At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exceptional live events and manage Cadillac Trackside Hospitality catering.
- Company: Join Absolute Taste, a dynamic culinary and customer service provider.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, pension, life assurance, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Thriving environment with a focus on innovation and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-performing team delivering world-class guest experiences.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in large-scale event delivery and strong client management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Who Are Absolute Taste and What Do We Do? We are an innovative culinary and customer service provider, dedicated to delivering inspirational food and experiences that redefine customer satisfaction. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for pushing boundaries, we continue to grow from strength to strength. As a small, dynamic team of event professionals, we specialize in creating exciting, well‑managed, and sustainable events, while fostering strong working relationships. We're looking for individuals who share our fun, resilient, and hardworking values to join our supportive, high‑performing team. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a highly regarded organisation dedicated to success and a positive, empowering culture.
About The Role We are seeking an experienced Project Lead to join our dynamic team, leading the delivery of exceptional live events. The role is fully accountable for the strategic planning, financial control, and on‑site delivery of Cadillac Trackside Hospitality catering across the F1 season. Acting as the senior client lead, the role ensures world‑class guest experience, operational excellence, and full alignment with Cadillac and Absolute Taste brand values.
As a Project Lead, your key responsibilities will be:
- Leadership & Client Management
- Overall project lead for Cadillac Trackside Hospitality catering, accountable for end‑to‑end delivery
- Primary senior contact for Cadillac stakeholders, building trusted and long‑term client relationships
- Provide strong event leadership across culinary, operations, logistics, staffing, and commercial teams
- Line manage a core team and lead wider team across planning and live delivery
- Always act as an ambassador for Absolute Taste and the “face of the Cadillac brand”
- Maintain team morale and actively support the mental wellbeing of staff
- Project & Operational Delivery
- Own and manage project timelines, milestones, and planning documentation
- Ensure catering delivery consistently meets required service, quality, and brand standards
- Lead on‑site hospitality operations across pre‑event build, live race delivery, and pack‑down
- Adapt leadership style to manage fast‑moving teams in high‑pressure environments
- Oversee supplier sourcing, third‑party contractors, and management of Cadillac and Absolute Taste assets
- Identify operational efficiencies across food cost of sales, supplier networks, and resourcing
- Ensure compliance with WF1 standards, H&S, quality, and company codes of conduct
- Budget & Financial Control
- Full accountability for Trackside Hospitality budgets, forecasting, and re‑forecasting
- Track and control all hospitality spend (F&B, labour, logistics, travel, equipment, flowers, etc.)
- Work closely with Finance, Operations Director, and Head Chef to ensure budget adherence
- Raise POs, manage invoices, reconcile race‑by‑race spend, and support accurate invoicing
- Prepare budget reports and financial updates for senior management
- Monitor food costs and seasonal price pressures, adapting plans to mitigate risk
- Strategy & Brand Experience
- Partner with Cadillac to define and deliver the Trackside Hospitality strategy
- Uphold and evolve the hospitality identity: look & feel, food, beverage, and service style
- Support guest ranking systems and hosting protocols in collaboration with Marketing
- Work cross‑functionally with Commercial, Partnerships, Content/Comms, and Guest Experience teams
- Support filming, content capture, and brand storytelling opportunities where required
- Collaborate with the Head Chef on innovative yet practical menu development, aligned to local availability
- On‑Site Delivery
- Attend approximately 12 F1 races and test events per season
- Ensure exceptional hospitality for race team personnel, senior management, drivers, and guests
- Lead or support supplier management, freight, set‑up, and pack‑down alongside logistics
- Maintain calm, decisive leadership in high‑pressure, live‑event environments
- Continuously identify opportunities to enhance guest experience
- Ensure all reports, records, and post‑event documentation are completed
- People, Process & Standards
- Develop, implement, and communicate standard operating procedures
- Oversee recruitment, training, probation, and appraisals in line with WF1 standards
- Ensure adequate staffing, equipment, and supplies in collaboration with Head Chef and Events leadership
- Supervise teams with a strong focus on customer satisfaction and service excellence
- Refresh kit and complete all required training during the off‑season
- Continuously improve operational processes
What We Are Looking For:
- Proven leader with full ownership of large‑scale, high‑profile event delivery
- Client‑facing expert able to build strong relationships with senior stakeholders
- Operationally exceptional, thriving in fast‑paced, high‑pressure environments
- Commercially astute, confident managing budgets, costs, and financial performance
- Strategic thinker who can shape and elevate a premium hospitality experience
- Calm under pressure, decisive and solutions‑focused on‑site
- People‑focused, with the ability to inspire, lead, and develop high‑performing teams
- Detail‑driven, committed to delivering world‑class service and guest experience
Why Join Us at Absolute Taste? We are committed to supporting your career growth with thorough training and ongoing development. You can also enjoy benefits such as:
- 25 Days holiday + Bank Holiday
- Company Pension
- Life Assurance
We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer.
Project Lead - F1 in London employer: Absolute Taste
At Absolute Taste, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and supportive work culture. As a Project Lead, you will not only lead high-profile events in the exhilarating world of F1 but also benefit from comprehensive training, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to your professional growth. Join our dynamic team where your contributions are valued, and enjoy the unique opportunity to create unforgettable experiences while working alongside passionate individuals who share your dedication to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Lead - F1 in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Absolute Taste. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Absolute Taste
Don't be shy about reaching out to Absolute Taste directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Lead - F1 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Absolute Taste and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Absolute Taste
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
