Overview
The Rink Sports Arena is looking for an enthusiastic, experienced and hands on Venue Manager to lead the day to day operation of The Rink Sports Arena.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong hospitality, customer service, retail or venue management experience who enjoys leading people, maintaining high standards and creating outstanding customer experiences.
This is not a sports development role. You do not need a background in sport or roller skating to succeed.
We're looking for someone who leads by example, develops people, takes ownership of standards and creates an environment where both customers and staff enjoy being.
Success in this role is achieved through building a strong team, maintaining consistently high operational standards and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
As Venue Manager, you'll have overall responsibility for the daily operation of The Rink. You'll lead a team of Duty Supervisors and Customer Assistants, ensuring the venue operates safely, efficiently and professionally while creating a welcoming experience for every visitor.
This is a genuinely hands on leadership role. You'll be visible throughout the venue, supporting your team during busy periods and leading by example in every aspect of the operation, including customer service, event delivery, venue presentation and maintaining high cleaning standards.
ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team Development
- Lead, inspire and develop a team of Duty Supervisors and Customer Assistants.
- Build a positive culture based on teamwork, accountability and exceptional customer service.
- Recruit, induct, coach and develop team members.
- Conduct regular one to one meetings and provide ongoing feedback.
- Manage performance confidently, recognising success while addressing issues promptly and fairly.
- Ensure staff clearly understand their responsibilities and consistently deliver expected standards.
Customer Experience
- Deliver exceptional customer experiences across all activities.
- Ensure every visitor receives a warm, welcoming and professional experience.
- Lead the successful delivery of public skating sessions, birthday parties, group bookings and special events.
- Respond positively and professionally to customer feedback and complaints.
- Continuously look for opportunities to improve the customer experience.
Venue Operations
- Take overall responsibility for the daily operation of The Rink.
- Ensure the venue is clean, safe, organised and well presented at all times.
- Carry out regular venue inspections and quality checks.
- Maintain high standards of health and safety and ensure company procedures are consistently followed.
- Oversee opening and closing procedures.
- Manage stock, equipment and supplier requirements.
- Support routine maintenance and ensure operational issues are addressed promptly.
Business & Administration
- Prepare staff rotas and manage staffing levels.
- Support budgeting, stock control and cash reconciliation.
- Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Assist in developing new events, promotions and customer initiatives.
- Work closely with the CEO to support the continued growth and success of The Rink.
About You
We're looking for someone who:
- Has at least three years' management experience in hospitality, leisure, retail or another customer-focused environment.
- Has experience leading, motivating and developing teams.
- Is passionate about delivering outstanding customer service.
- Is confident holding people accountable while creating a positive team culture.
- Has excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Remains calm, professional and solutions focused under pressure.
- Is proactive and enjoys taking ownership.
- Leads from the front and is comfortable working alongside the team in all aspects of the operation.
Ideal Backgrounds
Applications are welcomed from managers working in:
- Hospitality
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Visitor attractions
- Family entertainment centres
- Cinemas
- Retail management
- Leisure
- Event venues
- Tourism
Experience in sport or leisure is welcome but is not essential.
Working Pattern
This is a full-time position (37.5 hours per week).
The role is primarily based around our busiest operating periods and customer-facing activities and will typically include:
- Daytime, evening and weekend working.
- Flexibility during school holidays and seasonal peak periods.
- Occasional early mornings or later finishes to support events or operational requirements.
As a Venue Manager, you'll work when our customers need us most, ensuring the venue operates to the highest possible standards.
Why Join The Rink Team?
The Rink is more than just a leisure venue. As a social enterprise, we exist to create opportunities for people and strengthen our local community through sport, recreation and positive experiences.
This is an opportunity to take ownership of a well-established venue, lead a fantastic team and make a genuine difference to thousands of customers every year.
Pay: £30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Experience:
- supervising or managing staff: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person