Head of Hospitality Operations - Wigan Sporting Events

Founded in 1932, Wigan Athletic were elected to the Football League in 1978 and were promoted out of the Fourth Division in 1981/82. Latics won the Third Division title in 1996/97, the Football League Trophy in 1999, and the Second Division in 2002/03, before securing promotion to the Premier League in 2004/05.

Latics famously won the FA Cup in 2013, beating Premier League giants Manchester City in the Final. However, Latics were relegated later that year, bringing their memorable eight-season stay in the top flight to an end. The FA Cup success did, though, mean Latics gained their place in the UEFA Europa League the following season. Relegated from the Championship in 2014/2015, the Club won the League One title in 2015/16 and repeated this feat in 2017/18 and 2021/22 respectively. 

*Whilst we endeavour to respond to every applicant, please note that due to the number of applications we receive, only those selected for an interview may be contacted.

Head of Hospitality Operations – Wigan Sports Group

📍 Location: The Brick Community Stadium, Wigan

📑 Contract: Permanent

👤 Reports to: General Catering Manager

⏳ Hours: 40 hours per week

📅 Closing Date: 3 May 2026, 11:59pm

Job Overview:

To lead and manage all hospitality operations within the stadium, delivering exceptional guest experiences across corporate hospitality, conferences, and non-matchday events. The role ensures high service standards, revenue growth, and efficient operations while maintaining compliance with all relevant legislation. 

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Hospitality Operations Management

• Oversee all hospitality areas, including executive boxes, lounges, event spaces, and bars.
• Manage hospitality service during matchdays, conferences and events.
• Ensure smooth coordination between the kitchen, service teams, and event staff.
• Deliver a high-end guest experience aligned with brand standards.
• Ensure all hospitality areas of the stadium are set and presented to standard at all times

2. Team Leadership

• Lead and manage hospitality managers, supervisors, and service staff.
• Recruit, train, and develop hospitality teams.
• Ensure strong leadership during large-scale events with high guest volumes.

3. Revenue & Commercial Performance

• Maximise revenue through quality control, corporate bookings, and hospitality sales.
• Work closely with the commercial team and sales team  on pricing, packages, and promotions.
• Monitor budgets, costs, and profitability, ensuring all purchases are at best price, constantly review supplier pricing
• Produce matchday billing, ensure all revenue is captured and maximised

4. Guest Experience & Client Management

• Build relationships with corporate clients, sponsors, and internal teams
• Handle high-level customer service issues.
• Ensure hospitality experiences exceed expectations

5. Event Planning & Delivery

• Coordinate hospitality operations for matchdays, conferences, banquets, and private events including set ups
• Work with event planners to deliver bespoke hospitality experiences.
• Manage logistics such as seating, menus, staffing, and guest flow.

6. Compliance & Health and Safety

• Ensure compliance with UK food safety, licensing, and health & safety regulations.
• Maintain hygiene standards and operational procedures.
• Ensure staff training in food safety and responsible alcohol service.

7. Supplier & Contract Management

• Manage relationships with suppliers, catering partners, and service contractors.
• Negotiate contracts and monitor service quality in conjunction with the CGM

Essential

• Senior experience in hospitality management (stadium, hotel, or events).
• Proven leadership of large hospitality teams.
• Strong understanding of premium guest service.
• Experience managing high-volume events.

Desirable

• Experience in sports stadium or large venue operations.
• Knowledge of corporate hospitality sales.
• Understanding of matchday operations.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Hospitality Management, Event Management, or Business (preferred).
• Food safety certification (e.g., Level 3 Food Safety).
• Personal Licence

Health and Safety

• Fully endorse, demonstrate and carry out the company’s health and safety policy.
• Comply with all company policies and statutory regulations relating to health and safety, safe working practices, hygiene, cleanliness, fire and COSHH. This will include your awareness of any specific hazards in your workplace, and assist, if required, with the amending of risk assessments periodically.
• Have a full knowledge of procedures for evacuation with regard to fire. 
• Identify and report maintenance requirements or hazards within the workplace and encourage the workforce to do the same to avoid injury.

Wigan Sports Group is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment, and its employment policies for recruitment are designed to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Wigan Sports Group is committed to safeguarding children, young people, and adults at risk during events and activities. The Club recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of these vulnerable groups by a commitment to procedures to protect them. The Club expects all staff and volunteers to respect them.