Venue Operations Manager

Venue Operations Manager

Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Red Engine Team

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead venue operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and operational excellence.
  • Company: Join Red Engine, the creative force behind Flight Club and Electric Shuffle.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, private healthcare, and generous staff discounts.
  • Other info: Join a diverse culture committed to inclusion and personal growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and collaboration in hospitality.
  • Qualifications: Experience in multi-site operations and strong people leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

Hello, we are Red Engine, the team behind the award‑winning global brands Flight Club and Electric Shuffle. We're obsessed with disrupting the hospitality industry by creating and delivering the best possible experience – across all venues, products and brands. Our central team covers the full spectrum of skills needed to bring each concept to life – from design to marketing, sales to interior design, people and training, to finance, gaming and HR and everything in between.

Purpose & Scope

The Venue Operations Manager is responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences and ensuring operational excellence across multiple venues in the London Region. This role provides strategic leadership and hands‑on support to General Managers, driving consistency, compliance, and commercial success. It also plays a key role in opening new venues and embedding brand standards across all operations.

Key Responsibilities And Accountabilities

  • Operational Leadership: Oversee day-to-day operations across all venues, ensuring service delivery meets brand standards. Monitor compliance with licensing, food safety, health & safety, and all statutory requirements. Conduct regular audits and risk assessments, implementing corrective actions where necessary. Champion operational excellence and coach venue teams to achieve excellence.
  • People Leadership: Own the People agenda for the region, including recruitment, training, development, performance management, ER cases, engagement and succession planning. Support long-term resource planning and ensure venues are prepared for seasonal and future demands. Lead induction and onboarding for new General Managers, including probation reviews. Foster a positive, inclusive, collaborative and high‑performance culture aligned with company values.
  • Financial & Commercial Management: Partner with Finance to review budgets, monitor revenue, and control costs to achieve profitability targets. Analyse sales data and implement strategies to drive growth and improve performance. Contribute to the development and execution of the regional strategic plan to deliver business objectives and growth targets. Forecast and plan for future operational needs, ensuring venues are prepared for seasonal and long‑term demands.
  • New Venue Openings: Act as operational project lead for new venue launches, ensuring systems and processes are in place. Oversee recruitment and resourcing for new openings in line with project timelines. Provide transition support and act as the main point of contact for new venue management.
  • Strategic Planning & Collaboration: Contribute to regional strategic plans to deliver business objectives and growth targets. Build strong partnerships with Head Office teams (HR, Finance, Marketing, L&D, Maintenance) to ensure effective communication and delivery of initiatives.

What We’re Looking For

  • A commercially minded, highly organised leader with experience managing multi‑site operations.
  • Strong knowledge of hospitality compliance and operational standards.
  • Excellent people leadership skills with a proven ability to inspire and develop teams.
  • Ability to manage projects, budgets, and deliver results in a fast‑paced environment.

To succeed, the role holder will demonstrate our values in everything they do.

  • Innovative: Our edge is our innovation – we stay one step ahead because we are always looking to invent and improve. We are bold, creative, pioneering and fearless. Got an idea? Share it!
  • Passionate: We’re not like other workplaces – there’s no need to hold back here. We’re a full throttle, high energy, total commitment bunch, and we throw everything we’ve got into giving our guests the best time possible.
  • Warm: We’re all about people. A fundamental part of our guest having fun is us being welcoming, hospitable and attentive. We hold the key to their experience!
  • Together: We’re a family. We work with each other and we support each other; we win together, and we lose together. That means honesty, commitment and responsibility, from all of us.

What you'll get:

  • Annual bonus
  • 33 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays
  • Staff discount in all venues (50% off Sunday, Monday, 33% off Tuesday – Saturday, and free game hire)
  • Private healthcare
  • Regular team socials and weekly lunch in venue
  • Monthly learning and development classes, quarterly team‑building events
  • Summer and Christmas socials
  • Help @ hand 24/7 health support
  • Free access to therapy, nutritionists, and physiotherapists

Inclusive Culture

Here at Red Engine, we believe our success begins and ends with our people. We are committed to a diverse culture where all our team feel respected and included. We acknowledge the power that a diverse set of beliefs and perspectives can bring, and that a variety of voices strengthens our team, enhances creativity and drives innovation. We welcome applications from candidates of all identities, including individuals of different races, ethnicity, genders and sexual orientations. If you're passionate about contributing to a culture of inclusion and collaboration, please apply.

Venue Operations Manager employer: Red Engine Team

At Red Engine, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters creativity and innovation. As a Venue Operations Manager in London, you'll benefit from competitive annual bonuses, generous leave, and comprehensive health support, all while leading a passionate team dedicated to delivering unforgettable guest experiences. With ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, including regular training and team-building events, you'll thrive in an environment that values collaboration and celebrates diversity.

Red Engine Team

Contact Details:

Red Engine Team Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Venue Operations Manager

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 Red Engine Team. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Red Engine Team

Don't be shy about reaching out to Red Engine Team 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

Operational Leadership
Compliance Management
Risk Assessment
People Leadership
Recruitment and Training
Performance Management
Financial 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 Red Engine Team 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 Red Engine Team

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!