Position Overview
We're looking for a strategic Operations Manager to lead our catering at Charlton Athletic Football Club.
Responsibilities
* Act as operational lead, main point of contact for venue stakeholders.
* Communicate with stakeholders, teams, and senior management; provide regular updates to the General Manager.
* Support sales with commercially viable bids and ensure contracts are operationally deliverable.
* Oversee ordering, delivery schedules, and stock control.
* Prepare venue and catering areas across events and non-live days.
* Collaborate on rotas and labour planning; manage staffing levels across departments.
* Drive revenue while controlling production, waste, and operating costs.
* Ensure compliance with health & safety, hygiene, licensing and security/profit protection procedures.
* Lead pre-shift briefings and communicate strategy to improve performance and customer satisfaction.
* Resolve operational issues promptly; manage customer feedback and escalate where needed.
* Oversee maintenance logs and ensure timely resolution of issues.
* Manage budgets, labour costs, stock takes and financial performance; investigate variances and optimise spend.
* Recruit, train, and manage team performance; conduct appraisals, reviews and foster development and succession planning.
* Promote a positive, inclusive culture; support training, communication, and team engagement.
* Contribute to business growth through new products, catering service innovations and new initiatives.
Qualifications
* Previous experience in a management role with P&L accountability in high-volume quality food service and/or conference and event catering.
* Ability to develop financial controls, forecasting and commercial modelling.
* Experience leading a team of no less than 8 delivering great food and a superior customer experience.
* Excellent communication skills and ability to engage stakeholders effectively.
* Strong IT skills.
* Sound knowledge and ability to manage all aspects of Health, Safety and Food Safety in a foodservice environment.
* Strong commercial acumen and capability to increase sales and profitability within all areas of the business.
* Ability to motivate and inspire people at all levels.
* Fully flexible and willing to adapt to ever-changing environments.
Salary & Benefits
* Up to £53,000.
* Competitive salary and full company benefits.
* 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, birthday off, and holiday purchase scheme.
* Healthcare & wellbeing: Aviva Digicare, Medicash (dental, optical, therapy treatments).
* Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
* Family benefits: 2 days additional leave after returning from maternity leave, day off for baby's first birthday, enhanced family leave.
* Perks & discounts: Shopping, entertainment and travel discounts, 20% off Nuffield Health and 10% off Pure Gym memberships.
* Financial wellbeing: Pension scheme, Life Assurance, preferred rates on salary finance products.
* Development opportunities: Professional subscriptions, ongoing training and structured career pathways.
* Meals on duty included.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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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