Description: Olympia Events is more than an exhibition venue, conference centre and live-event space – it’s an inspiration. Against a backdrop of grand Victorian architecture, the seven connected spaces inspire engagement and enjoyment. Olympia Events is recognised in the industry for exceptional levels of customer service and support, and our numerous awards are testament to our clients' satisfaction.
Olympia Events goes beyond the walls of the venue, working to invest in people, strengthen our communities, and protect the environment. The venue is undergoing a transformation into a cultural hub with a new theatre, music venue, two hotels, over 30 eateries, world‑class office space, and over two acres of public realm. Further information can be found at https://olympia.co.uk/.
Job Purpose
We are seeking a Head of Retail and Beverage Operations to deliver a diverse and effective, high‑volume retail, food and beverage operation that matches the venue’s ambition, brand specifications and standards. The successful candidate will have a passion for detailed planning and a strong understanding of mobilisation, marketing, execution of retail and beverage catering operations, and the resourcing and controls required to manage the department budget and service quality targets.
Key Responsibilities
* Focus on building a balanced team and installing key processes and best practice into each plan created.
* Frequent liaison with the venue and senior leadership team to agree strategy and direction, develop and monitor tactical plans to deliver.
* Ensure that all activities have a clear purpose and measurable outcomes, with a disciplined and pacey approach to completion, including the review and application of lessons learned.
* Lead a team to deliver food and beverage outlets ranging from grab‑and‑go to fine dining, ensuring customer service excellence to enhance the guest’s experience.
* Review performance and optimise sales and profitability to achieve departmental financial targets, employing a ‘smart’ approach to maximise the customer experience in terms of queue times, technology usage, and enticing marketing offers.
* Own day‑to‑day delivery of consistent and exceptional product quality and service standards to achieve and ideally exceed department targets, growing the venue’s reputation.
* Drive a guest‑focus culture through consistently demonstrating an in‑depth knowledge of hospitality standards and venue needs, an approach that is infectious across the team.
* Support budgeting, reporting and management of financial performance of the business unit.
* Ensure delivery of financial targets and key performance indicators within areas of responsibility.
* Develop strong relationships with procurement, logistics and third‑party suppliers to ensure product quality, stock control and stock holding adherence.
Person Specification
* Confident leader with senior management experience, able to inspire large operational teams to deliver results.
* Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a retail and beverage environment achieved in a multisite outlet, stadium or catering environment.
* Confidently able to manage a mixed portfolio of outlets and business functions.
* Passionate about people, building and developing teams to secure a culture of growth.
* Excellent communication skills – able to influence all stakeholder levels.
* Previous profit & loss accountability and ability to manage costs for maximum profitability.
* Ability to lead a safe and hygienic operation, complying with all company and legislative requirements and driving excellence in safety performance.
Sustainability Responsibilities
* Continuously improve knowledge of Olympia Events’ sustainability programme – the ‘Grand Plan’. Complete all training provided and promote sustainability practices to meet Grand Plan objectives.
* Follow and promote all sustainable workplace policies and procedures, seeking ways to make the department more sustainable by initiating change.
Olympia Events is fully committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups) that attend our premises. As a consequence, a successful applicant may be required to complete a DBS Check prior to commencing work.
Olympia Events is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and expects all staff to have a positive commitment to EDI by treating others fairly and not committing any form of discrimination, victimisation or harassment, and promoting positive working relationships among employees and stakeholders.
This Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive; duties and responsibilities may vary in accordance with the changing needs of the business.
Seniority Level
Director
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Sales and Business Development
Industries
Entertainment Providers
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