Hospitality & Events Executive NEW RA Venues Posted today £28,500 per year Wisley Operations

As the Hospitality and Events Executive, you will be responsible for supporting and coordinating the delivery of exceptional hospitality and event experiences across RHS Garden Wisley, one of Restaurant Associates’ flagship venues. This role ensures that all events and hospitality operations are planned, executed, and reviewed to the highest standards, aligning with company objectives and client expectations. With a strong focus on service excellence, operational efficiency, and guest satisfaction, you will play a key role in maintaining the reputation of RA Venues and the RHS partnership.

You will be working closely with the Head of Operations, clients, and internal teams, to assist in the coordination of event logistics, staffing, supplier liaison, and guest communications. You will support financial performance through effective planning, cost control, and efficient use of resources while ensuring every event runs seamlessly. This position requires exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.

Responsibilities

• Act as the main liaison between the Events Team and clients to deliver seamless, professional event planning and execution.
• Manage all event enquiries promptly (within 24 working hours), providing tailored catering proposals and exceptional client service.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with clients, the Events Team, and all internal departments to ensure every detail of each event is delivered to the highest standard.
• Prepare accurate and engaging event proposals, menus, and costings in line with company pricing and margin targets.
• Coordinate and attend client tastings, site visits, and meetings, ensuring all client preferences, dietary needs, and special requests are accurately recorded and communicated.
• Maintain up-to-date event menus, pricing, and collateral, ensuring all departments have the latest information.
• Manage all event logistics, including catering orders, equipment hire, staffing schedules, and supplier coordination.
• Oversee the timely collection and confirmation of event details — final menu selection, guest numbers, seating plans, and access arrangements — ensuring all are finalised at least one week prior to the event.
• Support operational teams during event setup and execution to guarantee smooth delivery and client satisfaction.
• Handle client communications with professionalism and efficiency — both written and verbal — ensuring clarity, accuracy, and a positive tone.
• Maintain an up-to-date events diary, sharing confirmed bookings, key details, and updates with relevant team members.
• Communicate proactively with chefs, operations managers, and on-site staff to ensure alignment on event details and delivery.
• Hold daily and weekly planning briefs with the relevant team members involved in planning and delivering the events.
• Support the finance team in processing invoices, reconciliations, and event financial summaries.
• Collaborate closely with chefs, operations managers, and service teams to ensure all event elements are executed with excellence.
• Conduct thorough briefings with team members before each event, ensuring clarity on all operational details.

Qualifications

• Proven experience working within partnership-led venues such as cultural attractions, heritage sites, or visitor destinations — delivering exceptional guest experiences aligned with both partner and brand values.
• Previous experience in delivering premium hospitality experiences, including high-end dining, afternoon teas, and bespoke event concepts that enhance brand reputation and guest satisfaction.
• Have experience in event coordination/planning.
• Have excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Demonstrate a thorough approach to work and show great attention to detail.
• Be able to establish positive working relationships and communicate effectively.
• Be able to develop partnerships with industry contacts.
• Show initiative, drive and ambition to deliver and be a confident decision maker.
• Self-motivated and ability to maintain focus in the achievement of sales targets and customer satisfaction measures.
• Good understanding of database management and be competent in Microsoft.
• Be an effective team player.

Benefits

• Competitive salary depending on experience.
• Free on-site parking.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes.
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits.
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more.
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more.
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster.
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands.
• Unwind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes.
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families.

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, Restaurant Associates provides brilliant hospitality through our food, drink and services. We work with our partners and collaborate with our clients to achieve great things together. Every day, our teams of passionate hospitality professionals strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to some of the UK's leading workplaces as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!