Head of Retail and Beverage Operations

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. Beyond the walls of our venue, Olympia is on the ground, working to invest in people, strengthen our communities, and protect the environment.

Olympia Events is undergoing a period of change. In 2017, the venue was bought by a consortium led by Yoo Capital and Deutsche Finance international. Work is currently underway to transform the wider estate into a cultural hub of which Olympia Events will be the central part. Once complete, the estate will include a new theatre, music venue, two hotels, over 30 eateries, world-class office space and over two acres of public realm. More information can be found at

Job Purpose: We are seeking a Head of Retail and Beverage Operations to delivery of a diverse and effective, high volume retail food and beverage operation, to match the venues ambition, brand specifications and standards. You will come with a passion for detailed planning a good understanding of mobilisation, marketing, and execution of retail and beverage catering operations, with the necessary resourcing and controls in place to manage the department budget and service quality targets.

Key responsibilities

Focus on building a balanced team and install key processes and best practice into each plan created

• Frequent liaison with the venue and senior leadership team to agree strategy and direction of travel, developing and monitoring 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 learnt
• Lead a team to deliver food and beverage outlets that range 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 ensure delivery of departmental financial targets, as driven by a ‘smart’ approach to maximising the customer experience in terms of queue times, use and application of technology and the provision of enticing marketing offers
• Ownership of the day-to-day delivery of consistent and exceptional product quality and service standards to achieve and ideally exceed department targets and grow our reputation as a venue.
• Drive our guest focus culture through consistently demonstrating an in-depth knowledge and appreciation of hospitality standards and venue needs, that is infectious throughout your team
• Support with Budgeting, reporting, and managing financial performance of the business unit
• Ensuring delivery of financial targets and Key Performance Indicators within areas of responsibility
• Develop strong relationships with procurement, logistics and third-party suppliers to ensure that product quality, stock control and stock holding is adhered to

Person specification

Skills, experience and behaviours

• Naturally confident leader, with senior management experience to inspire large operational teams to deliver results
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in retail and beverage environment that has been 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 development and growth
• Excellent communication skills – able to influence all stakeholder levels.
• Previous Profit & Loss accountability and ability to manage costs to ensure maximum profitability
• To lead a safe & hygienic operation, complying with all Company & legislative requirements, driving excellence in safety performance

Sustainability Responsibilities:

• Continuously improve your knowledge of Olympia Events’ sustainability programme - the ‘Grand Plan’. Complete all training provided and promote sustainability practices to meet our Grand Plan objectives
• Follow and promote all sustainable workplace policies and procedures and seek ways to make your department more sustainable by taking an active role to initiate 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, Olympia Events may require any successful applicant to complete a DBS Check prior to working in our business.

Olympia Events is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and excepts all its people to have a positive commitment to EDI by treating others fairly and not committing any form of discrimination, victimisation or harassment and to promote positive working relationships amongst employees and stakeholders.

This Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over according to the changing needs of the business.