Head of Operations in Glasgow

At Sodexo Live!, we don’t just deliver events, we create unforgettable experiences. From iconic sporting fixtures to world‑class concerts and conferences, we are proud to partner with some of the most prestigious venues in the UK and beyond.

We are now looking for an exceptional Head of Operations to join our leadership team at Barclays Hampden, Scotland’s National Stadium. This is a high‑profile, senior operational role where you’ll lead the delivery of hospitality, retail, conference and event services across one of the country’s most iconic venues.

As Head of Operations, you will have full operational accountability for match day and non‑match day delivery, ensuring outstanding service standards, commercial performance and full compliance at all times. Acting as Deputy to the Venue Services Director, you’ll play a critical role in shaping strategy, driving profitability, and leading large, diverse teams in a fast‑paced live event environment. This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who thrives under pressure, leads from the front, and is passionate about operational excellence.

We are looking for a confident, resilient operational leader with a proven track record in large‑scale hospitality or live event environments. You’ll combine strong commercial acumen with outstanding people leadership and a passion for delivering memorable experiences. If you’re ready to take on a senior leadership role where no two days are the same and your impact will be felt by thousands of guests, we’d love to hear from you.

What You’ll Do:

• Leading and overseeing all operational delivery across hospitality, public retail, and conference & events
• Driving commercial performance, profitability, cost control and labour efficiency across all departments
• Delivering exceptional guest experiences in line with Sodexo Live! and client standards
• Deputising for the Venue Services Director, representing the business with professionalism and authority
• Managing and developing departmental managers and large on‑site teams (permanent, casual and agency)
• Ensuring full compliance with food safety, health & safety, licensing, environmental and statutory regulations
• Building strong, trusted relationships with the Scottish FA and key stakeholders
• Leading operational planning, execution and post‑event reviews for major fixtures, concerts and events
• Driving continuous improvement, innovation and sustainability across all service lines
• Promoting a strong “One Team” culture with high levels of engagement, performance and accountability

What You Bring:

• Proven leadership experience in stadium, event, hospitality or multi‑site operations
• Strong P&L ownership with the ability to deliver financial and operational targets
• In‑depth knowledge of food & beverage, retail and event operations
• Excellent people management, communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strong understanding of health & safety, food safety and licensing compliance
• Ability to lead under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a live environment

Desirable:

• IOSH Managing Safely (or equivalent)
• Personal Licence Holder (or willingness to obtain)
• Experience with EPOS, workforce management and digital ordering systems
• CIEH Level 3 qualification
• Experience within Sodexo Live! or a comparable premium venue operator

What we offer:

Working with Sodexo Live! is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we also offer a range of resources, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:

• Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.
• Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems where you may need additional support, including legal and financial advice, support with work related issues or personal issues such as bereavement.
• Access to a free health and wellbeing app that provides rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and includes access to a 24hr virtual GP and various other services.
• The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 (also open to friends and family) and/or the prepayment cashback card.
• Money Insights and financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform.
• Save for your future by becoming a member of the Sodexo Retirement Plan.
• A Death‑in‑Service benefit for colleagues who pass away whilst employed by Sodexo.
• Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools.
• Cycle to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit.
• Volunteering Opportunities to enable all colleagues to help support worthwhile causes in our communities.
• Flexible and dynamic work environment.

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!

Sodexo reserves the right to close this advertisement early if we are in receipt of a high volume of applications.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds, and identities. We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins. We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations.