MCC: Senior Operations Manager (Ground)

Link to Apply:

Department: Ground Operations

Reporting to: Head of Ground Operations

Contract: Permanent

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), owner of Lord's - the Home of Cricket - is the world's most active cricket club and custodian of the Laws of Cricket. Renowned globally for excellence and prestige, MCC delivers outstanding experiences for visitors, from international matches to exclusive events.

Senior Operations Manager (Ground)

We are seeking a Senior Operations Manager (Ground) to lead stewarding and safety operations at Lord's. You will manage up to 600 casual staff, oversee recruitment and training, and design match day safety and security plans in collaboration with senior leaders. The role involves working with key stakeholders, including local authorities, emergency services, and the ECB, ensuring compliance and exceptional service standards. You will also support safeguarding and accessibility initiatives, shaping match day delivery in these critical areas. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced venue or event operations professional to take on a high profile role at an iconic sporting venue.

Dimensions of Role

Normal working hours will be 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday (inclusive), including one hour unpaid lunch on each day worked; making a total of 35 working hours per week. This job entails occasional evening work as well as regular weekend work from February to September. On certain cricket days (major match days e.g. international match days) you will be required to work for up to 16 hours a day on consecutive days.

Key Purpose of Role

To help design and deliver the daily stewarding and security operation for the Ground in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Lord's Safety Certificate and the business needs of MCC.

Key Tasks and Accountabilities

• Delivering the daily safety and security operation on all match days and non match days
• Management of the Stewards' Office
• The recruitment, training and deployment of stewards and security personnel
• Managing relationships with the steward agencies engaged at Lord's
• Reviewing and updating safety and security documentation and plans, including the Ground Safety Operations Manual, emergency procedures manuals, steward handbook, briefing documents, and training records
• Representing MCC at the Lord's Safety Advisory Group and otherwise liaising with the local authority, emergency services, the England & Wales Cricket Board, the Sports Ground Safety Authority and other external stakeholders
• Working closely with the MCC Accessibility & Safeguarding Officers on service delivery and training requirements
• Main ops liaison with Brand Manager on operational requirements in terms of signage and other inventory
• Managing a budget of £3m plus
• Acting as an ambassador for the MCC in all interactions with Members, visitors, and stakeholders

This job profile is not an exhaustive or definitive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. The responsibilities, tasks and duties of the job holder might differ from those outlined in the job profile and duties might be amended as the job evolves in light of the needs of the business and/or at the discretion of management.

Variations of Job Relating to Major Matches

• Attendance at all major match-days, including weekends, as required.
• Any other duties, whether in the Department or elsewhere around the Ground, as required.
• Act as Senior Operations Manager (Ground) on all match days. This will involve working up to 16 hours a day.
• Assistance with any aspect of the Ground's match day safety and security operation as directed by the Safety Officer.

Health and Safety

• Responsible for the safety of yourself and others through adherence to MCC (and legal) safety rules and procedures.
• Report any unsafe practices, equipment or circumstances as appropriate.
• Comply fully with relevant security policies and procedures.
• Be familiar with fire procedures and evacuation procedures and be prepared to operate when/if trained as a Fire Warden.

Values & Behaviours

SMART - We use our knowledge and expertise to ensure that everything we do looks, sounds and feels high quality.

ATTENTIVE - We are open and welcoming to all, always paying close attention to people's needs.

ORIGINAL - We are proud of our history and constantly seek to evolve and innovate.

TOGETHER - Like players, we help each other to achieve our collective goals and be our personal best.

Person Specifications - Skills, Experience and Qualifications Essential

• Proven operational experience in the sports and/or event sectors
• Excellent leadership and management skills with a proven ability to lead from the front and deliver operational briefings with confidence
• Experience of strategic and/or operational planning
• Skilled at training and developing a team to maximise its potential
• Great with people and committed to excellent customer service
• Strong communicator, both in person and in writing
• Ability to manage large and complex budgets in line with operational requirements
• Competent with everyday IT tools like Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Practical, calm under pressure, and able to make sensible decisions

Desired

• Level 4 Diploma in Spectator Safety Management (or working towards this qualification)
• Strong understanding and knowledge of the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (Green Guide)
• Management of large groups of staff (permanent or casual)
• Experience of high volume recruitment
• Operational planning knowledge and experience from sporting and/or entertainment venues