, professionalism and delivery quality across hospitality teams.
  • Premium Sales & Stakeholder Alignment
    • Work closely with Premium Sales and EVSL sales teams to ensure hospitality products and guest experiences are clearly defined and operationally deliverable.
    • Translate sales commitments into clear service delivery expectations for operational teams.
    • Support pre-event planning and briefings to align hospitality delivery with client requirements and event specifications.
    • Build strong working relationships with venue stakeholders, promoters and internal teams.
  • Commercial & Performance Oversight
    • Support the commercial success of premium hospitality areas through strong service execution and guest engagement.
    • Monitor performance against agreed KPIs including guest experience, service consistency and delivery standards.
    • Identify opportunities to increase spend per head and proactively suggest initiatives that drive revenue and innovation.
  • Standards, Compliance & Continuous Improvement
    • Ensure hospitality service delivery meets food safety, licensing, allergen and health & safety requirements.
    • Maintain clear service standards and operational guidelines across hospitality areas.
    • Lead post-event debriefs and implement actions to continuously improve service delivery.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
  • Essential
    • Proven senior leadership experience within premium hospitality, live events, arenas, stadia, theatres or high-end multi-site environments.
    • Experience leading managers and senior operational teams, with accountability for service standards and guest experience delivery.
    • Strong background in premium, VIP or high-value guest environments, with a focus on service excellence and consistency.
    • Demonstrated ability to act as a senior escalation point during live service, making confident decisions in fast-paced, high-pressure situations.
    • Experience working closely with sales, commercial or client-facing teams to deliver hospitality products and guest experiences as promised.
    • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to align multiple teams around shared delivery goals.
    • Strong understanding of hospitality service standards, guest journey design and quality assurance.
    • High level of personal organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously.
    • Resilient, adaptable and calm under pressure, with a visible leadership style.
  • Desirable
    • Experience working within arena, or large-scale hospitality or live entertainment environments.
    • Experience delivering hospitality for VIPs, members, corporate clients or premium ticket holders.
    • Personal Licence holder.
    • Experience working with high-profile stakeholders.
    • Understanding of commercial performance within large hospitality/catering environments.
Job Benefits
  • Meals on Shifts – Enjoy lunch & dinner while you work.
  • Company Pension Scheme – Secure your future with our competitive pension plan.
  • Birthday Day Off - Enjoy an extra day off to celebrate your birthday.
  • Inclusive & Diverse Workplace – Be part of a team that values diversity and inclusion.
  • On-Site Parking – Parking available at site locations.
  • Career Development Opportunities – Grow with us through learning, progression, and internal opportunities.
  • Competitive Holiday Allowance - plus bank holidays.

Head of Hospitality (Co-op Live) in Manchester employer: Eastlands Venue Services Limited

Co-op Live is an exceptional employer that prioritises a vibrant and inclusive work culture, offering employees the chance to thrive in a dynamic environment at one of the UK's busiest live entertainment venues. With competitive benefits such as meals on shifts, a company pension scheme, and career development opportunities, we are dedicated to fostering personal growth and ensuring our team feels valued and supported. Join us to lead premium hospitality experiences and make a meaningful impact in the world of live events.
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Contact Detail:

Eastlands Venue Services Limited Recruiting Team

talent@eastlandsvsl.com

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Hospitality (Co-op Live) in Manchester

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to those already in the hospitality scene. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Show up prepared! When you land that interview, research the company and its events thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in delivering top-notch VIP experiences. Confidence is key!

✨Tip Number 3

Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for their team.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Let’s get you into that dream role in hospitality!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Hospitality (Co-op Live) in Manchester

Senior Leadership Experience
Hospitality Service Delivery
Event Management
Operational Execution
Guest Experience Management
Stakeholder Management
Commercial Acumen
Performance Monitoring
Service Standards Compliance
Attention to Detail
Decision-Making in High-Pressure Situations
Communication Skills
Team Leadership
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Hospitality: When writing your application, let your love for hospitality shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to delivering exceptional service and creating memorable guest experiences.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. Use relevant examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage high-pressure situations.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to see your personality, so don’t be afraid to let it come through while keeping it professional!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Co-op Live!

How to prepare for a job interview at Eastlands Venue Services Limited

✨Know Your Hospitality Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and standards in premium hospitality. Brush up on your knowledge of VIP guest experiences and be ready to discuss how you would elevate service delivery at Co-op Live.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in high-pressure environments. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams during live events and resolved complex issues on the spot.

✨Align with Stakeholder Expectations

Understand the importance of collaboration with sales and event teams. Be prepared to explain how you would translate sales commitments into operational realities, ensuring everyone is on the same page for a seamless guest experience.

✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen

Think about ways to enhance revenue through guest engagement. Come equipped with ideas on how to increase spend per head and improve overall performance against KPIs, showing that you have a strong commercial focus.

Head of Hospitality (Co-op Live) in Manchester
Eastlands Venue Services Limited
Location: Manchester

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