Head of Ü

Virgin Active; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Scottish Widows pension scheme with 4–

Complimentary Virgin Active membership

Discounts across Virgin Active

Virgin Family benefits and discounts

20% off food and drink at Kauai in-clb

Salary Finance access

Virgin Active Academy discounts

Job summary

Virgin Active in the UK is seeking a senior leader to head Ü Health Café, shaping strategy and delivering premium F&B experiences across our social wellness clubs.

You will translate a brand vision into distinctive hospitality, drive sales and profitability, and lead a team with a strong focus on service excellence and member delight.

Qualifications

• Significant multi-site F&B leadership experience.
• Ability to translate brand vision into a distinctive hospitality experience.
• Strong understanding of luxury guest expectations.
• Experience managing budgets and labour costs.

Responsibilities

• Own and deliver UK strategy and operating plan for Ü Health Café.
• Define standards across food, drink, ambience and service.
• Drive sales, profitability and sustainable growth.
• Lead and develop the Ü operations team.
• Partner with Club General Managers and suppliers to ensure a seamless member journey.
• Use insights and performance data to refine the proposition and identify growth opportunities.
• Lead new initiatives, seasonal menus and promotions reflective of Ü identity.

Skills

Multi-site F&B leadership

Luxury hospitality experience

Brand-to-service execution

Commercial acumen

People leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic yet hands-on leadership

Analytical skills

Education

Relevant food & beverage or business qualification

Job description

As we evolve into Social Wellness Clubs, we are creating spaces and experiences that support every aspect of our members’ physical, mental, nutritional and social wellbeing. By bringing together expert guidance, genuine community, personalised experiences and innovative technology, we make wellness feel accessible, welcoming and easy to navigate. Virgin Active is committed to recruiting the finest people who share our passion for creating exceptional experiences and delivering world-class service every day. We are looking for a Head of Ü to join our Food and Beverage Team.

In this role, you will play a part in leading the Ü Health Café proposition in the UK, creating consistently excellent, commercially successful food and beverage experiences that complement our social wellness clubs.

The Role

• Own and deliver the UK strategy and operating plan for Ü Health Café, strengthening its position as a premium food and beverage destination within our clubs.
• Define and uphold exceptional standards across food, drink, presentation, ambience and service, ensuring a consistent experience across every location.
• Drive sales, profitability and sustainable growth, balancing commercial discipline with an uncompromising focus on quality and member experience.
• Develop a culture of personalised, attentive hospitality, empowering teams to anticipate members’ needs and create memorable experiences.
• Champion food safety, operational compliance and quality assurance, supported by effective supplier partnerships and rigorous standards.
• Lead, coach and develop the Ü operations team, building hospitality expertise, clear accountability and a strong talent pipeline.
• Partner with Club General Managers, Support Office teams, suppliers and strategic partners to deliver a seamless experience throughout the member journey.
• Use member insight, market trends and performance data to refine the proposition, improve operations and identify opportunities for growth.
• Lead new initiatives, seasonal menus, promotions and proposition development, ensuring every introduction reflects the quality and identity of Ü.

Who We’re Looking For

• Significant multi-site food and beverage leadership experience within luxury hospitality, premium lifestyle destinations, private members’ clubs or comparable environments.
• A proven ability to translate a brand vision into a distinctive hospitality experience, with meticulous attention to detail.
• A deep understanding of personalised service and the expectations of members and guests in a luxury setting.
• Strong commercial acumen, with a track record of delivering sales growth and managing budgets, margins, labour and controllable costs.
• Demonstrable expertise in food safety, operational compliance, quality assurance and consistently high service standards.
• An inspiring people leader who develops confident, knowledgeable teams and creates a culture of pride, care and accountability.
• Experience shaping and evolving food and beverage propositions, translating strategy into practical operational plans and delivering change across multiple locations.
• Strong analytical, communication and stakeholder-management skills, with the confidence to influence at all levels.
• The ability to combine strategic leadership with a visible, hands on presence in our clubs.
• A relevant food and beverage, hospitality or business qualification is desirable; equivalent experience will also be considered.
• Flexibility to travel regularly between UK locations and work outside standard office hours where required.

What You’ll Get

• The opportunity to be part of a brand redefining the future of wellness.
• A premium environment with industry-leading facilities.
• Development and progression opportunities aligned to your level.
• Access to a vibrant, engaged member community.
• The platform to build your career, reputation and impact.

The Perks

• 25 days (excluding bank holidays) annual leave, plus a Celebration Day and we want you take them
• Access to Scottish Widows pension scheme, with our contribution matching yours at either 4 or 5%.
• Complimentary Virgin Active membership for you and a buddy, with free membership for your children too and the ability to take advantage of Club V.
• Discounts across Virgin Active, including guest passes and 50% off PT sessions.
• Access to Virgin Family benefits and discounts across the Virgin Group.
• 20% off food and drink at KAUAI branches located in clubs.
• Access to Salary Finance, Health Heroes, Dexters corporate letting services and ePoints.
• Discounts on Virgin Active Academy courses.