At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a busy venue, oversee operations, and enhance customer experience.
- Company: Join a dynamic sporting and community organisation in Newton Abbot.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and creativity in a live venue setting.
- Why this job: Take ownership of operations and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in management roles within customer-facing environments.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
Ready for more ownership than your current role gives you? You know how to keep a busy operation moving. You understand customers. You’ve probably managed people, sorted rotas, dealt with the unexpected and spotted better ways of doing things. But perhaps you’re ready for more? More ownership. More variety. More opportunity to bring your own ideas and actually do something with them.
We’re recruiting a Venue & Operations Manager for a sporting and community organisation in Newton Abbot. We’re not only looking for people who have done this exact job before. You might currently be an Assistant Manager, Duty Manager, Deputy Manager, Hospitality Manager, Leisure Manager, Events Manager or Venue Supervisor. You could be working in a hotel, pub, leisure centre, visitor attraction, sports venue, holiday park, conference venue or another busy customer-facing environment. What matters more is what you can bring.
This is a role with room to make your mark. The venue is already active, with a busy sports facility, hospitality, events, community use and a mixed operational team, but there is more potential. The organisation wants to increase use of the venue, develop new commercial opportunities, strengthen the customer experience and build deeper connections with its local community. That’s where you come in.
You’ll take responsibility for the day-to-day operation while also asking:
- What else could we do here?
- How could we increase bookings?
- Could we develop more events and functions?
- Who else could use the facilities?
- How do we improve the customer experience?
- Where are the processes making life unnecessarily difficult?
- What commercial opportunities are currently being missed?
You’ll have the opportunity to turn those questions into action.
The role:
- Venue and sports facility bookings
- Hospitality, catering and bar operations
- Events and functions
- Customer experience
- People management and rotas
- Stock, suppliers and operational processes
- Income generation and commercial development
- Local business and community relationships
- Operational standards and compliance
You’ll report directly into senior leadership and be expected to contribute ideas, judgement and solutions rather than simply keep things ticking over.
What will make you successful? We’re looking for someone practical, commercially aware and good with people. Someone who can walk into an existing operation, understand it before changing everything and then start making things better. Someone who can lead people without needing to dominate them, someone confident enough to say: “I don’t think that’s the best way to do it, and here’s what I suggest instead.” You’ll also need to be comfortable rolling your sleeves up when the situation calls for it. This is a live venue. Things happen. The person who enjoys solving those problems is much more likely to enjoy this job than the person who wants every week mapped out neatly in advance.
What do you get in return? You get a genuine opportunity to build. You’ll inherit an established operation and a good team, but not a finished product. You’ll have support, autonomy and access to experienced people around you, including specialist hospitality knowledge while you get established. You’ll join an organisation with a strong team ethos and a culture where people are expected to help each other get things done. There’s also genuine flexibility and trust. The venue operates seven days a week and evenings and weekends are part of the role, so this isn’t a Monday-to-Friday 9-to-5 job. Your 36.25 hours are worked flexibly around the operation.
If you’ve reached the point where you’re ready to move beyond supporting someone else’s operation and want the opportunity to take real ownership of one, we’d be interested in talking to you. Apply now and Tracey at Pivotal Recruit will be in touch to tell you more.
The successful applicant will be required to complete a satisfactory DBS check as part of the appointment process and must be eligible and willing to apply for and hold a Personal Licence for the sale of alcohol.
Locations
Venue & Operations Manager in Devon, Newton Abbot employer: Pivotal Recruit Ltd
As a Venue & Operations Manager at our dynamic sporting and community organisation in Newton Abbot, you'll find an excellent employer that values your input and creativity. We foster a collaborative work culture where your ideas can flourish, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a focus on enhancing the customer experience and engaging with the local community, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our venue while enjoying a supportive environment that encourages ownership and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Venue & Operations Manager in Devon, Newton Abbot
✨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 Pivotal Recruit Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Pivotal Recruit Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Pivotal Recruit Ltd 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 Devon, Newton Abbot
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 Pivotal Recruit Ltd 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 Pivotal Recruit Ltd
✨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!