Head of U Health Café — Multi‑Site F&B Leader

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

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave + Celebration Day

Pension scheme with employer matching

Complimentary Virgin Active membership

Discounts across Virgin Active

Job summary

Virgin Active Limited in the UK is seeking a Head of U to lead the U Health Café strategy across our clubs, delivering consistent, premium food and beverage experiences that align with our social wellness vision.

You will coach a multi-site operations team, manage budgets and partner with suppliers, while using data and stakeholder insight to grow the proposition, improve efficiency and enhance member satisfaction.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Own and deliver the UK strategy and operating plan for U 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 U 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 U proposition.

Skills

Multi-site leadership

Commercial acumen

People leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Education

Relevant food & beverage/hospitality qualification

Tools

Budget management

Job description

Virgin Active Limited in the UK is seeking a Head of U to lead the U Health Café strategy across our clubs, delivering consistent, premium food and beverage experiences that align with our social wellness vision.

You will coach a multi-site operations team, manage budgets and partner with suppliers, while using data and stakeholder insight to grow the proposition, improve efficiency and enhance member satisfaction.