Chief Operations Officer - Sports & Hospitality

Chief Operations Officer - Sports & Hospitality

Full-Time 59576 - 68231 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Leisure People Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead food & beverage strategy and operations across diverse venues.
  • Company: Ambitious sports and hospitality operator in Southeast England.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 30% bonus, and excellent benefits.
  • Other info: Join an executive team focused on innovation and organisational success.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of sports and hospitality while driving growth and excellence.
  • Qualifications: Senior operational leadership experience in multi-site leisure or hospitality.

The predicted salary is between 59576 - 68231 £ per year.

  • Chief Operations Officer - Sports & Hospitality operator - Southeast England
  • £96,000+30% bonus+ excellent benefits

We are looking for a Chief Operations Officer for an ambitious southeast England based sports and hospitality operator who provide sports, membership, food & beverage, functions, events and retail in some incredibly diverse venues predominantly within commuting distance of the M25.

Reporting into the CEO, this newly created post will take the lead on developing their food and beverage offering, operating standards and facilities management of their venues and will sit on the executive team to help shape the next phase of their growth journey.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and deliver a group-wide food & beverage strategy that drives revenue growth, profitability and customer satisfaction across all sites.
  • Lead food & beverage operations by establishing consistent service standards, operational procedures and best practice across the portfolio.
  • Oversee menu development, pricing, supplier strategy, and procurement.
  • Lead the strategic management of facilities, CAPX projects, maintenance programmes, compliance and estate performance across all venues.
  • Oversee the performance of the Group Chef Manager and Group Facilities Manager, providing strategic leadership and support.
  • Partner with General Managers and Executive Team colleagues to deliver operational excellence, commercial performance and organisational objectives.
  • Manage operational budgets, identify opportunities for cost efficiencies and revenue growth, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
  • The ideal candidate
  • An engaging and influential leadership style with the ability to develop high-performing teams and build strong relationships across a diverse organisation.
  • Significant senior operational leadership experience at Director, Group, COO or equivalent level within a multi-site leisure, sports, hospitality or contract catering.
  • A proven track record of leading food & beverage operations and delivering measurable commercial and operational improvements.
  • Strong experience managing facilities, estates or property operations including project management of CAPX projects.
  • Demonstrable success leading organisational change, operational transformation and business growth.
  • Excellent commercial, financial and strategic planning skills, supported by a data-driven approach to decision making.
  • Ideally experience within a membership club environment such as private members, tennis, golf or sports club.
  • Have your own transport and living within easy reach of the M25 for regular site visits.

For more information, please click apply and we will be in touch if you have the right level of experience.

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Chief Operations Officer - Sports & Hospitality employer: Leisure People Recruitment

As a leading player in the golf activity and event venue sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that encourages innovation and collaboration. Our employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive training programmes, and ample opportunities for career advancement, all while working in a vibrant location that promotes both professional and personal growth. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your journey towards success.

Leisure People Recruitment

Contact Details:

Leisure People Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Chief Operations Officer - Sports & Hospitality

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 Leisure People Recruitment. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Leisure People Recruitment

Don't be shy about reaching out to Leisure People Recruitment 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 Chief Operations Officer - Sports & Hospitality

Leadership Skills
Food & Beverage Strategy Development
Operational Standards Establishment
Menu Development
Supplier Strategy
Procurement Management
Facilities Management

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 Leisure People Recruitment 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 Leisure People Recruitment

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!