Entertainment Operations Manager

DFL; Southampton; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading entertainment venue in Southampton is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee operations, manage budgets, and drive performance. This role involves developing operational strategies and fostering a positive work environment. The ideal candidate is a strategic leader with strong financial skills and excellent communication abilities, ready to work in a dynamic setting including evenings and weekends. A competitive benefits package is included.

Benefits

Access to free match tickets

Health & Wellbeing initiatives

Discounted merchandise

26 days annual holiday plus birthday off

Contributory Pension Scheme

Worldwide Travel Insurance

Learning & Development opportunities

Free onsite parking

Cycle to Work Scheme

Collaborative & inclusive culture

Qualifications

• Strong strategic thinking to drive growth and innovation.
• Proven leadership experience to inspire and motivate teams.
• Exceptional financial acumen for managing budgets and forecasts.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations and allocate resources efficiently.
• Develop and implement operational strategies for growth.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, partners, and vendors.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Financial acumen

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Tools

ERP

CRM

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

What is the role?

We have a brand new position as the Operations Manager at our new 7-day entertainment venue at Southampton Football Club. You’ll take the lead in overseeing the entire operation—driving performance, profitability, and an exceptional visitor experience. This is a high-impact management role where you’ll be at the heart of shaping the venue’s success across multiple revenue streams.

You’ll be fully accountable for meeting budgets, hitting KPIs, and delivering strong financial results, while fostering a safe, fun, and dynamic environment for both employees and customers. Engaging with key stakeholders will be central to your role, as will implementing strategic initiatives that fuel growth and elevate our reputation.

Within this fast-paced, customer experience-led venue, you’ll coach, lead, motivate and inspire your team to deliver outstanding service that keeps our customers returning again and again.

What will you be doing?

In this role, you will develop and implement operational strategies that support long-term growth and profitability, while leading and mentoring department heads and team members to drive performance. You’ll be a key ambassador of our vision, mission, and culture, ensuring these values are embedded at every level of the organisation.

You will oversee the day-to-day operations of the venue, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently across staffing, budgeting, and supply chain management. Monitoring and optimising KPIs and metrics will be essential in maintaining high standards and achieving business objectives.

Financial oversight will be a major part of your responsibilities, including preparing and managing budgets, forecasts, and financial reports. You’ll analyse performance data, take corrective action where necessary, and ensure full compliance with all financial and legal regulations.

You will maintain strong relationships with clients, partners, and vendors, resolving high-level customer concerns and ensuring an exceptional level of service is consistently delivered. As the face of the venue, you’ll represent the organisation in both public and professional settings.

In collaboration with the sales and marketing teams, you’ll help grow brand awareness and drive revenue, adapting strategic plans in response to market trends and competitor activity.

Is this you?

You’re a strategic thinker who thrives on making smart decisions that drive growth and innovation. With strong financial acumen, you're confident managing budgets, spotting opportunities, and turning great ideas into results.

You’re a natural leader—someone who knows how to inspire, motivate, and bring out the best in your team. Your communication skills are second to none, allowing you to build strong relationships across all levels of the business.

You excel at solving problems, analysing data, and staying calm under pressure. You're comfortable using business management tools like ERP, CRM, and the Microsoft Office Suite.

Due to the nature of the operations, your working hours will include evenings, match days and weekends

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

How this benefits you…

If you are successful, you can look forward to a healthy benefits package;

• Access to x2 free match tickets for every home league game.
• Access to our staff Health & Wellbeing initiatives (Mental & Physical Health).
• Discounted Southampton Football Club merchandise.
• 26 days’ holiday per year excluding bank holidays plus your birthday off each year.
• Contributory Pension Scheme.
• Worldwide Travel Insurance for you and your family.
• Learning & Development opportunities - supporting you to develop your potential and achieve in your career.
• Free onsite parking.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Collaborative & inclusive working culture.

*We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if a high volume of applicants are received.*