Operations Director

The Company

Since launching in 2008, this company has established itself as an award-winning independent hospitality business operating across both retail and events hospitality. They operate in five iconic, large-scale London venues and their premium hospitality operations span events spaces, cafes, restaurants and bars.

Service excellence, career-development, training and education are embedded in the culture of the business, and as an organisation they are growth-focused. Improving their profitability and market position through innovation and quality is key to their success, and they are always on the lookout for passionate and experienced people to join them on this journey.

We are looking for a dynamic, highly experienced senior hospitality operator to lead the continued success and growth of their flagship location and drive the business forward on every level. You will be an inspiring leader, have significant experience in delivering quality, service and commerciality in large-scale, complex multi-site F&B operations.

The Opportunity

With a combined turnover of circa £8m+, the business is multifaceted and requires a seasoned operator who can match that complexity with professional maturity, strategic energy and a true passion for great hospitality. The Account Director will be responsible for overseeing the commercial and operational success of the entire location, leading with clarity and supporting department heads and their teams across the business.

Leading and building high-functioning, happy teams, innovating in food and beverage, cultivating and furthering client relationships, identifying growth opportunities and ensuring compliance across the functions of HR, payroll, safety as well as all legislative requirements, are all key responsibilities in this role.

This is a high-profile role and together with the wider business and executive team, the Account Director will be responsible for developing and delivering short, medium and long term strategies to mitigate challenges and ensure the full commercial potential of the business is realised.

The Candidate

• The successful candidate will have a significant depth and breadth of multi-site managerial experience to General Manager, Operations Manager or Director-level, ideally across a compelling range of high-quality, large-volume venues, events, restaurants and bars, member's clubs and complex hospitality settings.

• You will possess well-honed commercial instincts and financial management skills, and demonstrable experience in driving a proactive sales strategy and managing a sales team to deliver real growth particularly in the venues and events sector will be key.

• However, this commerciality must be balanced with genuine, well-developed people skills and an inspiring leadership style. This is a demanding role and your natural interpersonal approach will be engaging, confident and collaborative.

• The environment is fast-paced, multi-faceted and constantly changing – this role requires an individual who will be very present, and is prepared to be hands-on and visible in the operation, leading from the front and setting the pace.

• This senior role is also expected to introduce fresh ideas and provide wider industry perspective to the business, whilst working proactively, collaboratively and with integrity at all times.

• Importantly, the appointed individual's ethos and professional approach will perfectly reflect my client's unique culture, values and brand.

• The business is a 7-day a week, day and evening operation, and you must be prepared to be flexible to work the equivalent of a 5-day working week around all of the associated business requirements and AM/PM hours to effectively lead the team, connect with clients, stakeholders and VIPs, and deliver superlative outcomes. You will be expected to manage your own time and ensure you are in the business when required.