Hospitality Operations Manager

The roar of the crowd, the thrill of events, and the taste of victory. AFC Wimbledon, a club reborn from passion, continues its incredible journey at the new Plough Lane.

But the excitement doesn't stop on the pitch! As Aramark, their official culinary partner, we're crafting unforgettable experiences for fans and eventgoers alike. Want to be part of this unique story? Aramark UK have an incredible opportunity for a highly motivated and talented Hospitality Operations Manager to join the team at Wimbledon Football Club.

AFC Wimbledon is a club with an interesting history, having been formed by supporters of the old Wimbledon FC in 2002 after their club was relocated 60 miles north to Milton Keynes, becoming MK Dons. The new Plough Lane is the most recent instalment of that story. Only opening in November 2020, it is one of the newest stadiums in the country, with it hosting 9125 fans per matchday, the mission is to set the standard for excellence and create exceptional experiences for the Dons and non-matchday visitors to the site.

Reporting to the General Manager, the Hospitality Operations Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all aspects of hospitality operations within the stadium, ensuring the delivery of exceptional guest experiences on both matchdays and non-matchdays.

This is a full time and permanent position which will be based on site and requires working 5 days over 7.

What’s in it for you:

• Competitive salary of £35,000
• Generous annual leave that increases in line with service, with the opportunity to buy extra
• Defined contribution pension scheme / pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Benefits app: access to 100s of discounts, online GP appointments, mental health support and our Employee Assistance Programme
• FOOD! Opportunities to attend in-house events and try the culinary genius of our teams (we are a food business after all!)

A day in the life of a Hospitality Operations Manager:

• Embed health and safety into all operations, ensuring compliance and promoting wellbeing for all team members.
• Support accurate allergen protocols, training, and documentation in collaboration with the culinary team.
• Deliver premium hospitality standards, identify training needs, and continuously improve service styles.
• Monitor payroll, staffing, and restaurant financial performance; control costs and identify growth opportunities.
• Work with chefs, sales, and other departments to optimize processes, packages, and operational efficiency.
• Design and implement training for managers and variable staff to enhance leadership, communication, and service skills.
• Ensure completion of paperwork, stock control, and adherence to SOPs for matchday and non-matchday operations.
• Prepare performance reports, lead pre-event briefings, engage with guests, and drive a positive team culture.

You'll be set up for success if you have:

• Passionate about driving transformation through bold, progressive ideas in hospitality.
• Charismatic communicator with experience managing large, diverse operational teams and multiple business functions.
• Enthusiastic about food and service, bringing positivity and energy to all aspects of work.
• Calm under pressure, skilled in problem-solving, and able to lead or collaborate effectively in dynamic situations.
• Strong knowledge of restaurant efficiency, cost control, and P&L accountability with a proven track record of profitability.
• Highly respected across all levels, detail-oriented, and committed to premium hospitality standards and team development.

If you are applying for this role and you already work for Aramark, you must notify your line manager before submitting your application.

At Aramark UK, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and empowered to thrive. As a proud Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all abilities and are dedicated to supporting employees with disabilities throughout their career journey.

We ensure our recruitment process is accessible, and reasonable adjustments are available at every stage, from application to interview and employment. If you require any accommodations or have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team – [email protected]

Join us in fostering a workplace where everyone can achieve their full potential.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.