IT Manager – Food & Beverage

As we gear up to opening our doors, we’re excited to announce we are looking for a talented IT Manager to take ownership of the IT department for F&B provision at Co-op Live Arena and associated responsibilities. Oversee and drive all IT developments in line with business strategy. Support the mobilization of Co-op Live with all relevant IT infrastructure, reviewing and making future recommendations. Review and report on security and risk awareness and supporting us in creating the best live music experience in the UK.

This role will work closely with the F&B operators and operational staffing to ensure all F&B IT systems and equipment are functioning correctly on live event days. It will provide 1^st line IT support for all F&B areas.

Rhubarb Hospitality Collection are delighted to be the Food and Beverage partner for Co-op Live. RHC are a premium hospitality collection on an exciting journey to create and deliver food and beverage experiences across an array of events and iconic locations.

RHC specialise in venue hospitality, restaurant dining and luxury event catering.

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

• Work with the Coop Live Arena team and Rhubarb Hospitality’s Director of IT to ensure F&B IT systems and processes are fit for purpose and market leading.
• Lead a team of F&B IT support staff.
• Responsible for entire IT F&B department.
• Ultimately responsible for all F&B IT assets and maintenance.
• Hardware and software updates and repairs.
• Management of IT procurement, software and hardware.
• Writing and implementation of any relevant company IT policies.
• Ensuring infrastructure is managed suitably by any outsourced IT companies.
• Provide timely support to IT infrastructure where required
• Work closely with your equivalent IT Manager from the Arena side of the business
• Set the future IT roadmap and implementation of new projects.
• Project manage the rollout of any new IT tenders.
• Assist with integrations between software and applications.
• Conduct any relevant IT awareness training.
• Helping onsite with adhoc issues in particular live event days.
• Work with the F&B Commercial Analyst with setting up of the F&B tech stack in Coop Live ahead of opening and any other relevant IT systems.
• Liaise with key stakeholders such as Hospitality Director and Head of Operations, to continually drive ‘value’ and ‘continuous improvement’ across the business.
• Advise on and oversee IT annual budgets and forecasts.
• Communicate recommendations to senior management for improvements that will lead to streamlining operations.

What RHC will give to you

Alongside the benefit of working with an awesome team of talented people, we want to help you get the best out of your work and have a work life balance.

• Provide you with development opportunities and regular one to ones
• Key objectives for you to succeed in your role
• Your general wellbeing is at the forefront of our minds, we understand the importance of balancing work and personal commitments
• This is an office base role, it’s really important we work together to mobilise the biggest music and live entertainment arena in the UK
• Working 5 out of 7 days – this may include evenings and weekends

Salary: £50,000

• Ongoing training, in house and externally
• 40% discount in RHC restaurants and bars
• Career development and study support
• Meals on duty
• Enhanced maternity pay
• Regular food and drink tastings
• Regular pay reviews
• 1 and 5-year work anniversary dinners
• Employee Assistance Programme, 24/7

Essential

• Ability to communicate with employees, co-workers, management staff and guests in a clear, professional, and courteous manner.
• Ability to work well in a team-oriented, fast-paced, event-driven environment.
• Understanding of the hospitality F&B industry and relevant F&B operational systems.
• IT academic background/qualification.
• Network/IT Specialist.
• Solid all-round academic background.
• Intermediate to advance level ability of MS functions.
• Reliable.
• Forward thinking self starter.
• Hands on approach.
• Strong problem solving skills; must be able to partner effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Experience in mobilizing F&B technology systems for a large new venue.
• Awareness of general IT risks and opportunities.
• Possess a high level of organisational and project management skills with a positive approach to work.
• Ability to consistently adhere to the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality.

Desirable

• Experience in an arena, stadium or multi-concept venue preferred.
• Systems management.
• Experience in implementing IT projects or policies.
• Curious with IT development.
• Experience in mobilizing F&B technology systems for a large new venue.