Business Manager

The Light; Banbury; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

28 days holiday

Private medical insurance

Workplace pension scheme

Employee assistance programme

Free cinema tickets for friends and 1

Job summary

The Light is seeking an experienced operations leader to oversee day-to-day venue operations across our venues. You will drive guest experience, maintain brand standards and lead a high-performing team in a fast-paced environment.

With P&L responsibility, you will optimise costs, build local marketing strategies and partner with head office to align with brand objectives. A strategic, hands-on leader will thrive here.

Qualifications

• Proven track record leading a multi-offer hospitality or leisure venue.
• Experience managing large teams in high-volume settings.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with P&L responsibility.
• Data-driven decision making and KPI focus.
• Proficiency with POS systems and Fourth Hospitality platform.
• In-depth knowledge of food and beverage operations, stock control, and staff scheduling.
• Solid health, safety and food hygiene knowledge.
• Strategic, analytical mindset with hands-on leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day venue operations to ensure smooth running.
• Deliver high guest experience and uphold brand standards.
• Drive footfall, maximise revenue through local marketing and planning.
• Manage venue P&L with focus on costs, labour, and energy.
• Recruit, develop and coach management and operational staff.
• Document, train, and review processes for efficiency and compliance.
• Collaborate with head office to align with company objectives and brand expectations.

Skills

Leadership experience

People management

P&L management

Commercial acumen

Data-driven decisions

POS systems

Fourth Hospitality

Food & beverage operations

Staff scheduling

Tools

Fourth Hospitality

POS systems

Job description

We are The Light, providing a unique immersive experience that surprises and delights our guests across 14 locations in the UK. We offer a wide range of activities; cinema, bowling, karaoke, darts, mini golf, climbing walls, bars, and kitchens - we have it all!

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of day-to-day business operations, ensuring a smooth and efficient running of the venue
• Deliver consistently high standards of guest experience by implementing and maintaining brand standards
• Drive footfall, increase average spend, and maximise revenue through effective local marketing and strategic planning
• Manage the venue’s full P&L, with a strong focus on cost control, labour management, and energy usage
• Recruit, develop, and coach a high-performing management team and wider operational staff
• Ensure operational processes are fully documented, trained, and regularly reviewed for efficiency and compliance
• Collaborate with head office departments to align venue operations with company objectives and brand expectations

About You

• Proven track record in a leadership role within a multi-offer hospitality or leisure environment is essential
• Proven ability to manage large teams in a high-volume, fast-paced settings
• Commercially astute with strong financial and operational acumen
• Experience with full P&L management and data-driven decision-making
• Proficient in business systems, including POS and platforms such as Fourth Hospitality
• In-depth understanding of food and beverage operations, stock control, and staff scheduling
• Excellent knowledge of health & safety and food hygiene regulations
• A strategic and analytical mindset, with a hands-on leadership style and strong attention to detail

What’s in it for you

• Competitive salary package
• 28 days holiday
• Private medical insurance
• Workplace pension scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Free cinema tickets for friends and family
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities
• Employee discounts across all Light venues
• The opportunity to be part of an exciting and growing business