Head of Ü

Virgin Active & KAUAI; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Employee discounts

Gym membership access

Career development opportunities

Bonus scheme potential

Wellbeing benefits

Job summary

Virgin Active UK is seeking a Head of Ü to lead the Ü Health Café proposition across our social wellness clubs, delivering consistently excellent, commercially successful food and beverage experiences that complement our gym communities.

You will own the UK strategy, drive profitability, coach an operations team across multiple locations, and collaborate with General Managers, suppliers and partners to improve efficiency, member experience and growth.

Qualifications

• Significant multisite food & beverage leadership experience in premium settings.
• Strong commercial acumen with budgeting, margins and cost control.
• Proven food safety, compliance, audits and service standards.
• Experience coaching and developing teams across locations.
• Ability to translate strategy into practical operational plans and manage change.

Responsibilities

• Own and deliver the UK strategy and operating plan for Ü Health Café.
• Lead operational excellence across all locations with consistent standards.
• Champion food safety, compliance, quality and supplier partnerships.
• Coach and develop the Ü operations team and talent pipeline.
• Collaborate with Club GMs, Support Office, suppliers and partners.

Skills

Multi-site leadership

Food & beverage

Commercial acumen

People leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Travel readiness

Education

Hospitality 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, driving sales, profitability and commercial performance.
• Lead operational excellence across all locations, ensuring consistent standards, service, quality and operational readiness.
• Champion food safety, compliance, quality and effective supplier partnerships.
• Lead, coach and develop the Ü operations team, building a high-performance culture and strong talent pipeline.
• Work collaboratively with Club General Managers, Support Office teams, suppliers and strategic partners.
• Use data, customer insight and performance information to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, grow the proposition and enhance the member experience.
• Lead the delivery of new initiatives, promotions and growth opportunities across the Ü proposition.

Who We're Looking For

• Significant multi-site food and beverage leadership experience, ideally within a premium setting.
• Strong commercial acumen and experience managing sales, budgets, margins, labour and controllable costs.
• Proven experience in food safety, operational compliance, audits and service standards.
• A strong people leader with experience coaching, developing and motivating teams across multiple locations.
• Experience translating strategy into practical operational plans and delivering change.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Comfortable balancing strategic thinking with hands-on operational delivery in a fast-paced environment.
• 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.