Head of Retail and Bars – Charlton Athletic FC
We’re looking for a strategic Head of Retail to join the dynamic team at Charlton Athletic Football Club – an iconic stadium with a strong heritage and community that offers the ideal environment for entertaining football and first‑class food.
As Head of Retail you will lead Charlton Athletic’s Food & Beverage (F&B) retail operations, ensuring excellence in fan experience, commercial performance, and operational delivery across matchdays, non‑matchdays, hospitality, and special events.
Responsibilities
* Develop and implement a strategic plan for retail growth across F&B, bars, kiosks, and fan zones.
* Align operational plans with infrastructure projects and club‑wide growth.
* Oversee daily operations of all retail functions including hospitality bars, food units, kiosks, mobile bars, and the fan zone.
* Lead stock control, procurement, supplier relationships, and cost efficiency.
* Manage cellar systems and general maintenance across all sites.
* Oversee new and exciting food concepts and launch new food lead offers.
* Ensure high standards in product quality, presentation, and service.
* Comply with food hygiene, health & safety, and licensing regulations.
* Recruit, train, and manage a high‑performing F&B team.
* Plan matchday staffing to align with match profile and service demand.
* Own P&L responsibility for all retail operations, delivering regular reporting to senior leadership.
* Support commercial and marketing through promotions and activations to drive spend‑per‑head.
* Coordinate with facilities and maintenance for retail improvement projects.
Qualifications
* Significant experience in senior retail/F&B leadership in a stadium, arena, or large event setting.
* Proven track record of growing revenue, improving margins, and managing large teams.
* Strong people‑management and leadership skills across multi‑site, high‑pressure environments.
* Advanced operational knowledge: stock control, logistics, vendor negotiation, health & safety.
* Resilience and adaptability in high‑demand matchday environments.
* Excellent communicator with strong internal and external stakeholder management.
* Available to work evenings, weekends, and all matchdays.
Benefits
* Competitive salary up to £45,000 plus benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days annual leave, bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.
* Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
* Enjoy the vibrant, inclusive culture of the club and our community‑focused team.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, empowering workplace where everyone can thrive.
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