Head of Ü

About the Role

The Head of Ü will lead the Ü Health Café proposition in the UK, creating consistently excellent, commercially successful food and beverage experiences that complement Virgin Active's social wellness clubs. The role sits within the Food and Beverage Team and is responsible for owning and delivering the UK strategy and operating plan for Ü Health Café. The position requires balancing strategic thinking with hands-on operational delivery across multiple locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and deliver the UK strategy and operating plan for Ü Health Café, driving sales, profitability and commercial performance.
• Lead operational excellence across all locations, ensuring consistent standards, service, quality and operational readiness.
• Champion food safety, compliance, quality and effective supplier partnerships.
• Lead, coach and develop the Ü operations team, building a high-performance culture and strong talent pipeline.
• Work collaboratively with Club General Managers, Support Office teams, suppliers and strategic partners.
• Use data, customer insight and performance information to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, grow the proposition and enhance the member experience.
• Lead the delivery of new initiatives, promotions and growth opportunities across the Ü proposition.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Significant multi-site food and beverage leadership experience.
• Strong commercial acumen and experience managing sales, budgets, margins, labour and controllable costs.
• Proven experience in food safety, operational compliance, audits and service standards.
• A strong people leader with experience coaching, developing and motivating teams across multiple locations.
• Experience translating strategy into practical operational plans and delivering change.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Comfortable balancing strategic thinking with hands-on operational delivery in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to travel regularly between UK locations and work outside standard office hours where required.

Preferred Skills

• Experience within a premium setting is ideal.
• A relevant food and beverage, hospitality or business qualification is desirable; equivalent experience will also be considered.

Workplace

• Multiple UK locations

Benefits & Perks

• The opportunity to be part of a brand redefining the future of wellness.
• A premium environment with industry-leading facilities.
• Development and progression opportunities aligned to your level.
• Access to a vibrant, engaged member community.
• The platform to build your career, reputation and impact.
• 25 days (excluding bank holidays) annual leave, plus a Celebration Day.
• Access to Scottish Widows pension scheme, with the company's contribution matching yours at either 4 or 5%.
• Complimentary Virgin Active membership for you and a buddy, with free membership for children and the ability to take advantage of Club V.
• Discounts across Virgin Active, including guest passes and 50% off PT sessions.
• Access to Virgin Family benefits and discounts across the Virgin Group.
• 20% off food and drink at KAUAI branches located in clubs.
• Access to Salary Finance, Health Heroes, Dexters corporate letting services and ePoints.

About the Company

We are evolving into Social Wellness Clubs, creating spaces and experiences that support every aspect of our members' physical, mental, nutritional and social wellbeing. We are committed to recruiting the finest people who share our passion for creating exceptional experiences and delivering world-class service every day.