At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the U Health Café, creating exceptional food and beverage experiences.
- Company: Join Virgin Active, a leader in social wellness and community.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, complimentary membership, and discounts across Virgin Group.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and impact in a vibrant community.
- Why this job: Be part of redefining wellness while developing your career in a premium environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in multi-site food and beverage leadership and strong people management skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Head of U
As we evolve into Social Wellness Clubs, we are creating spaces and experiences that support every aspect of our members’ physical, mental, nutritional and social wellbeing.
By bringing together expert guidance, genuine community, personalised experiences and innovative technology, we make wellness feel accessible, welcoming and easy to navigate.
Virgin Active is committed to recruiting the finest people who share our passion for creating exceptional experiences and delivering world-class service every day. We are looking for a
- Head of U to join our
- Food and Beverage Team
In this role, you will play a part in leading the U Health Café proposition in the UK, creating consistently excellent, commercially successful food and beverage experiences that complement our social wellness clubs.
The Role
- Own and deliver the UK strategy and operating plan for U Health Café, driving sales, profitability and commercial performance.
- Lead operational excellence across all locations, ensuring consistent standards, service, quality and operational readiness.
- Champion food safety, compliance, quality and effective supplier partnerships.
- Lead, coach and develop the U operations team, building a high-performance culture and strong talent pipeline.
- Work collaboratively with Club General Managers, Support Office teams, suppliers and strategic partners.
- Use data, customer insight and performance information to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, grow the proposition and enhance the member experience.
- Lead the delivery of new initiatives, promotions and growth opportunities across the U proposition.
- Who We’re Looking For
- Significant multi-site food and beverage leadership experience, ideally within a premium setting.
- Strong commercial acumen and experience managing sales, budgets, margins, labour and controllable costs.
- Proven experience in food safety, operational compliance, audits and service standards.
- A strong people leader with experience coaching, developing and motivating teams across multiple locations.
- Experience translating strategy into practical operational plans and delivering change.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication and stakeholder-management skills.
- Comfortable balancing strategic thinking with hands‑on operational delivery in a fast‑paced environment.
- Relevant food and beverage, hospitality or business qualification is desirable; equivalent experience will also be considered.
- Flexibility to travel regularly between UK locations and work outside standard office hours where required.
- What You’ll Get
- The opportunity to be part of a brand redefining the future of wellness.
- A premium environment with industry‑leading facilities.
- Development and progression opportunities aligned to your level.
- Access to a vibrant, engaged member community.
- The platform to build your career, reputation and impact.
- The Perks
- 30 days (including bank holidays) annual leave, plus a Celebration Day – and we want you take them
- Access to Scottish Widows pension scheme, with our contribution matching yours at either 4 or 5%.
- Complimentary Virgin Active membership for you and a buddy, with free membership for your children too and the ability to take advantage of Club V.
- Discounts across Virgin Active, including guest passes and 50% off PT sessions.
- Access to Virgin Family benefits and discounts across the Virgin Group.
- 20% off food and drink at KAUAI branches located in clubs.
- Access to Salary Finance, Health Heroes, Dexters corporate letting services and e Points.
- Discounts on Virgin Active Academy courses.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of U in London employer: Virgin Active Limited
Virgin Active is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing lives through wellness, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises team development and member satisfaction. As an Operations Manager, you will lead a passionate team in a dynamic environment, benefiting from generous perks such as complimentary memberships, extensive annual leave, and access to exclusive discounts across the Virgin family. With a strong focus on employee growth and operational excellence, Virgin Active provides a fulfilling career path for those committed to delivering outstanding experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of U in London
✨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 Virgin Active Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Virgin Active Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to Virgin Active Limited 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 Head of U in London
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 Virgin Active Limited 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 Virgin Active Limited
✨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!
