Head Of Event Operations

Head Of Event Operations

Full-Time 65000 - 91000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and oversee premium dining and catering events with a focus on exceptional service.
  • Company: Join Compass Group, a leader in food-focused hospitality.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, healthcare benefits, and exclusive discounts.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in high-end dining while growing your career.
  • Qualifications: Strong background in hospitality and event operations management.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.

The predicted salary is between 65000 - 91000 £ per year.

We are seeking an accomplished Head of Events Operations with a strong background in hospitality, food service, and restaurant-led events to oversee the operational delivery of premium dining and catering experiences. This senior leadership role is responsible for ensuring the seamless execution of food-focused events while maintaining the highest standards of service, compliance, and commercial performance.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the operational planning and delivery of hospitality-driven events, including large-scale dining experiences and high-volume service.
  • Oversee front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) operations, ensuring exceptional guest experience and service consistency.
  • Produce detailed operational plans, service notes, and staffing briefings aligned with food service requirements.
  • Attend site visits, tastings, and client meetings to assess menus, service flow, and operational feasibility.
  • Manage supplier relationships for food, beverage, equipment, and logistics.
  • Act as the primary operational contact for key clients and hospitality venues, ensuring adherence to venue and food safety standards.

Team & Staffing Leadership

  • Lead, develop, and appraise the full-time operations team.
  • Recruit, train, and manage freelance Operations Managers with hospitality expertise.
  • Oversee FOH staffing functions, including coordination with staffing agencies and performance feedback.
  • Ensure all staff uphold service standards, presentation, punctuality, and brand values within a restaurant-led environment.
  • Verify right-to-work documentation and mandatory hospitality training for all staff.

Financial, Food & Compliance Management

  • Maintain responsibility for operational cost control, including staffing, food, beverage, and equipment spend.
  • Support gross profit targets through effective planning and supplier negotiation.
  • Ensure full compliance with food safety, health & safety, licensing, and risk assessment requirements.
  • Oversee training certifications relevant to hospitality operations, including food safety and first aid.

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary of £65,000 per annum.
  • Senior leadership position within a food-focused hospitality business.
  • Opportunity to manage complex, high-end dining and catering operations.
  • Clear scope for professional growth and strategic influence.
  • Comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
  • Contributory pension scheme.
  • 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.
  • Free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes.
  • Share all discounts and offers with your friends and families.

About Us

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses. 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!

Head Of Event Operations employer: Chartwells Independent

Compass Group UK&I is an exceptional employer, offering a senior leadership role as Head of Event Operations that allows you to shape premium dining experiences in a dynamic hospitality environment. With a commitment to employee growth through Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, travel discounts, and wellness classes, we foster a culture of inclusivity and empowerment, ensuring every team member can thrive and contribute their unique talents.
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Contact Detail:

Chartwells Independent Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Of Event Operations

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the hospitality and events industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or recruiters, make sure to highlight your past successes in managing events and teams. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver exceptional service and operational excellence.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their approach to hospitality and how they execute events. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications and updates!

We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Event Operations

Operational Planning
Event Management
Hospitality Expertise
Food Safety Compliance
Supplier Relationship Management
Team Leadership
Staff Recruitment and Training
Cost Control
Client Relationship Management
Service Standards Maintenance
Health & Safety Compliance
Risk Assessment
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Event Operations role. Highlight your experience in hospitality and event management, focusing on specific achievements that align with our job description.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your passion for food service and events, and how your leadership skills can elevate our operations.

Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any previous roles where you've managed large-scale events or led teams in a hospitality setting. We want to see how you’ve ensured exceptional guest experiences in the past.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our fantastic team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent

✨Know Your Events Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into the types of events the company hosts. Familiarise yourself with their past events, especially those that are food-focused. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their operational needs.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Event Operations, you'll be leading teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight your approach to training and developing staff, as well as how you ensure service standards are met consistently.

✨Be Ready to Discuss Compliance

Compliance is key in hospitality. Brush up on food safety regulations and health & safety standards relevant to the industry. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would implement these standards in your new position.

✨Prepare Questions for Them

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about their operational challenges, team dynamics, and future event plans. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also in how you can contribute to their success.

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