Assistant Head of Retail Catering Manager

Oak View Group (OVG) is the world’s leading arena development, management, and hospitality company founded in 2015 by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff to positively disrupt business as usual. As the largest developer of sports and entertainment facilities in the world, OVG prioritizes the way we do business focusing on making long-term investments in our people and our planet. OVG have completed seven arenas, with many more in development, including Co-op Live, with more to be announced in the future.

Co-op Live is in a joint venture partnership with City Football Group and we are proud to work with Co-op as our Naming Rights Partner.

 

Co-op Live will offer a food and beverage hospitality service that will put us head and shoulders above the crowd, as we welcome over 23,500 fans and amazing artists to taste the delicious food and drinks unique to the space in Manchester. With 32 amazing bars and restaurants and 12 premium lounges and clubs – we’re going to be delivering an exceptional hospitality service for the people of Manchester and beyond. On the menu will be great food, seasoned with world class service and all with a planet friendly vibe in the heart of our vibrant community. For more information – Co-op Live

 

We are seeking an Assistant Head of Retail Catering Manager to support our Head of Retail in overseeing a dynamic and fast-paced retail F&B operations This role involves contributing to the development and execution of strategies, maintaining exceptional service standards, and ensuring seamless operations during events.
1. Operational Support: Plan and execute retail F&B operations to meet company standards.
2. Team Leadership: Collaborate with the Head of Retail to lead and mentor a team, including managing a large casual workforce on event days and support managing casual workforce of up to 300 people on live event days.
3. Training and Quality: Ensure top-notch training working closely with Training Manager to maintain high service quality, and uphold safety standards.
4. Financial Oversight: Manage costs in line with the budget, support financial analysis efforts and suggest improvements.
5. Planning and Compliance: Assist in event planning, maintain compliance with regulations, and collaborate with other departments for a seamless fan experience.
In this role the key measurements and targets will be:

• Annual food and beverage revenues exceeding £20m
• On-site team of 500 for major concerts across hospitality and concession areas
• 120 to 150 concerts a year with a full capacity of 23,500

Knowledge, skills experience

• Experience in overseeing retail food and beverage operations in a fast-paced, multi-concept environment – strong organizational and project management skills.
• Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Familiarity with computer applications, including Microsoft Office and POS systems.
• Previous experience in managing teams within a similar setting.
• Commitment to exceeding revenue targets while controlling costs.
• Knowledge of sanitation requirements, food preparation guidelines, and safety standards.
• Basic Food Hygiene qualification and COSHH awareness training.
• Personal License holder (desirable).
• Ability to maintain high standards of integrity and professionalism.
• Knowledge of Manchester’s culture and F&B scene is preferred.

Our venue is for the fans, the artists, everyone! Attracting a diverse workforce which reflects our local community is what will make our venue the best music venue in the UK! We understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. We are committed to creating a great place to work amplifying voices from all different backgrounds. There is something for everyone at Co-op Live, come and get involved.

If you do require any additional support or reasonable adjustments to support your application, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure you have everything you need. We will consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the required skills necessary to fulfil the role.

We recognize the importance of safeguarding, dependent on role you may be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service Check, details of which will be shared with you at interview. If successful in your application, you will be required to provide eligibility to work evidence in line with the ‘Eligibility to Work in the UK’ requirements.