Operations Director

About Lancashire Cricket Club

Lancashire Cricket Club, based at Emirates Old Trafford, is among the UK's premier sports and entertainment venues. It hosts elite domestic and international cricket matches, major concerts, conferences, hospitality services, and includes a 250-bedroom hotel. The venue attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Role Overview

The Operations Director will lead all operational aspects of Emirates Old Trafford and the club's new training ground at Farington. This key leadership role focuses on driving future growth by balancing commercial success with outstanding customer experience, operational efficiency, and adherence to regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership over all operational functions including facilities, maintenance, engineering, housekeeping, stadium events, safety/security, guest services, and conference, hospitality and hotel operations.
• Enhance operational performance by improving customer service standards, maximizing profitability, and managing costs to meet commercial goals.
• Lead planning and delivery of major events such as sporting fixtures, concerts, and conferences, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality execution.
• Oversee the club's compliance framework, maintain essential licenses, and cultivate strong partnerships with regulatory authorities, emergency services, and local councils.
• Collaborate with senior management to develop strong teams, raise operational standards, and foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Experience and Skills Required

• Significant senior leadership experience in operations within stadiums, major venues, live events, hospitality, or complex facility environments.
• Proven expertise managing both back-of-house and customer-facing operations in large, multifunctional venues.
• Track record of achieving operational excellence alongside commercial improvement and cost control.
• Comprehensive knowledge of health and safety regulations, venue licensing, compliance, and risk management.
• Experience leading sizeable multidisciplinary teams and promoting a high-performance culture.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the capability to engage effectively with regulators, emergency services, suppliers, and senior colleagues.
• Commercially astute with strong financial management and budget responsibility.
• Demonstrated calm and decisive leadership in high-pressure, fast-paced operational settings.

Additional Information

This position reports to The Executives in Sport Group, which is handling the recruitment on behalf of Lancashire Cricket Club. While all direct applications and CVs will be forwarded to the group, applicants are encouraged to complete a diversity monitoring form. Although optional, providing this information assists in effective monitoring and is kept anonymous and confidential.

Note: Due to the high volume of applications, individual feedback cannot be provided for unsuccessful candidates.