At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food and beverage operations for a major sports venue, ensuring top-notch service and efficiency.
- Company: Join a leading global food service and hospitality business with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and the chance to shape guest experiences.
- Other info: Be part of an exciting venue that hosts major events and sports.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-energy environment while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume hospitality and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
ICP Search has partnered with a leading global food service, hospitality and venue operations business to appoint a Catering Operations Director for a major sports and entertainment venue in Wales. This is a senior leadership role responsible for the full food and beverage operation across general admission, hospitality, bars, concessions and events.
The successful person will lead the mobilisation and ongoing delivery of a large-scale stadium catering operation, setting new standards across service, guest experience, operational efficiency and commercial performance. The role would suit someone with significant experience in stadium, arena, live event or high-volume hospitality environments, particularly where wet-led operations, premium hospitality and large casual workforces are central to delivery.
As Catering Operations Director, you will take full operational ownership of the venue’s food and beverage proposition. You will lead the mobilisation programme, build and develop the operational team, establish systems and standards, and ensure the venue is fully prepared for launch and ongoing event delivery. This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role requiring strong operational control, commercial judgement and the ability to influence senior stakeholders across the catering partner, venue team, suppliers, contractors and client stakeholders.
Key responsibilities:- Lead the full food and beverage operation across bars, concessions, general admission, hospitality, suites, lounges and event spaces.
- Own and deliver the mobilisation plan, ensuring kitchens, bars, retail units and premium spaces are ready for launch.
- Build, lead and develop a high-performing operational team.
- Establish clear operating procedures, service standards, compliance frameworks and event-day processes.
- Drive speed of service, queue management, stock flow, replenishment and throughput across high-attendance events.
- Manage large casual and agency workforces, including scheduling, briefing, training and performance standards.
Catering Operations Director employer: ICP Search
As a leading global food service and hospitality provider, this company offers an exceptional work environment for the Catering Operations Director role at a major sports and entertainment venue in Wales. Employees benefit from a dynamic culture that prioritises innovation and excellence, alongside opportunities for professional growth within a high-energy setting. With a focus on operational efficiency and guest experience, this role not only allows for impactful leadership but also provides a chance to be part of a team that sets new standards in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Operations Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food service and hospitality industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the venue and its operations. Understand their current challenges and think about how your experience can help them set new standards. We want you to walk in there with confidence and show them you’re the perfect fit for the Catering Operations Director role!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you’ve built and developed teams in high-pressure environments. We want to hear about your strategies for managing large workforces and ensuring top-notch service delivery during busy events.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. Let’s get you on the path to landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Catering Operations Director role. Highlight your experience in high-volume hospitality environments and any relevant achievements that showcase your operational control and leadership skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led successful food and beverage operations, and don’t forget to mention your ability to influence stakeholders!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, let us know about your leadership style. We want to see how you build and develop high-performing teams, so share any experiences where you've successfully managed large casual workforces or mobilised a team for a big event.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in the catering operations space!
How to prepare for a job interview at ICP Search
✨Know Your Venue Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you research the specific venue you'll be working with. Understand its layout, the types of events it hosts, and any unique challenges it faces in catering operations. This knowledge will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how you can enhance their food and beverage offerings.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Catering Operations Director, you'll need to lead a large team. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built and developed teams, managed large workforces, or improved operational efficiency. Highlight your ability to influence stakeholders and drive performance.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations. Think about scenarios like managing a sudden influx of guests or dealing with supply chain issues. Be ready to explain your thought process and the steps you would take to ensure smooth operations.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
This role requires strong commercial judgement. Be prepared to discuss how you've previously driven profitability in food and beverage operations. Bring examples of how you've optimised costs while maintaining quality service, and be ready to suggest innovative ideas for enhancing revenue streams at the venue.
