Head of Concessions - Manchester, Greater Manchester

Job Type: Full Time - Permanent

Location: Co-op Live Eastlands Arena

Oak View Group

Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services for the live event industry.  Offering an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential, highest attended arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions on the planet.

About the Venue

Co-op Live will offer a food and beverage hospitality service that will put us head and shoulders above the crowd, as we welcome over 23,500 fans and amazing artists to taste the delicious food and drinks unique to the space in Manchester.

With 32 amazing bars and restaurants and 12 premium lounges and clubs – we’re going to be delivering an exceptional hospitality service for the people of Manchester and beyond. On the menu will be great food, seasoned with world class service and all with a planet friendly vibe in the heart of our vibrant community.

Role Purpose

As the Concessions Operations Manager, your role involves collaborating with the Head of Operations to develop and execute a comprehensive people strategy. This strategy aims to lead a team of talented professionals across multiple retail food and beverage concepts.

On live event days, your role will involve managing a casual workforce of up to 500 people and ensuring the highest quality delivery of food and beverage services according to company standards.

You will also analyze revenue and costs, attending management meetings and developing/implementing SOPs, policies, and legal requirements for events. Collaborating with other departments, you'll align concession concepts with arena footfall.

As a mentor and coach, you will contribute to internal succession planning, ensuring that team members fulfill their potential. Your agility and adaptability will be crucial in challenging norms and adjusting training & recruitment plans to provide outstanding service.

Compliance with legislative requirements, operational standards, risk assessments, and liquor licensing for the team is a key part of your responsibilities. Additionally, you will manage operating costs in line with the budget and assist in project planning for venue pre-openings.

This is a Permanent role requiring flexibility on evenings and weekends.

Start Date: ASAP

Knowledge, skills & experience:

• Previous experience overseeing concessions - food and beverage operations in a fast-paced, multi-concept volume-led environment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, POS systems, timekeeping systems, and basic math skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a passion for motivating and developing staff.
• Proven track record of managing teams within a similar environment.
• High level of organizational and project management skills.
• Basic Food Hygiene qualification and COSHH awareness training.
• Personal License holder (desirable).
• Knowledge of Manchester's culture, people, and F&B scene preferred.

If you are ready to take on a key managerial role for major concerts, sporting/leisure events, and private hires, and if you have a drive to exceed revenue budgets while maintaining exceptional standards, we want to hear from you!

Join Coop Live and be part of an exciting journey to deliver unparalleled experiences to our fans.

Apply now and let's create memories together!

Our Inclusion Commitments

Our venue is for the fans, the artists, everyone! Attracting a diverse workforce which reflects our local community is what will make our venue the best music venue in the UK!

We understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. We are committed to creating a great place to work amplifying voices from all different backgrounds. There is something for everyone at Co-op Live, come and get involved.

If you do require any additional support or reasonable adjustments to support your application, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure you have everything you need. We will consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the required skills necessary to fulfil the role.

Employee Screening and Eligibility to Work

We recognise the importance of safeguarding, dependent on role you will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS), details of which will be shared with you at interview.

If successful in your application, you will be required to provide eligibility to work evidence in line with the ‘Eligibility to Work in the UK’ requirements.