Chief Operations Officer

Eden Leisure Group is seeking to recruit a Chief Operations Officer (COO) to form part of the Executive Leadership Team.

The COO is responsible for the operational and commercial performance of the business units within their portfolio, ensuring the delivery of exceptional customer experiences, operational excellence, sustainable profitability, and long-term growth., innovation, and continuous improvement.

The COO will work closely with the Chief Commercial Officer and other members of the Executive Leadership Team to ensure that commercial strategies are effectively executed within the operation, customer opportunities are maximised, and business objectives are achieved.

While the role's primary focus will be on the business units assigned to the COO's portfolio, the CEO may assign additional operational responsibilities, business units, or strategic projects as business needs evolve.

Key Responsibilities

Operational & Commercial Leadership

• Lead the operational and commercial performance of the business units within the COO's portfolio.
• Drive revenue growth, profitability, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Identify opportunities to enhance customer engagement, increase spend, improve utilisation, and maximise business performance.
• Ensure the consistent delivery of high service standards and operational excellence.

Financial & Performance Management

• Develop and manage operational budgets and business plans.
• Ensure resources are effectively deployed to maximise efficiency and return on investment.
• Analyse operational and financial data to support decision-making and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Drive a culture of accountability for financial and operational results across the portfolio.

Leadership & People Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the management teams within the COO's portfolio.
• Work closely with Human Resources on workforce planning, succession planning, talent development, and organisational effectiveness.
• Promote strong communication and alignment across departments and business units.

Strategy, Innovation & Executive Collaboration

• Work closely with the Chief Commercial Officer to align operational capabilities with commercial objectives and growth initiatives.
• Support the successful implementation of commercial strategies, customer experience initiatives, and promotional activities.
• Lead operational transformation, technology implementation, and process improvement projects.
• Contribute to strategic planning, investment decisions, and future growth opportunities.
• Provide operational leadership and support across other areas of the Group when required.

Risk & Health & Safety

• Take overall responsibility for the Group's health and safety strategy, systems, and performance, ensuring a safe working environment across all operational areas.
• Ensure that appropriate health and safety policies, risk assessments, training programmes, audits, and corrective actions are implemented and maintained.
• Maintain appropriate operational controls, risk management processes, and business continuity plans.
• Lead the operational response to significant incidents, health and safety matters, and business continuity challenges when required.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Operations Management, or a related field. 
• Significant senior leadership experience within a customer-facing business.
• Proven experience managing complex operations and delivering strong commercial and operational results.
• Strong financial acumen, including budget management, business planning, and performance analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to improve operational efficiency, customer experience, and profitability.
• Experience leading multi-functional teams and implementing organisational change.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and people development capabilities.
• Experience within hospitality, leisure, entertainment, retail, tourism, food and beverage, or similar consumer-focused sectors would be considered an advantage.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV and covering letter. All applications will be treated confidentially and reviewed with the utmost discretion.