At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a major stadium catering operation, ensuring exceptional fan experiences and strong financial results.
- Company: Elior Stadia, a dynamic leader in matchday catering and hospitality.
- Benefits: Free meals, flexible working, 28+ days holiday, paid volunteering, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Exciting role with room for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced environment and make a real impact on unforgettable events.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in hospitality or catering with strong client relationship skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced operational leader from the catering or hospitality sector to take responsibility for a major football stadium catering operation. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a strong background in operational delivery, commercial performance and client relationship management. You will lead a large-scale catering and hospitality operation with annual revenues of £1.8m–£2.5m+, ensuring exceptional fan experiences across matchdays, conferences, hospitality events and non-matchday business. You will be comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-profile environment, leading large teams, managing stakeholder relationships and delivering consistently strong financial and operational results.
What you’ll be doing…
- Take full responsibility for the overall performance of a major stadium catering operation, ensuring outstanding service, strong financial results, and a high-performing team culture.
- Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing on-site team to deliver exceptional matchday and event experiences.
- Take full ownership of P&L performance, driving revenue growth, cost control and overall commercial success.
- Act as senior operational lead, building strong relationships with clients, stakeholders and key partners.
- Ensure full compliance with Food Safety, Health & Safety, COSHH, legal and environmental standards, embedding a strong safety-first culture.
- Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement and innovative, fan-focused hospitality delivery.
- Oversee recruitment, training and development to build a capable, motivated and resilient workforce while ensuring clear team communication.
Working Pattern: 5 out of 7 days
What can you bring?
- Proven operational leadership experience within contract catering, hospitality, stadia, events or large-scale venue environments.
- Experience managing operations with annual turnover between £1.8m and £2.5m+.
- Strong client relationship management experience, acting as the primary point of contact for key stakeholders.
- Previous experience as an Operations Manager, Senior Operations Manager, General Manager or equivalent leadership role.
- Demonstrable experience leading large, multi-functional teams in fast-paced environments.
- Strong commercial and financial management skills with full P&L responsibility.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and matchdays as required by the business.
- Stadium, arena, conference centre or event venue experience.
- Contract catering experience.
- Experience delivering premium hospitality alongside high-volume retail catering.
Brilliant Work Deserves Brilliant Perks!
At Elior, we believe that when you love where you work, it shows. That’s why we make sure our team feels appreciated, supported, and set up for success! Here’s what’s waiting for you:
- Free, tasty meals - Enjoy tasty, nutritious food on us while you work!
- Flexible working - including part time roles, because life doesn’t run on a 9-5 schedule.
- Plenty of Time to Unwind - 28 days of holiday, and after two years, enjoy even more with 31 days.
- Leave for life’s important moments - whether family, personal or unexpected.
- Give back time - paid volunteering days for the causes you care about.
- Room to grow - career development and learning opportunities for all stages of your career.
- Financial security - pension schemes and life assurance.
- Exclusive discounts - save on entertainment, leisure, and even travel!
Operations Venue Manager employer: Elior Uk
Elior Stadia is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its team members, offering a vibrant work culture where operational excellence meets fan-focused hospitality. With generous benefits such as free meals, flexible working hours, and ample holiday time, employees are supported in both their professional and personal lives. The company fosters career development through continuous learning opportunities, making it an ideal place for those looking to thrive in a dynamic and rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Venue Manager
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Elior Uk. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Elior Uk
Don't be shy about reaching out to Elior Uk directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Venue Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Elior Uk and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elior Uk
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
