Who are we
Surrey County Cricket Club is committed to making sure cricket is a game for everyone. We believe that cricket should be based on the concepts of fair play, teamwork, and meritocracy and we know that there is work to do to make cricket truly accessible. We are looking for people to join us on the journey of handing cricket over to future generations as the most inclusive and diverse sport in the world.
The Position and purpose
As the Director of Operations, you'll oversee the full spectrum of Club operations, with a focus on stadium and event delivery, health & safety, sustainability, facilities management, catering, and major development projects.
You'll be the driving force behind the safe, efficient, and inspiring operation of our venue — ensuring every member, visitor, and colleague experiences the very best of what we have to offer.
You'll take full accountability for the Club's buildings and infrastructure, managing both hard and soft services to the highest standards. From our matchdays to the seamless execution of non-matchday events, your leadership will ensure every detail is delivered with precision and care.
Working closely with our Head of Sustainability, you'll play a key role in delivering our ambitious net zero target, embedding sustainable practices across all areas of operations. You'll also be instrumental in the Club's long-term growth strategy, leading on major refurbishment and redevelopment projects, and collaborating with third-party contractors to bring our vision for the venue of the future to life.
If you're an inspiring leader with a proven track record in complex operational environments, and you're ready to make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Requirements
What you'll do
Operational Leadership
* Lead the planning and delivery of all assigned matches and events at the venue, ensuring full stakeholder compliance and operational excellence.
* Ensure optimal ground setup for all events, with efficient service delivery and appropriate staffing levels.
* Champion best-in-class venue operations, ensuring the stadium remains a benchmark for matchday logistics and event delivery.
* Deliver outstanding customer service across all operational teams, actively responding to and acting on customer feedback.
* Ensure all buildings, services, and equipment are maintained to industry standards, with a focus on safety, reliability, and presentation.
Compliance & Safety
* Develop and maintain a Club-wide compliance strategy, ensuring adherence to all regulatory and operational requirements.
* Control the Club's critical operating permissions, including the General Safety Certificate, Special Safety Certificates, and Premises Licence.
* Oversee all crowd safety management, supporting the Head of Security, Safety and Operations, in line with the 'Green Guide'.
* Work with the Head of Health & Safety to drive our Club's Health & Safety, Fire, and Critical Supply/Service Contracts policies.
* Maintain strong relationships with responsible authorities and external partners, acting as the Club's lead with the Safety Advisory Group.
* Demonstrate strong crisis management skills, with the ability to lead confidently during unforeseen challenges or incidents.
Strategic Development
* Develop and embed strategic objectives aligned with the Club's broader vision and operational needs.
* Provide long-term vision for the development of the ground and facilities, ensuring alignment with Club ambitions.
* Lead on the creation and implementation of a maintenance and development strategy for the venue alongside the Head of Facilities and Development.
* Attend Surrey Board, OEHL Board, General Committee, The Hundred and other key meetings as required.
* Collaborate with the Head of Sustainability to embed sustainable practices and deliver the Club's net zero strategy.
* Lead a bottom-up review of all operational activities to drive efficiency and effectiveness.
Financial Management
* Develop, manage, and deliver the agreed annual operational budget.
* Maximise operational profitability, margins, and service levels while ensuring robust financial controls.
* Provide strategic leadership for bar and catering operations in partnership with Levy's, using data and insights to drive performance and profitability.
* Collaborate with Levy's, Procurement, suppliers, and contractors to maintain exceptional standards of service and product quality.
Team Leadership
* Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture across all operational teams, promoting accountability and continuous improvement.
* Provide inspirational leadership to a talented team, ensuring high standards of operational and logistical delivery.
* Set clear annual objectives for all team members and manage performance through structured processes and development planning.
* Address HR matters proactively and supports the professional growth of direct reports and wider teams.
* Oversee and manage all third-party contractors and agencies, ensuring performance, compliance, and value for money.
The Person
The successful candidate will have the following experience / skills / qualities:
Essential
* Extensive experience in a senior operations leadership role, ideally within a stadium or sporting organisation.
* Proven track record of managing cross-functional teams with a strong focus on logistics, venue management, and stakeholder coordination.
* Deep understanding of project delivery, operational planning, and event execution.
* A genuine passion for sport, fan experience, and creating memorable moments.
* Excellent executive communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate at all levels.
* Demonstrated success in managing large-scale operational events and delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
* Strong financial, commercial, and strategic acumen, with experience managing significant budgets and driving cost-effective performance.
* Inspirational leadership style with experience managing and mentoring high-performing, cross-functional teams.
* Experience in driving a positive organisational culture and fostering team engagement.
* Proven ability to implement new systems and processes to support operational excellence.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on continuous improvement and high operational standards.
* A values-driven leader who focuses on profitable growth with integrity.
Desirable
* Deep understanding of premium service environments and high-touch guest experience models.
* Event Management qualification.
* Project Management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP).
* NVQ Level 4 in Spectator Safety Management or equivalent.
* NEBOSH General Certificate and/or Personal Licence holder.
Benefits
Competitve salary included
To Apply
Please apply via Workable with a CV and cover letter outlining why you are suitable for this role.
Closing date for applications is 30 September 2025.
We want to make all opportunities at Surrey County Cricket Club accessible to anyone who wants to apply. If submitting a written application is not the best way to tell us about your skills and experience, please let us know and we will discuss it with you.
At Surrey County Cricket Club, we really understand the importance of different voices, experiences, perspectives and backgrounds within all workforces. Our workforce is no different and we strongly encourage applications from members of minority groups and all sections of the community.
If you think you might have these skills but are not 100% sure, please do still apply and let us decide. We know that people often rule themselves out of interesting opportunities assuming that others will be more successful but please don't be that person. We want to hear from the widest cross-section of the community.
Surrey County Cricket Club is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children, young people and adults at risk that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a process of vetting, including the disclosure of criminal records if required and the seeking of references. We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practice across our organisation.