Assistant Operations Manager

Manchester United; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading club as an Assistant Operations Manager, pivotal in ensuring operational excellence at iconic Old Trafford. You'll manage hospitality operations for matchday and non-matchday events, promote a culture of service excellence, and lead a dynamic team. Enhance guest experiences while supporting strategic planning to elevate performance standards in an iconic sporting environment.

Benefits

Annual incentive scheme

Wellness support

Exclusive discounts

Gym facilities

Enhanced career development

Qualifications

• Experience in fast-paced, high-volume hospitality or event environment.
• Strong leadership capabilities to manage and motivate diverse teams.
• Excellent organisational and time-management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, setup, and execution of events and hospitality operations.
• Champion highest standards in food and beverage service.
• Participate in recruitment and ongoing development of staff.

Skills

Leadership

Customer Service

Organisational Skills

Education

Relevant hospitality or management qualifications

Job description

Join to apply for the Assistant Operations Manager role at Manchester United

Join to apply for the Assistant Operations Manager role at Manchester United

Old Trafford

At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals.

We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success.

The Purpose

As the Operations Assistant Manager, you will play a pivotal role in the seamless day-to-day delivery of operations

Location: Old Trafford

At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals.

We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success.

The Purpose

As the Operations Assistant Manager, you will play a pivotal role in the seamless day-to-day delivery of operations

across all venue spaces. With a strong emphasis on food and beverage service excellence, team leadership, and

compliance, you will ensure an outstanding guest experience is consistently achieved. You will support strategic planning and operational execution for both matchday and non-matchday events, helping to drive business performance, maintain safety standards, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement.

The Role

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Oversee the planning, setup, and execution of all United Events and hospitality operations, ensuring timely and efficient delivery across all bars and function areas.
• Manage the front-of-house team of up to 20 staff during matchday setups, ensuring operational excellence, cost-efficiency, and adherence to staffing budgets.
• Support the Venue Operations Managers in forecasting and planning monthly labour costs, event staffing, and product ordering including linen and consumables.
  
  
  

Service Excellence & Standards

• Champion the highest standards in food and beverage service, ensuring quality is upheld throughout all events and hospitality functions.
• Conduct regular pre-event checks of all suites and bar areas to confirm readiness, functionality of equipment (e.g., buffet units, coffee machines, beverage dispensers), and overall presentation.
• Take proactive ownership of customer and staff complaints, ensuring effective, timely resolutions and implementation of corrective actions.
  
  
  

Team Development & People Management

• Participate in the recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing development of front-of-house staff, ensuring they are trained to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Mentor and support team members through ongoing feedback, coaching, and formal performance reviews, creating an engaging and performance-driven culture.
• Maintain compliance with all company procedures and health & safety policies, ensuring staff adhere to operational protocols at all times.
  
  
  

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Coordinate with internal departments, including the Red Café, Museum & Tour team, and Venue Commercial teams, to plan and execute special events, activations, and promotional opportunities.
• Manage internal catering requests, ensuring timely communication, proper booking processes, and smooth service delivery aligned with internal stakeholder expectations.
  
  
  

Additional Duties

• Support strategic planning and execution of matchday and non-matchday operations under the guidance of the Venue Operations Management Team.
• Undertake any other responsibilities or ad-hoc projects as directed by senior leadership
  
  
  

The Person:

Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Previous experience in a fast-paced, high-volume hospitality or event environment.
• Strong leadership capabilities with a proven ability to manage and motivate diverse teams.
• Outstanding customer service and interpersonal skills; calm under pressure and solutions-oriented.
• Excellent organisational and time-management abilities with a strong eye for detail.
• Smart and professional appearance with a confident and approachable manner.
• A flexible, hands-on approach with a positive, can-do attitude.
  
  
  

Desirable:

• Experience in bars or licensed venue operations is highly desirable.
• Relevant hospitality or management qualifications (e.g., Food Safety, Personal License Holder).
• Familiarity with staffing software, event planning systems, or EPOS tools
  
  
  

What We Offer:

At Manchester United, We Recognise That Our People Are At The Heart Of Our Success. That’s Why We Offer a Range Of Rewards Designed To Support Your Professional And Personal Well-being

• Annual incentive scheme
• Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and & nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
• Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners
• Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team-building activities
• Enhanced family Leave Benefits and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
• Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs
• A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth
  
  
  

Our Commitment to You:

At Manchester United, we believe that a diverse and inclusive environment makes us stronger. We are committed to building a team where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the core of our recruitment strategy, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Ready to Join Us?

If this sounds like the perfect role for you, please submit your application by Thursday 10th July 2025

Manchester United is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and as part of this commitment, all candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and reference checks.

If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to discuss them with you.

It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK-based job who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to you before applying for any of our roles.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

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