At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Manchester United Fan Zone operations and create unforgettable matchday experiences.
- Company: KERB Events, known for vibrant food and hospitality at major UK football venues.
- Benefits: Generous discounts, 25 days holiday, health cash plan, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting flagship project and shape memorable experiences for thousands of fans.
- Qualifications: Experience in venue or event operations and strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 37500 - 40000 £ per year.
Venue Operations Manager
Application Deadline
6 December 2026
Department
Operations
Employment Type
Permanent - Full Time
Location
Manchester, Greater Manchester
Reporting To
Jordan Reid
Compensation
- Description
- 2026 has already been an exciting year for
KERB Events , taking our food and hospitality expertise into some of the UK's biggest football stadia and creating vibrant fan zones and destination food and drink experiences for supporters.
We're looking for a proactive and ambitious
Venue Operations Manager to lead the launch and day-to-day operation of the Manchester United Fan Zone.
This flagship project will bring premium food, drink and hospitality experiences to fans before, during and after matchdays.
This is a role for someone who enjoys building things as much as running them.
You'll take the lead on delivering brilliant matchday experiences, working closely with our traders, bar teams and venue partners to ensure everything runs smoothly on the ground.
Working closely with the Head of Stadia Operations, you'll take ownership of operational excellence across the venue, continually looking for ways to improve the customer experience, strengthen relationships with stakeholders and help shape the future of this exciting project.
This is a rare opportunity to help establish and grow a flagship venue from the ground up, creating memorable food, drink and hospitality experiences for thousands of fans at one of the world's most iconic sporting destinations.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Venue Operations
- Lead the day-to-day operation of the Manchester United Fan Zone, ensuring every event is delivered safely, efficiently and to an exceptional standard.
- Take ownership of matchday and event delivery, remaining visible on the ground and supporting the team wherever required.
- Coordinate logistics, staffing, stock management, accreditation and operational planning.
- Manage food and beverage operations across the site, ensuring high operational standards are consistently maintained.
- Build excellent working relationships with traders, suppliers and operational partners.
- Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, food safety and KERB operating procedures.
- Drive continuous operational improvements to enhance efficiency, profitability and customer experience.
- Monitor venue performance and identify opportunities to improve service, sales and operational effectiveness.
- Collaborate closely with internal teams to ensure a consistent and high-quality experience across all touchpoints.
- Support the successful launch and ongoing development of the Manchester United Fan Zone.
- Foster a positive, collaborative culture across traders, suppliers and event teams.
- Gather and review customer feedback to help inform operational improvements.
- Stay informed on industry trends and best practice within hospitality, events and food & drink operations.
- Support wider KERB projects and regional opportunities as the business continues to grow
- Stakeholder Management
- Act as the primary operational contact for Manchester United and key venue stakeholders.
- Build trusted relationships with venue teams, partners and suppliers.
- Attend planning meetings, operational reviews and post-event debriefs.
- Anticipate stakeholder needs and proactively develop solutions that improve delivery.
- What You'll Bring To KERB
Essential
- Experience in venue operations, event operations, hospitality or food & drink environments.
- Knowledge of bar operations and beverage service.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- A hands-on, proactive and solution-focused approach.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to build strong working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Experience managing operational teams, suppliers or service partners.
- Strong understanding of customer experience within events, hospitality or leisure environments.
- Comfortable working in live event environments.
- Willingness to learn new systems and processes, including EPOS systems / Kappture experience is a plus).
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to the Manchester United site at least 4 days per week.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and matchdays as required.
- Enthusiasm for delivering exceptional food, drink and hospitality experiences.
- Desired but not essential
- Experience working with independent food traders.
- Exposure to multiple event types, such as sports events, exhibitions, concerts or live events at Stadia
- What You'll Get By Joining KERB
- Generous F&B discount across KERB food and drinks
- 25 days holiday (excluding bank holidays) + birthday day off
- Health Cash Plan (Medicash)
- Personal Wellbeing Allowance (Juno)
- CODE App Membership
- Private Medical Insurance (Vitality)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Cycle To Work scheme
- Annual season ticket loan
- Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave after 2 years
- A London Living Wage and Disability Confident Committed employer
- A Best Companies accredited employer
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Venue Operations Manager in Stretford employer: KERB
KERB is an exceptional employer that prioritises a people-focused culture, offering generous benefits such as a health cash plan, private medical insurance, and a personal wellbeing allowance. With a commitment to inclusivity and employee development, KERB fosters a supportive environment where team members can thrive while contributing to the vibrant food scene in London. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values your expertise and encourages growth in a fast-paced, innovative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Venue Operations Manager in Stretford
✨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 KERB. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to KERB
Don't be shy about reaching out to KERB 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 Venue Operations Manager in Stretford
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 KERB 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 KERB
✨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!
