Anthony Thomson
London
Summary
Multisite area manager with extensive experience in retail, hospitality, and entertainment sectors. Demonstrated success in P&L ownership, KPI achievement, and compliance with health and safety standards. Expertise in team development, recruitment, and succession planning, leading large teams to operational excellence. Proven ability to enhance service scores, drive revenue growth, and manage risk effectively across high-volume sites.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Area Manager
Odeon Cinemas
Central London
2024.01 - Current
- Manage P&L, budgeting, forecasting, cost control and revenue optimisation across a diverse multisite portfolio.
- Lead operational, commercial and compliance performance across four high-profile cinemas, including the flagship Leicester Square site.
- Drove delivery of all KPIs, achieving high levels of guest satisfaction, NPS, retail performance, labour efficiency and operational standards.
- Coach and develop Cinema Managers and Experience Managers, ensuring strong succession planning and talent development.
- Partnered with Retail, Marketing, Facilities, HR, Technical and Events teams to implement strategic initiatives enhancing operational performance.
- Lead operational readiness for major film releases, high-volume trading periods and VIP events.
- Oversaw premieres, red-carpet events, private screenings and corporate bookings, ensuring flawless execution and alignment with brand standards.
- Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety, food safety, licensing, fire safety, risk assessments and audit requirements.
- Analyse performance data to identify opportunities and implement improvement plans.
- Oversee facilities management, including CAFM, planned maintenance, remedial works and contractor performance.
- Acted as senior escalation point for guest issues and operational challenges.
Area Manager
Odeon Cinemas
North London
2021.01 - 2024.01
- Supervised 4 Cinema Managers, 21 Experience Managers, and 141 Hosts to ensure effective team operations.
- Managed KPIs, health & safety, compliance, and risk assessments to ensure operational standards.
- Delivered succession planning and operational recovery to strengthen team continuity and performance.
- Rebuilt leadership teams across four cinemas, enhancing operational resilience post-COVID.
- Restructured operations to maximise F&B revenue and queue times , through F&B counter and foyer set up review , implementing changes to drive guest experience and revenue.
General Manager
Odeon Cinemas
2015.11 - 2021.01
- Managed high-volume cinema operations with 60 staff, including 9 managers, ensuring smooth service delivery.
- Increased revenue by fostering community partnerships and implementing building enhancements to attract more patrons.
- Delivered 13% YoY improvement in guest service scores.
- Achieved Green Operations & H&S audit and 5-star food safety rating.
- Recruited 30+ staff and developed multiple team members into leadership roles.
- Supported Swiss Cottage LUXE redevelopment, maintaining strong NPS (68).
Volunteer
St Mungo’s Broadway
2015.01 - 2016.12
- Assisted outreach teams in connecting rough sleepers with accommodation and support services, facilitating access to essential resources.
Assistant F&B Manager / Duty Manager
Hallmark Prince Regent Hotel
2015.06 - 2015.11
- Directed hotel operations through 2–3 shifts weekly to enhance overall service quality.
- Oversaw restaurant operations catering to 20–300 guests to elevate guest experiences.
- Managed and supported diverse events across multiple rooms, including weddings and corporate events.
- Optimised event revenue while controlling restaurant costs, focusing on shrinkage and waste reduction.
Store Manager
Superdrug
2014.04 - 2015.05
- Transformed lowest performing store into top area performer by implementing targeted sales strategies.
- Delivered double-digit sales growth and 1.33% stock loss (best in 2 years).
- Led pharmacy and store renovation project to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.
Property Development
Self Employed
2013.08 - 2014.03
- Renovated residential properties, overseeing budgets, timelines, and contractor coordination to ensure project completion.
Store Manager / Training Manager
Superdrug
2009.11 - 2013.08
- Managed a store with £3.6m net profit.
- Achieved six consecutive green audits and 0.57% average shrinkage.
- Exceeded sales budget by £96,000.
- Managed a store with £3.6m net profit.
- Developed and delivered training programmes for managers across North London, enhancing leadership capabilities.
Flex Manager
ROC / Esso
2008.08 - 2009.11
- Managed operations across 12 sites, focusing on P&L oversight, KPI achievement, and staff development initiatives.
- Conducted stock loss investigations, cash audits, and safety audits to identify and mitigate risks.
- Delivered management induction programmes and organised recruitment days to onboard new talent effectively.
Store Manager
Iceland.co.uk
2001.02 - 2008.08
- Promoted from Sales Assistant to Store Manager in 5 months by demonstrating leadership and operational excellence.
- Transformed several loss-making stores into profitable ventures through strategic management and team engagement.
- Secured highest staff satisfaction scores in the region by fostering a positive workplace culture.
Education
BA - Geography
Middlesex University
Enfield2001-01
A-Level - English Literature, Geography, Biology
Holy Family College
London, ENG1998-01
GCSEs - 10 GCSEs including Maths and English
Skills
- Multisite operations management
- P&L ownership and budget control
- KPI delivery and performance improvement
- Health and safety compliance
- Audit and risk assessments
- Licensing and recruitment
- Training and development
- Succession planning and talent pipelines
- Customer experience enhancement
- NPS improvement strategies
- Facilities management and CAFM oversight
- Cross-functional collaboration
- HR processes including disciplinary and grievance handling
- Project management and change management
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Area Manager
Odeon Cinemas
2024.01 - Current
Area Manager
Odeon Cinemas
2021.01 - 2024.01
General Manager
Odeon Cinemas
2015.11 - 2021.01
Assistant F&B Manager / Duty Manager
Hallmark Prince Regent Hotel
2015.06 - 2015.11
Volunteer
St Mungo’s Broadway
2015.01 - 2016.12
Store Manager
Superdrug
2014.04 - 2015.05
Property Development
Self Employed
2013.08 - 2014.03
Store Manager / Training Manager
Superdrug
2009.11 - 2013.08
Flex Manager
ROC / Esso
2008.08 - 2009.11
Store Manager
Iceland.co.uk
2001.02 - 2008.08
BA - Geography
Middlesex University
A-Level - English Literature, Geography, Biology
Holy Family College