Interim Managing Director

We are seeking an Interim Managing Director to oversee the CorpAcq Stadium, Salford. This opportunity is on a fixed term basis through to 31st March 2027.

Role Overview

• The Managing Director will work under the direction of the Salford Community Stadium Board (CosCos), working closely with and reporting on a day-to-day basis to the shareholder's officers.
• The Director will be responsible for developing a business plan for the future strategic direction of the stadium which will maximise commercial revenue for the shareholder but also takes account of wider city ambitions in relation to sport and leisure. The successful candidate will also develop a sustainable operating model for the venue which will underpin the business plan and support both future stadium development and safe and effective operational delivery.
• The successful candidate will have oversight of event delivery and operations and will manage the stadium’s operational team ensuring the venue meets legislative, sustainability, sporting, and entertainment requirements.
• The Director will play a pivotal role in ensuring the customer and fan experience is at the highest possible level, and will liaise closely with the core venue occupiers including establishing positive working relationships with Sale Sharks and Salford Red Devils.
• Please note the role will initially be offered on a 6 month FTC.

The Role

Key Responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

• Lead the development of a business plan for the stadium which includes consideration of options for maximising commercial revenue for the shareholder (including options for the stadium to be use as a multi-purpose entertainment venue) and which takes account of strategic plans for the city in relation to sport and leisure, including the emerging city Rugby Strategy and how the stadium can deliver for the wider community.
• Present the business plan to the Board for consideration and approval.
• Work closely with the Finance Officer to align the business plan and commercial revenue opportunities to future cashflow projections
• Develop a detailed action plan to ensure implementation of the agreed business plan and which is aligned to agreed financial plans.
• In developing the future business plan and future operating model identify opportunities for reducing the carbon footprint of the venue and working towards a carbon net zero strategy.
• Work closely with the shareholder's regeneration officers to contribute to the development of the long-term stadium masterplan project, including use of the surrounding land.
• Consider how the stadium can maximise its social value contribution to the city through its future plans and day to day operations.

Governance and compliance

• Prepare a monthly report for the CosCos Board which provides an update on progress in line with the agreed business plan and an overview of day-to-day stadium operations aligned to the Board’s financial reporting.
• Provide other reports as needed for the Board and Shareholder.
• Ensure a robust approach to risk assessment is in place and that there is regular reporting of key risks to the Board.
• Work with the Finance Officer to ensure financial standards including audit requirements are met.
• Ensure that the stadium complies with relevant legislation and the terms of its Premises License, General Safety Certificate, and planning obligations.
• Ensure events and operations comply with health and safety and large scale event legislation and industry best practice.

Stakeholder and supplier management

• Ensure close working with CBRE in relation to the stadium management, security and capital projects and that planned works are effectively managed and do not impact negatively on events and stadium occupiers.
• Lead on the renegotiation of contracts as directed by the Board.
• Ensure service contracts are procured and managed to ensure best value for money is achieved and contractors are held to account for delivery in line with agreed contractual terms and performance targets.
• Renegotiate on commercial terms the existing contracts with the catering management and car park management providers and all other third party providers
• Maintain excellent relationships with all stakeholders and external parties who contribute to the success of the stadium, including but not limited to core stadium tenants including Sale Sharks and Salford Red Devils, sponsors, promoters, and retail outlets.
• Responsibility for leading negotiations on stadium hire agreements liaising and updating the Board as appropriate.

Marketing and promotion

• Manage the stadium’s reputation effectively through positive marketing and promotion activity.
• Develop and implement a proposed marketing and promotion strategy which aligns to the stadium business plan, promotes opportunities at the venue and which increases attendance.

Stadium operations

• Review the existing operating model for the stadium and develop a sustainable future model which aligns to the agreed business plan. Present the plan to the Board for consideration and approval
• Manage the stadium staffing team and ensure there is an appropriate induction and training programme for staff and regular supervision, liaising with Avensure the stadium’s contracted HR provider.
• Work with the Finance Officer to ensure effective financial management of the stadium on a day-to-day basis and that financial targets are met including maximising the commercial return on events and activities, and allocating resources efficiently.
• Promote a customer service culture throughout the Venue Operations team ensuring that the reputation of the stadium is upheld at all times.
• Coordinate and oversee events held at the stadium to ensure they are delivered safely and successfully.
• Ensure the stadium is maintained to the highest standards, including cleanliness, safety, and functionality of all facilities.
• Ensure the highest levels of security are maintained at the stadium.
• Ensure that the stadium and training pitches are of a world-class standard for all matches and compliant with both Rugby code specifications at all times.
• Assess the pitch requirements needed to enhance the use of the stadium for other events in line with the agreed business plan.

The Person

Applications are invited from candidates who can display the following key skills, experience and personal attributes:

• Significant and highly credible experience in a similar role developing and managing high footfall major stadia, sports, leisure, or entertainment venues.
• Experience of sourcing, negotiating, and securing stadium hires across sport and entertainment desirable.
• Facilities management experience preferred, ideally in the stadia sector, including technical and safety knowledge
• Strong commercial, project, and financial acumen.
• Proven experience of effectively managing significant contracts and budgets.
• A clear strategic thinker, adept at both short- and long-term planning, with the ability to see the wider business picture.
• Results driven; thrives on challenge; action-orientated and pragmatic in approach.
• Positive mindset: resilient, able to balance multiple priorities and remain focused and clear.
• Proven ability of working in a highly complex and varied stakeholder environment with a strong focus on customer service.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, able to build relationships quickly across a wide range of key stakeholders with differing agendas both internally and externally.
• Committed to always demonstrating the highest professional standards of operation and delivery.

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