Job Introduction
Up to £53,000 + excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.
We’re looking for a strategic Operations Manager to lead our first-rate catering offering as part of the dynamic team at Charlton Athletic Football Club – an iconic stadium with a strong blend of heritage and community that offers the ideal environment for entertaining football and first-class food.
As Operations Manager you will plan, present and deliver our innovative food and beverage offer across high-profile events at Charlton FC, managing a team of people across retail, hospitality, and restaurants.
This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic hospitality professional, experienced in F&B delivery across sport venues, entertainment arenas, meetings, exhibitions and conferences.
We are Levy
Levy is about elevating experiences. We are a leading global hospitality partner, designing and delivering unforgettable guest moments that prioritise people and the planet.
Trusted by some of the world’s most iconic stadiums, entertainment venues, and major events – including Wimbledon, Twickenham, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Edgbaston, the SEC and Excel London – we bring experiences to life with passion and precision.
Our mission is to succeed the right way. From pioneering tech and seamless operations to show-stopping menus and exceptional service, we use insight and innovation to understand guests, improve the customer journey, reduce environmental impact, and support local communities.
We are a passionate, diverse team of venue specialists dedicated to making the planet better for future generations.
Operations Manager - The role
- Act as operational lead and main point of contact for venue stakeholders, maintaining strong client relationships.
- Communicate confidently with stakeholders, teams, and senior management; provide regular updates to the General Manager.
- Support sales with commercially viable bids and ensure contracts are operationally deliverable.
- Oversee ordering, delivery schedules, and stock control.
- Play a key role in the preparation of venue and catering areas across all events and non-live days
- Collaborate on rotas and labour planning; manage staffing levels across departments.
- Drive revenue (SPH) while controlling production, waste, and operating costs.
- Ensure compliance with health & safety, hygiene, licensing (Challenge 25), and security/profit protection procedures.
- Lead pre-shift briefings and communicate strategy to improve performance and customer satisfaction.
- Resolve operational issues promptly; manage customer feedback and escalate where needed.
- Oversee maintenance logs and ensure timely resolution of issues.
- Manage budgets, labour costs, stock takes, and financial performance; investigate variances and optimise spend.
- Recruit, train, and manage team performance; conduct appraisals, reviews, and foster development and succession planning.
- Promote a positive, inclusive culture; support training, communication, and team engagement.
- Contribute to business growth through new products, catering service innovations, and new initiatives.
What we're looking for
- Previous experience in a management role with P&L accountability in high-volume quality food service and/or conference and event catering.
- Able to demonstrate the development of financial controls, forecasting and commercial modelling.
- Experience in leading a team of no less than 8 delivering great food and a superior customer experience
- Excellent communication skills and ability to engage stakeholders effectively.
- Strong IT Skills
- Sound knowledge and ability to manage all aspects of Health, Safety, and Food Safety in a foodservice environment.
- Must possess strong commercial acumen & have outstanding skills to increase sales & profitability within all areas of the business.
- Able to motivate and inspire people at all levels.
- Fully flexible and willing to adapt to ever-changing environments
What you’ll get in return
- Competitive salary and full company benefits
- 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme
- Healthcare & wellbeing: Aviva Digicare, Medicash (dental, optical, therapy treatments)
- Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Family benefits: 2 days’additional leave after returning from maternity leave, day off for your baby’s first birthday, enhanced family leave
- Perks & discounts: Shopping, entertainment, and travel discounts, 20% off Nuffield Health and 10% off Pure Gym memberships
- Financial wellbeing: Pension scheme, Life Assurance, preferred rates on salary finance products
- Development opportunities: Professional subscriptions, ongoing training and structured career pathways
- Meals on duty included
Why Join Us?
Levy UK & Ireland is part of Compass Group, the world’s largest catering company, and a vibrant leader in hospitality.
We believe in celebrating individuality and building inclusive teams where everyone feels they belong. Our diverse team fuels creativity, innovation, and excellence.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, empowering workplace where everyone can thrive.
Together, we create unforgettable experiences – and shape the future of hospitality.