At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and strategy for the UK's fastest-growing boutique bowling destination.
- Company: Join Lane7, a vibrant brand offering fun experiences across multiple venues.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, private health insurance, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Enjoy free activities, discounts, and a dynamic team culture.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting international expansion and shape the future of social entertainment.
- Qualifications: Proven senior operations leader with multi-site experience in hospitality or entertainment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Operations Director – UK-based with regular travel across UK, Europe and Ireland
About Us
Lane7 is the UK's fastest growing and biggest independent boutique bowling destination.
We have multiple venues across our Lane7, Level X, Gutterball and ML7 brands.
Bowling has always been our thing - since launch in 2013, but really, we're all your best nights in one: Pool, golf, darts, karaoke, arcades and a ton of next-level gaming experiences, combined with great drinks and fabulous food.
A night with friends, date night, special celebrations and private functions… we've got every occasion covered.
Could you be what we’re looking for?
This is a rare and genuinely exciting opportunity to join Lane7 Group at a pivotal point in its international expansion.
As Operations Director, you will provide senior strategic and operational leadership across the entire Lane7 Group estate, working directly with the CEO and Founder to set the direction of the business and ensure the group has the operational capability to support its ambitious growth plans.
The Role
You will lead a talented senior operations team including a Head of Operations who owns all site deliverables and standards, a Head of Gaming & Facilities, and a Health & Safety and Compliance Officer empowering them to deliver excellence across the estate while you focus on strategy, international expansion, and building the frameworks that will take Lane7 Group to the next level.
This is a role for a proven, commercially astute senior leader who is as comfortable shaping long-term strategy as they are rolling their sleeves up when the business needs it.
Key Responsibilities include
- Strategic Leadership
- Define and execute the operational strategy across all Lane7 Group venues and territories, aligned to the group’s growth ambitions.
- Partner with the COO and Board to shape expansion plans, new venue pipelines, and market entry strategies across the UK, Europe, and Ireland.
- Build scalable operational frameworks, governance structures, and toolkits that support a rapidly growing multi-brand, multi-territory estate.
- Lead the senior operations leadership team, setting clear direction, priorities, and accountability across all functions.
- International Expansion
- Lead the operational workstream for new venue openings across the UK, Germany, Ireland, and new European markets.
- Develop and own the group’s new venue opening playbook, ensuring every launch delivers to full brand and operational standards.
- Support site assessment, due diligence, and early-stage planning for new Lane7 Group venues.
- Build and maintain the operational infrastructure required to manage a growing international estate effectively.
- Commercial Performance & Governance
- Hold overall P&L accountability across the Lane7 Group venue portfolio.
- Work with the Head of Operations to monitor and drive commercial performance across the estate, stepping in at a strategic level where intervention is needed.
- Provide regular operational performance reporting to the Board, with clear insight into trading, risks, and opportunities.
- Ensure the group meets all regulatory, compliance, and governance obligations across every territory.
- Senior Team Leadership
- Line manage and develop the Head of Operations, Head of Gaming & Facilities, and H&S & Compliance Officer.
- Create a high-performing, collaborative senior operations team with clear ownership, strong communication, and shared standards.
- Partner with HR on senior talent acquisition, succession planning, and leadership development across the operations function.
- Represent the operations function at Board and investor level, communicating performance, risks, and strategic priorities clearly & credibly.
- Brand & Guest Experience
- Be the ultimate custodian of the Lane7 Group guest experience across all brands and territories.
- Work with the Head of Operations and brand teams to ensure operational delivery fully supports the group’s positioning and commercial objectives.
- Use guest feedback, NPS, and market insight to inform strategic decisions and drive continuous improvement.
To be a success with Lane7, you’ll have
Essential
- A proven senior operations leader with multi-site, multi-territory experience in hospitality, leisure, entertainment, or F&B.
- Experience operating at Director or equivalent level with P&L accountability across a significant venue portfolio.
- A track record of leading senior operations teams and building high-performing functions.
- Strong international operations experience, ideally across the UK and at least one European market.
- Exceptional strategic thinking combined with the pragmatism to drive execution through others.
- Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills, including Board-level engagement.
- A genuine passion for guest experience and social entertainment.
Desirable
- Direct experience in competitive socialising, experiential entertainment, or premium bar and dining.
- Multi-brand operational leadership experience.
- Experience operating in Germany, Ireland, or other European markets.
- A second European language is an advantage, though not essential.
- What We’ll Offer
- Salary - Please complete
- Performance bonus
- 28 days holiday per year (Plus 1 day holiday for every year worked - Up to 5 years)
- Private Health insurance & benefits through Vitality
- Company pension contribution
- Free bowling and activities for you and up to 3 others when you aren’t working (off-peak time)
- 25% off food and drink
- Get involved with different social activities throughout the year through our team social calendar
- Annual team awards party
- Cycle2Work scheme partnered with Halfords
- Refer a friend scheme
- Fancy being part of it all? Apply Now
Operations Director in London employer: Lane7- Operations
Lane7 Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that thrives on creativity and collaboration. As the UK's fastest growing independent boutique bowling destination, we provide our employees with unique opportunities for growth and development, alongside competitive benefits such as private health insurance, performance bonuses, and generous holiday allowances. Join us in shaping unforgettable experiences across our venues while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions and fosters your career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director in London
✨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 Lane7- Operations. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Lane7- Operations
Don't be shy about reaching out to Lane7- Operations 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 London
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 Lane7- Operations 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 Lane7- Operations
✨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!
