At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to create unforgettable luxury weddings and private events.
- Company: Join Caper & Berry, one of the UK's top luxury caterers.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and daily staff lunches from talented chefs.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and networking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the luxury events industry while working with prestigious venues.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in luxury events, strong leadership, and exceptional planning skills required.
Location: Godalming, Surrey (with travel to venues across London & the South East)
Contract: 12-month maternity cover
Start Date: Ideally 30 November 2026
Department: Sales & Planning
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience, plus performance-related bonus/commission
Join One of the UK’s Leading Luxury Caterers
At Caper & Berry, we create exceptional weddings, private celebrations and corporate events at some of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious venues. Renowned for outstanding food, impeccable service and meticulous attention to detail, we are looking for an experienced and motivated Head of Weddings & Private Events to lead our Weddings & Private Events team, overseeing both sales and planning, during a 12-month maternity cover.
This is an exciting opportunity for an inspiring leader with a passion for luxury events, exceptional client service and commercial performance. You will work closely with a small team of sales and planning professionals in a collaborative, high-performing environment, overseeing our most prestigious wedding and private event enquiries from initial enquiry through to event handover, while playing a key role in supporting the continued growth of the business.
The Role
- Lead, coach and develop the Weddings & Private Events Sales & Planning team.
- Drive excellence across both the sales and planning functions, improving enquiry conversion, client experience and revenue growth.
- Personally manage our highest-value and most complex wedding and private event enquiries.
- Deliver an exceptional client journey from initial enquiry through to event handover.
- Build and strengthen relationships with venue partners, wedding planners and key industry contacts.
- Identify new business opportunities and support the continued growth of the Caper & Berry brand.
- Work collaboratively with our chefs, operations and event management teams to ensure seamless event delivery.
- Contribute to the commercial strategy and ongoing development of the department.
About You
We are looking for someone who combines strong commercial awareness with exceptional planning skills and a genuine passion for creating extraordinary events. The successful candidate will bring:
- At least five years’ experience in luxury weddings, private events or high-end hospitality sales and event planning.
- Previous leadership experience within the events industry, specifically catering. Experience in luxury event catering would be highly advantageous.
- A proven track record of achieving ambitious sales targets and supporting business growth.
- Outstanding communication, relationship-building and presentation skills.
- Excellent organisational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach and the ability to make informed commercial decisions.
- A genuine passion for luxury hospitality, exceptional food and outstanding customer experiences.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
- Performance-related bonus/commission.
- The opportunity to lead the Weddings & Private Events Sales & Planning team within one of the United Kingdom’s most respected luxury catering businesses.
- A supportive, collaborative and creative working environment.
- Career-enhancing experience within an award-winning business.
- Freshly prepared staff lunch every day from our talented chefs.
- The opportunity to work alongside some of the country’s finest venues and event professionals.
Working Pattern
This is primarily an office-based role at our Surrey headquarters (GU7 2QQ) with regular client meetings, venue visits and networking events. Flexibility is important, as occasional evening and weekend attendance will be required to support key events and industry functions.
Ready to Apply?
If you are an experienced luxury events professional with a passion for sales, planning and delivering exceptional client experiences, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV together with a covering letter explaining why you would be a great fit for Caper & Berry.
Contact: Rosanna Stafford – Head of Sales & Development; Caper & Berry is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with respect and has the opportunity to thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, and we believe that a diverse team helps us deliver exceptional experiences for our clients.
Head of Weddings & Private Events in Guildford employer: Caper & Berry
Caper & Berry is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where creativity thrives. As a leader in luxury catering, we provide our employees with competitive salaries, performance-related bonuses, and the opportunity to work alongside some of the UK's finest venues and event professionals. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we ensure that our team members are supported in their career journeys while enjoying freshly prepared lunches from our talented chefs every day.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Weddings & Private Events in Guildford
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Walk-Ins
In the hospitality and food service game, a personal touch goes a long way. Instead of waiting for listings, why not walk into local restaurants, cafes, or hotels? Bring your best smile and a CV, and show them that you're eager to join their team right on the spot!
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring Trends
With temporary roles often popping up during busy seasons, like summer or festive times, keep an eye out for openings as these businesses ramp up. Joining local community groups on social media can also help you stay ahead of the game: think pop-up events, seasonal fairs, or any openings in your area!
✨Utilise Your Network in the Industry
We all know people in the hospitality world, right? Now's the time to message those friends or acquaintances who might already be working in restaurants or bars. They could give you the insider scoop on who’s hiring or even put in a good word for you – it’s all about that inside connection!
✨Apply Through Us for Quick Visibility
Don't forget you can apply for temporary roles directly through our website! It’s not just about the big chain restaurants; many smaller, local places look there for quick hires. Plus, it helps us get you on the radar of employers looking for passionate workers like you, so what are you waiting for?
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Weddings & Private Events in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality-food-service game, your ability to connect with customers is key. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience in your CV, like working in cafes or restaurants, and emphasise your skills in teamwork and communication. Don't forget to mention any customer service training or certifications you've got under your belt!
Flexibility is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary role, you'll want to showcase your flexibility in your application. In your cover letter, mention your availability and willingness to work various shifts, including weekends or holidays. Employers love knowing they can rely on you during busy periods!
Bring Your Personality to the Front:In hospitality, it's not just about what you can do; it's about who you are! Let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A warm, engaging tone can really make your application stand out and show your potential to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
Include Relevant References:References can make a huge difference in the hospitality-field. Consider including a couple of references from previous employers or colleagues in your CV who can vouch for your customer service skills and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. This adds credibility and elevates your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caper & Berry
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In the hospitality-food-service sector, it's all about the customer experience. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've gone above and beyond for a customer or handled a difficult situation. They’ll appreciate knowing that you can keep your cool and maintain a positive attitude even when things get a bit hectic!
✨Know Your Menu Inside and Out
Whether you're applying for a temporary role as a server or in the kitchen, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the menu and any signature dishes they serve at Caper & Berry. During the interview, they might ask about your food and drink recommendations, so having a few tasty suggestions up your sleeve will show you're genuinely interested in contributing to the team.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
Temporary roles often require a bit of juggling with shifts and responsibilities. Be sure to convey your willingness to adapt and take on different roles as needed. Share instances where you’ve quickly switched tasks or taken the initiative to help out your colleagues, showing that you're a team player.
✨Dress the Part and Exude Personality
In hospitality, first impressions matter! Even for a temporary position, donning smart-casual attire can set the right tone. Plus, don't hold back on your personality – let your enthusiasm shine through, as they’re looking for someone who can mesh well with the team and create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
