Director of Operations (Maternity Cover)

As the Director of Operations (maternity cover), you'll oversee the full spectrum of Club operations, with a focus on stadium and event delivery, health & safety, sustainability, facilities management, catering, and major development projects. You'll be the driving force behind the safe, efficient, and inspiring operation of our venue, ensuring every member, visitor, and colleague experiences the very best of what we have to offer.

You'll take full accountability for the Club's buildings and infrastructure, managing both hard and soft services to the highest standards. From our matchdays to the seamless execution of non-matchday events, your leadership will ensure every detail is delivered with precision and care. Working closely with the Operations Team, you will maintain momentum against existing strategic priorities, while ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance and effective leadership of operational teams. If you're an inspiring leader with a proven track record in complex operational environments, and you're ready to make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

What you’ll do

Operational Leadership

• Lead the planning and delivery of all assigned matches and events at the venue, ensuring full stakeholder compliance and operational excellence.
• Ensure optimal ground setup for all events, with efficient service delivery and appropriate staffing levels.
• Ensure consistently high standards of venue operations, matchday logistics and event delivery.
• Deliver outstanding customer service across all operational teams, actively responding to and acting on customer feedback.
• Ensure all buildings, services, and equipment are maintained to industry standards, with a focus on safety, reliability, and presentation.

Compliance & Safety

• . Maintain and oversee the Club's compliance framework, ensuring adherence to all regulatory and operational requirements.
• Control the Club's critical operating permissions, including the General Safety Certificate, Special Safety Certificates, and Premises Licence.
• Oversee all crowd safety management, supporting the Event Safety Officer in line with the 'Green Guide'.
• Administer and control the Club's Health & Safety, Fire, and Critical Supply/Service Contracts policies.
• Maintain strong relationships with responsible authorities and external partners, acting as the Club's lead with the Safety Advisory Group.
• Demonstrate strong crisis management skills, with the ability to lead confidently during unforeseen challenges or incidents.

Strategic Development

• Support the delivery of agreed operational objectives aligned with the Club's strategic priorities.
• Oversee ongoing venue improvement projects and operational developments.
• Ensure the effective delivery of agreed maintenance plans and development projects.
• Attend Surrey Board, OEHL Board, General Committee, The Hundred and other key meetings as required.
• Collaborate with the Head of Sustainability to embed sustainable practices and deliver the Club's net zero strategy.

Financial Management

• Manage and monitor the agreed operational budget, ensuring expenditure is controlled and aligned with business objectives.
• Maximise operational profitability, margins, and service levels while ensuring robust financial controls.
• Provide strategic leadership for bar and catering operations in partnership with Levy's, using data and insights to drive performance and profitability.
• Collaborate with Levy's, Procurement, suppliers, and contractors to maintain exceptional standards of service and product quality.

Team Leadership

• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture across all operational teams, promoting accountability and continuous improvement.
• Provide visible and effective leadership to operational teams, ensuring high standards of delivery and accountability.
• Set clear annual objectives for all team members and manage performance through structured processes and development planning.
• Address people management matters proactively and support the development of direct reports and wider team members.
• Oversee and manage all third-party contractors and agencies, ensuring performance, compliance, and value for money.

Essential Extensive experience in a senior operations leadership role, ideally within a stadium or sporting organisation. Proven track record of managing cross-functional teams with a strong focus on logistics, venue management, and stakeholder coordination. Deep understanding of project delivery, operational planning, and event execution. A genuine passion for sport, fan experience, and creating memorable moments. Excellent executive communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate at all levels. Demonstrated success in managing large-scale operational events and delivering complex projects on time and within budget. Strong financial, commercial, and strategic acumen, with experience managing significant budgets and driving cost-e

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