Event Operations Manager

The Place:

This role offers someone a chance to play a pivotal role in ensuring the delivery of world-class services and experiences for an iconic event.

Working alongside industry leaders and reporting to the Head of Catering Operations, you will manage all aspects of event delivery including catering and from planning through to execution. This is a brand-new role, created to meet the growing demands of the events this organisation runs. You will join a passionate, high-performance team based in Fife, and collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners across the UK and Ireland.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an experienced Event Operations Manager to leave a lasting impact on a globally recognised event.

The Person:

To excel in this role, you will need to have:

• A degree-level qualification in Hospitality, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in major event catering, ideally at a greenfield site.
• Strong project management skills with a proven ability to plan, manage and execute catering logistics for large-scale events.
• Hands-on experience working with caterers, contractors, and suppliers.
• Understanding of kitchen operations and large-scale catering logistics.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with both internal departments and external stakeholders.
• A flexible approach and willingness to travel and ability to be on-site for extended periods of time.
• Leadership experience with the ability to manage and mentor team members.
• Excellent communication skills and an ability to thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.
• Strong problem-solving abilities with a proactive mindset for managing operational challenges.
• Familiarity with budget management and financial reporting.

The Job:

As the Catering Operations Manager, you will:

• Lead the end-to-end catering planning for the event, including the design and execution of all catering facilities and structures on-site.
• Manage the appointment of external contractors, caterers, and suppliers, overseeing tenders, contracts, and ensuring delivery within budget.
• Oversee the entire operational setup, from kitchen logistics to front-of-house facilities, ensuring seamless collaboration between all parties.
• Work closely with the internal team and voluntary staff.
• Collaborate with internal departments (Marketing, HR, Finance) to ensure all aligns with the business goals and organisational standards.
• Ensure menu design and food services meet the expectations of a diverse range of stakeholders, hospitality guests and VIPs.
• Attend planning and strategy meetings at head office 3 times per week.
• Act as the main point of contact on-site for all catering-related issues and oversee both the setup and de-rigging phases.
• Lead a small team, including a Catering Operations Executive, to ensure the smooth delivery of catering services before, during, and after the event.
• Play a role in the review and analysis of event performance, providing insights and recommendations for future strategies.

The Benefits:

• £45k salary and a comprehensive benefits package.
• The chance to work on globally renowned events with a world renowned organisation.
• Travel and accommodation fully covered, along with meals and expenses when on-site.
• Be part of an innovative and dynamic team that values creativity and collaboration.
• Opportunity to work closely with high-profile partners and stakeholders, gaining exposure to world-class event management.
• Flexible working, with quiet periods in the winter months following the event.
• The opportunity to leave a lasting impact on one of the most prestigious events in the UK.

If you are passionate about delivering exceptional event management at a world-class level and are looking for an exciting new challenge, we would love to hear from you!

Xpress Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.All candidates registering with Xpress Recruitment will need to provide proof of identity, eligibility to work in UK and any relevant qualifications and references.

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