At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead venue operations, enhance customer experience, and develop community activities.
- Company: Established sporting and community organisation in Newton Abbot.
- Benefits: Real ownership of operations, flexible working hours, and direct access to senior leadership.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a genuine impact on a busy community facility and shape its future.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality or venue management; strong leadership and customer service skills.
Are you already working in hospitality, leisure, venue management, events or another busy customer-focused environment and ready for an opportunity with more ownership? Perhaps you're a Duty Manager, Assistant Manager, Hospitality Manager, Leisure Manager or Venue Supervisor who can see what could be improved, but doesn't always have the freedom to do something about it. You may already be managing a smaller venue and want your next role to offer more variety, autonomy and scope to make a difference. This could be worth a conversation.
We're recruiting a Venue & Operations Manager for a well-established sporting and community organisation in Newton Abbot. The official title is Complex Manager, but this is much broader than traditional facilities management. You'll be bringing together venue operations, hospitality, people, customers and commercial development, while helping shape the next phase of a busy community facility.
What will you be doing?
You'll take responsibility for an operation that already includes:
- a busy 3G sports facility
- hospitality and bar provision
- catering
- events and functions
- community activity
- venue and facility bookings
- a mixed team of permanent and casual staff.
You'll be expected to understand what's already working, improve what isn't and spot opportunities to make better use of the venue. That could mean:
- increasing bookings and utilisation
- developing events, functions and hospitality opportunities
- improving customer experience
- building relationships with local businesses and community organisations
- managing and supporting the operational team
- overseeing rotas, stock, suppliers and operational processes
- maintaining strong standards across the venue
- identifying new commercial opportunities
- contributing ideas and solutions to the senior leadership team.
This is a visible role with genuine responsibility and the opportunity to influence how the venue develops.
Who might this suit?
We're deliberately keeping an open mind about where you've gained your experience. You might currently be working in:
- hospitality, pubs or restaurants
- hotels or conferencing
- leisure or sports centres
- events or functions
- visitor attractions
- holiday parks
- community venues
- sports clubs
- another busy customer-facing operation.
What's important is that you understand how to make an operation work well, enjoy working with people and customers and have enough commercial awareness to spot opportunities. You may already manage people, or you may be ready to step up from a strong supervisory, Duty Manager, Deputy Manager or Assistant Manager position.
What we're looking for
You'll need to be someone who:
- takes ownership and follows things through
- can lead and get the best from people
- understands good customer experience
- is commercially aware
- is organised and comfortable juggling competing priorities
- spots opportunities rather than waiting to be told what to do
- brings solutions when things go wrong
- communicates confidently with different people
- is comfortable challenging constructively
- can work flexibly around the needs of a seven-day venue.
A Personal Licence and food or hospitality experience would be useful, but they're not the starting point for this appointment. We're much more interested in finding someone with the right operational judgement, attitude and potential.
What's in it for you?
This isn't an opportunity to simply inherit somebody else's finished operation. There is an established venue, a supportive team and plenty already happening, but there is also genuine scope to improve, develop and grow it. You'll have:
- real ownership of the operation
- direct access to senior leadership
- scope to introduce ideas and improvements
- specialist support while you get established
- variety across operations, hospitality, people and commercial development
- the opportunity to help shape the future use of an important local venue.
You'll also be joining an organisation with a strong team ethos, where people are trusted to do their jobs and flexibility works both ways.
Salary: Up to £30,000
Hours: Full-time hours of 36.25 per week
Location: Newton Abbot
The venue operates seven days a week, so evening and weekend work will form part of the role. In return, the working pattern is managed flexibly rather than as a conventional Monday-to-Friday 9-to-5 position.
If you're looking at your current role thinking I'm ready to take on more, use my own judgement and have a bigger impact, we'd like to hear from you. Apply with your CV or contact Pivotal Recruit for a confidential conversation about the opportunity.
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.
Venue & Operations Manager in Newton Abbot employer: Pivotal Recruit
Join our dynamic Managed Service Provider (MSP) in the South West, where you'll enjoy a hands-on IT Support Engineer role that offers both desk and field work. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development, as well as a competitive benefits package including a company van or mileage reimbursement, generous holiday allowance, and training support. Here, your contributions are valued, and you will have the autonomy to influence our evolving business while building meaningful relationships with clients.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Venue & Operations Manager in 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. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Pivotal Recruit
Don't be shy about reaching out to Pivotal Recruit 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 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 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
✨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!
