At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations at a vibrant cultural venue, shaping experiences and driving strategic initiatives.
- Company: Join Ladbroke Hall, one of London's most ambitious cultural destinations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and the chance to shape a growing institution.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead a diverse team and enhance guest experiences in a unique setting.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative community and make a real impact in arts and hospitality.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in management, with a passion for culture and operational excellence.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Ladbroke Hall is seeking an Operations Director to join the next chapter of one of London’s most ambitious cultural destinations. This is a role for a seasoned operator with management experience, strategic mindset, and leadership presence. This role will take full management of the operating team, reporting into the CEO, Founder, and Board stakeholders. This is a key moment for Ladbroke Hall as an organization, bringing on a key senior leader to the team who can thrive in dynamic environments, bring clarity to complexity, and feel motivated by the opportunity to shape a growing institution at the intersection of culture, hospitality, design, and live experience.
The ideal candidate is both analytical and intuitive in the arts: capable of driving operational excellence across a multifaceted organization while understanding that cultural venues are ultimately built on atmosphere, inspired vision, and human connection. This role will engage both strategic and executional skillset, while tapping into creativity & cultural sense. We are looking for a candidate who can showcase strategic thinking, can move fluidly between planning and real-time execution, a wide-ranging generalist skillset, a demonstrated ability to multi-task, comfort in high-pressure situations, and strong communication skills. 10+ years of experience. Backgrounds in general management, startups, consulting, high-growth ventures, or complex operational business (e.g. hospitality and service industries) will be well-suited to this role. A blend of organizational rigor, as well as being equally energized by the arts, creative community, and building meaningful guest experiences.
- Team Leadership & Operational Management
- Oversee day-to-day team operations of the core Ladbroke Hall team.
- Run weekly meetings & cross-functional communication channels to build visibility across the organization.
- Be the key point of contact and liaison between Gallery Team, F&B Team, and Office Team; own relationship with IT, HR, Legal, and key Advisors to drive strategic business needs.
- Act as on-the-ground decision-maker on critical junctures like use of space, financial investments, team roadblocks, and guest operations.
- Take initiative into employee experience, including handling company resource admin, onboarding materials, and team culture initiatives.
- Act as daily decision-maker on cross-functional tasks like use of space, inventory investments, team roadblocks, and guest problem-solving.
- Report into CEO, Founder, and senior stakeholders to report on company performance, progress on strategic initiatives, and team wellbeing.
- Cultural Vision & Programming
- Ideate on strategic initiatives to bring Ladbroke Hall into the limelight as a cultural hub in West London; drive execution of projects through overseeing core Ladbroke Hall team.
- Develop and drive core activation calendar of keystone events for Ladbroke Hall, like Frieze Art Party, New Years event, Patron Summer Party, and Open House activations.
- Support Ladbroke Hall teams with building proactive strategy and operational processes to support the cultural vision, e.g. calendar management and contracts for Live Programming, KPI tracking for the Marketing Team to reach our patron audiences.
- Venue Strategy
- Oversee operational strategy and SOPs for the full venue to create smooth flow and collaboration between Live Programming, Events, F&B, Gallery and external stakeholders.
- Examples of initiatives: inventory storage plan, guest wayfinding & signage, installation schedules, external communication channels.
- Help maintain relationships, and optimize the staffing/scheduling for freelancers and external suppliers to sustain core building operations (e.g. AV, musician rehearsals, building security).
- Own the strategy & launch plan for upcoming spaces launching in late 2026: Basement Gallery and Speakeasy.
- Guest Experience
- Own the “full Ladbroke Hall experience”; help develop, maintain, and train the team on the aesthetic standards for the guest experience, cultural identity, and physical brand.
- Work with the Marketing, Design, & CWG Gallery team to develop consistent brand standards and collateral throughout the space.
- Oversee the F&B and Events Team to implement consistent experience and service SOPs.
- Develop strategy for capturing guest feedback to improve operations and guest experience.
Operations Director in Slough employer: Ladbroke Hall
Ladbroke Hall is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead operations at one of London’s most vibrant cultural destinations. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, the company fosters creativity and innovation while providing competitive benefits and a dynamic environment that encourages strategic thinking and operational excellence. Joining Ladbroke Hall means being part of a passionate team dedicated to shaping memorable experiences in the arts and hospitality sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director in Slough
✨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 Ladbroke Hall. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Ladbroke Hall
Don't be shy about reaching out to Ladbroke Hall 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 Director in Slough
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 Ladbroke Hall 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 Ladbroke Hall
✨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!
