Operations Director

About Lancashire Cricket Club and Emirates Old Trafford

Lancashire Cricket Club is a leading sports and entertainment venue in the UK. Emirates Old Trafford not only hosts top-tier domestic and international cricket matches but also major concerts, conferences, and has a 250-bedroom hotel, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Role Overview

The Operations Director will play a crucial role in the Club's future development by managing all operational activities at Emirates Old Trafford and the Club's new training facility at Farington. This position offers a unique chance to manage one of the UK's most diverse venue operations by balancing commercial success, outstanding customer experiences, operational efficiency, and compliance with regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership in all operational areas including facilities, maintenance, engineering, housekeeping, stadium events, safety and security, guest services, and the conference, hospitality, and hotel sectors of the Club.
• Enhance operational performance by improving customer service, maximizing profitability, managing costs effectively, and consistently meeting commercial targets.
• Lead the operational planning and execution of major sporting events, international matches, concerts, and conferences ensuring safe, efficient, and high-standard delivery.
• Maintain the Club's compliance framework by securing essential operating licenses and nurturing relationships with local authorities, emergency services, and regulatory bodies.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to build high-performing teams, uplift operational standards, and foster an environment centered on teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Necessary Skills and Experience

• Senior leadership experience in operations within stadiums, major venues, live events, hospitality, or complex facility environments.
• Expertise managing facilities and customer-facing services across large, multifunctional venues.
• Proven capability in achieving operational excellence while enhancing commercial results and managing costs.
• In-depth knowledge of health and safety, venue licensing, compliance, and risk control.
• Experience leading sizable, multidisciplinary teams and cultivating a high-achievement culture.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills working effectively with regulators, emergency services, suppliers, and senior management.
• Strong commercial mindset, financial management skills, and budget accountability.
• Composed, decisive leadership with the ability to perform effectively in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.

Additional Details

This role is a great opportunity to shape the future operation of one of the UK's most iconic sporting venues. The recruitment is conducted via The Executives in Sport Group on behalf of Lancashire Cricket Club. Applicants are encouraged to complete a diversity monitoring form which is confidential and does not influence hiring decisions.

Please note that due to high application volumes, specific feedback for unsuccessful applications cannot be provided.