Operations Manager

Woodhall Manor: part of Heritage Rocks Group
Woodbridge. Suffolk
£34,000 - £37,000 + performance bonus + possible live in

A wedding day only happens once. The preparation, the people and the decisions made behind the scenes all matter.

At Woodhall Manor, we are looking for an Operations Manager who understands that responsibility and enjoys bringing everything together. Someone who can lead a team with confidence, spot the detail others might miss and keep service running smoothly when the pace picks up.

Part of Heritage Rocks Group, Woodhall Manor is an exclusive use wedding and events venue in Suffolk. This is an opportunity to take ownership of its operational delivery, develop the team around you and make a meaningful contribution to the experience of every couple and guest.

Your Role
Reporting to the Group General Manager (Suffolk), you will lead the daily weddings and events operation at Woodhall Manor.

You will work closely with the sales, planning, facilities and event delivery teams, turning each event’s arrangements into clear instructions and well organised service. From the first room setup to the final drinks of the evening, you will ensure your team has the information, equipment and support it needs.

Although based at Woodhall Manor, the role may also involve cross property working with Seckford Hall, supporting events, sharing good practice and working with colleagues across both properties as business needs require.

This is a role for someone who enjoys being involved. You will personally lead a number of selected weddings and events, coach your managers and supervisors, and set expectations through the way you work.

What You Will Take Ownership Of

• Making sure weddings and events are thoroughly prepared and delivered with care
• Leading event managers, supervisors and operational teams with clear direction and regular feedback
• Checking function sheets, briefing teams and ensuring arrangements are understood before service begins
• Overseeing room presentation, event setups, equipment and operational logistics
• Overseeing food and beverage operations
• Controlling ordering, stock rotation, linen and consumables to reduce waste and manage costs
• Keeping equipment well maintained, properly stored and ready for use
• Developing team members through training, coaching, reviews and appraisals
• Responding professionally to guest feedback and turning it into practical improvements
• Maintaining health, safety, hygiene and licensing standards throughout the operation

The Person We Are Looking For
You may already be an Operations Manager, or an experienced wedding and events leader ready to take on broader responsibility.

You will have a strong understanding of hospitality service and the confidence to lead from the front. You will know when to step in, when to delegate and how to keep people focused during a demanding service.

We Would Like To Hear From You If You Bring

• Experience managing weddings, events or a busy hospitality operation
• A track record of leading teams and developing supervisors or managers
• Good commercial judgement, including experience of stock and cost control
• Strong organisation and a reliable approach to following things through
• The ability to communicate clearly with colleagues, couples, guests and suppliers
• Confidence in addressing performance concerns fairly and directly
• A calm, practical approach when plans change or problems arise
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, alongside potential support across both properties

You will play an active role in supporting our sales team. You will bring the venue to life, build confidence in our team and help clients picture their celebration at Woodhall Manor. Working closely with sales and planning colleagues.

Alongside service delivery, you will take ownership of operational financial performance, understanding the numbers and acting on them. Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing operational budgets and monitoring performance against agreed targets
• Planning staffing and controlling labour costs in line with business levels
• Taking responsibility for beverage profitability, stock accuracy, purchasing and waste reduction
• Reviewing event performance to identify opportunities to improve margins while maintaining service standards
• Supporting sales through engaging venue tours and identifying relevant upgrades and additional services
• Reporting financial results, explaining variances and following through on agreed actions with the Group General Manager (Suffolk)

Above all, you will care about the outcome. You will take pride in a well-prepared team, a smoothly delivered event and guests who feel properly looked after.

Why Join Us?
You will have the opportunity to shape how the operation runs, develop your team and see the results of your work at every event.

As part of Heritage Rocks Group, you will also work alongside colleagues at Seckford Hall, with opportunities to share experience and broaden your operational knowledge across two different hospitality settings.

We Offer

• A great salary with performance related bonus opportunity
• Potential of a salary sacrifice electric car
• Potential of live in
• A role with clear operational responsibility and room to make a difference
• The opportunity to develop your career and experience within Heritage Rocks Group

Everything Matters. It is a simple principle, and one we expect our Operations Manager to bring to life through preparation, leadership and care.

Apply
Please send your CV and a brief introduction explaining the experience you would bring to Woodhall Manor and why this role interests you.

Pay: £34,000.00-£37,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person