Operations Manager - Highland Rugby Football Club

Highland Rugby Club; Inverness; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local rugby club in Inverness is seeking an Operations Manager to lead their commercial operations. This hands-on role requires managing events and hospitality, overseeing matchday activities, and team leadership. Candidates should have a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience, strong leadership skills, and a passion for sport. The role offers a salary of £35,000 - £40,000 plus potential bonuses, with a working schedule of 40 hours per week, including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years’ experience managing events in hospitality, sports, or similar sectors.
• Proven track record in team leadership and customer service.
• Experience managing a facility independently, including compliance and staff training records.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, including forecasting and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage all club events, conferences, and hospitality days and services.
• Oversee and organise matchday hospitality and sponsor engagement.
• Recruit, train, and manage flexible hours staff and volunteers.
• Manage budgets, monitor costs, and optimise profitability across all operations.

Skills

Strong leadership and organisational skills

Excellent communication and negotiation abilities

Proficient in hospitality software (CRM, POS)

Passion for sport and community engagement

Ability to work under pressure

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Job Title: Operations Manager

Location: Canal Park, Highland Rugby Football Club
Salary: £35,000 – £40,000 (experience dependent) + potential profit-related bonus from 6 months/post probation
Hours: 40 hours/week (including evenings, weekends, and matchdays)

Job Purpose

To lead, grow and manage Highland RFC’s commercial operations, focusing on matchday and non-matchday events, hospitality, and venue hire. This hands‑on role involves team leadership, customer engagement, and strategic development to maximise revenue and enhance the club’s reputation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage all club events, conferences, and hospitality days and services.
• Oversee and organise matchday hospitality and sponsor engagement.
• Recruit, train, and manage flexible hours staff and volunteers.
• Independently manage the club’s large commercial facility, ensuring all facility operational records, H&S logs, and staff training documentation are compliant, accurate and up to date.
• Liaise with suppliers for all facility management contacts (e.g. hygiene and waste management).
• Develop and manage venue bookings and coordinate with external providers.
• Manage budgets, monitor costs, and optimise profitability across all operations.
• Negotiate supplier contracts and develop pricing strategies.
• Develop and support marketing and promotional campaigns to maximise demand.
• Promote club and events communications via social media and member app.
• Provide regular reporting to the Board of trustees on financial and operational matters.

Essential Experience

• Minimum 4 years’ experience managing events in hospitality, sports, or similar sectors.
• Proven track record in team leadership and customer service.
• Experience managing a facility independently, including compliance and staff training records.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, including forecasting and financial reporting.

Desirable Experience

• To have, or be willing to work towards, the Scottish Personal Licence.
• Familiarity with rugby culture and matchday operations.
• SCSSSA/REHIS Food Hygiene Certificate or equivalent.
• First Aid at Work certification.
• PVG check.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong leadership and organisational skills, including forecasting and event planning.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
• Proficient in hospitality software (CRM, POS) and Microsoft Outlook.
• Passion for sport and community engagement.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt quickly.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to [e-mail] by Sunday 23rd November 2025. If you wish to discuss informally first please do get in touch.