Director of Operations
Prestigious Property - Oxford City
Location: Oxford
Salary: £60,000 - £65,336 (DOE) + excellent benefits
Hours: 40 hours per week
Contract: Full-time, permanent
The Opportunity
A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen for an accomplished Director of Operations to join a prestigious heritage property located in the heart of Oxford.
This is a senior operational leadership role overseeing accommodation, dining, hospitality services, security, and events within an exceptional historic environment renowned for excellence, tradition, and world-class guest experience.
The property is also undertaking a major redevelopment project it's largest expansion in over three centuries making this a highly exciting time to join.
The Role
As Director of Operations you will lead multiple operational departments and deliver a seamless, high-quality experience across accommodation, dining, hospitality, events, and guest services.
You will oversee a diverse team across:
Kitchen & Culinary
Dining & Service
Housekeeping
Reception, Lodge & Security
Events & Hospitality
Core responsibilities include:
Daily management of all operational departments
Delivering a schedule of formal dinners, daily food & beverage services, receptions, hospitality and high-profile events
Financial management: procurement, budgeting, stock control, payroll oversight and expenditure approvals
Oversight of accommodation allocation, upkeep, furnishings and short-let management
Leadership and development of c. 46 staff, including recruitment, training, performance and annual appraisals
Ensuring compliance across security, health & safety, food safety and operational policies
Committee participation, reporting, planning and representing operations at senior level
Supporting large-scale redevelopment planning and future operational integration
Oversight of specialist areas including wine cellar management and silver inventory (with team support)
This is a highly varied and influential hospitality leadership role in a unique and prestigious environment.
About You
We are seeking a polished, professional operations leader with:
Essential:
Significant multi-department operational management experience
A strong track record in leadership and staff development
High levels of organisation, attention to detail and service excellence
Budgeting, procurement and financial management experience
Ability to handle sensitive matters with tact and discretion
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Ability to prioritise a varied workload and manage complex operational demands
Strong IT capability and understanding of digital optimisation
Willingness to work occasional evenings/weekends during peak periods
Ability to pass a DBS check
Desirable:
Hospitality, conference, or venue management background
Professional operational qualification
Experience with wine cellar or stock management
Knowledge of H&S, HR, licensing or food safety compliance
What's on Offer
£60,000 - £65,336 dependent on experience
40-hour week with paid meal breaks
Free meals on duty
Outstanding pension scheme
Private medical insurance (post-probation, including family cover)
Enhanced holiday entitlement including public holidays and seasonal closures
TOIL available for extra hours worked
Exceptional work environment within a historic, prestigious setting
Participation in strategic planning and major redevelopment projects
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