Job Introduction
Job Title: Head of Operations
Location: Glyndebourne, East Sussex
Contract: Full-Time. 45 hours per week.
Salary: £45,000
As Head of Operations for Glyndebourne Dining, you will lead the Front of House operation across multiple outlets, ensuring exceptional service delivery during the Glyndebourne Festival and year-round events. Working with Restaurant Associates Venues, you will support the overall commercial performance of the site and act as a key deputy to the General Manager.
Key Responsibilities
Front of House Leadership
- Lead and support the FOH team to deliver consistent, high-quality service across all dining outlets.
- Drive standards, service culture, guest experience, and operational readiness.
Operational Delivery
- Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring smooth service during peak festival periods and major events.
- Maintain compliance with health & safety, licensing, and company policies.
- Lead the operational planning, briefing, staffing, and coordination across all outlets.
- Support the monitoring of labour spending, reduce inefficiencies, and support delivery of financial targets.
Procurement & Stock Oversight
- Manage procurement of beverages and key operational supplies, ensuring value and adherence to budget.
- Maintain accurate stock processes and work with suppliers to support commercial performance.
Deputising for the General Manager
- Lead the operation in the absence of the General Manager.
- Support client engagement, cross-departmental coordination, issue resolution, and operational decision-making.
The Ideal Candidate
- Strong FOH leadership experience within high-volume, quality-led hospitality or events
- Skilled in labour planning, cost control, and commercial performance
- Confident leading large teams in fast-paced environments
- Organised, calm under pressure, and solutions-driven
- Excellent communicator with strong stakeholder and client management skills
- Passionate about service excellence and the guest experience
What We Offer:
We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package including (but not limited to):
- Free meals on shift
- Free onsite car parking
- Contributory pension scheme
- Career development with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access to a Digital GP for you and your immediate family
- Wider healthcare and wellbeing support
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and more
- Supermarket savings with Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and many others
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets
- Cashback rewards across a wide range of brands
- Share discounts with friends and family
About Us:
Part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Restaurant Associates provides exceptional hospitality through outstanding food, drink, and service. We partner with some of the UK’s most iconic cultural, heritage, and workplace destinations to deliver unforgettable experiences.
At Glyndebourne, our mission is to craft dining that enhances every visitor’s experience - from everyday moments to world-class festival performances. Every day, our passionate teams strive for excellence, creativity, and service that leaves a lasting impression.
Job Reference:
Compass Group UK & Ireland is committed to fostering an environment where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We celebrate diversity, encourage inclusion, and empower our teams to reach their full potential — because diversity is our strength.