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- Tasks: Lead and manage catering events, ensuring smooth operations from planning to execution.
- Company: Join Company of Cooks, a vibrant team at iconic cultural venues.
- Benefits: Enjoy personal development, health support, holiday allowance, and social events.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the events industry while working with passionate people.
- Qualifications: Experience in event management and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Flexible hours, dynamic environment, and opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 46000 £ per year.
We are Company of Cooks, and we believe brilliant food and drink starts with brilliant people. For over 25 years, we’ve been part of some of the UK’s most loved cultural destinations, from historic palaces and botanical gardens to buzzing galleries and performance spaces, running the cafés, restaurants, bars and events that bring these incredible places to life. Our values - Craft, Creativity and Community - guide everything we do. They shape how we work together, how we support our partners, and how we make each guest feel welcome. If you care about food, people and doing things properly, you’ll feel right at home here.
Wherever we are, we do more than serve. We bring places to life through food, service and creativity and we’re looking for an Event Operations Manager to join our team in Southbank Centre.
Location: Southbank Centre, London
Salary: £40,000 per annum
Working Pattern: 40 hours per week, 5 days out of 7 (Core hours: 09:00 - 17:30 / 12:00 - 20:00 - flexible with weekends/evenings)
About the Role
We are looking for a hands-on Event Operations Manager to oversee and deliver our catering events across multiple venues. From small meetings for 10 guests to large-scale events for up to 2,000 guests, you will ensure every event is delivered smoothly, professionally and to the highest standards. You will lead a team of supervisors and manage a flexible casual workforce, taking full ownership of operational delivery from planning through to live event execution.
Key responsibilities
- Lead and support supervisors and casual teams to deliver exceptional catering events
- Plan and manage event operations across multiple spaces and off-site locations
- Oversee events ranging from 10 to 2,000 covers
- Ensure high standards of service, presentation and health & safety
- Manage staffing levels and deployment in line with business needs
- Act as the key operational contact during live events, solving issues calmly and efficiently
- Build strong working relationships with venue teams and internal departments
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in event or catering operations management
- Experience delivering large-scale or high-volume events
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage supervisors and casual teams
- Background in hotels, banqueting or large venue environments would be ideal
- Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings and weekends
- Calm under pressure with excellent organisational skills
What’s in it for you?
Working with Company of Cooks has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we’ve developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.
- Personal Development and Training opportunities
- Life assurance scheme
- Pension scheme
- Holiday allowance
- Eye care
- A great wellbeing strategy - including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
- Access to Healthcare Support App which includes Annual health check, Digital GP, Mental Health Consultations, Nutritional Consultations, Second Medical Opinion
- Family friendly support
- A holiday purchase scheme
- Regular social events and communication with our leaders
- Volunteering days
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Long service awards
- Access to some great high street discount vouchers
Company of Cooks officially formed part of CH&CO Catering Group Ltd in 2020.
Event Operations Manager - Southbank Centre employer: Company of Cooks
Contact Detail:
Company of Cooks Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Event Operations Manager - Southbank Centre
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, dive into Company of Cooks' values of Craft, Creativity, and Community. This will help you connect your experience with what they care about, making you a standout candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your event management skills! Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed large-scale events in the past. Highlight your leadership style and how you keep calm under pressure – that’s key for this role!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insider tips about the interview process and company culture. They might share valuable insights that can give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Company of Cooks. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Event Operations Manager - Southbank Centre
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food and People: When writing your application, let your love for food and hospitality shine through. We want to see how you connect with our values of Craft, Creativity, and Community. Share experiences that highlight your passion for creating memorable dining experiences!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Event Operations Manager role. Highlight relevant experience in event management and catering operations, especially large-scale events. We appreciate when candidates take the time to align their skills with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your information well. We love a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Company of Cooks!
How to prepare for a job interview at Company of Cooks
✨Know Your Events Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the types of events Company of Cooks manages. Familiarise yourself with their past events and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Event Operations Manager, you'll be leading teams. Prepare examples from your past where you've successfully managed a team or resolved conflicts. Highlight your ability to motivate others and maintain high standards under pressure.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling live event challenges. Think of specific situations where you’ve had to solve problems on the spot. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your calmness and organisational skills effectively.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
Given the nature of the role, flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss your availability for evenings and weekends, and share examples of how you've adapted to changing circumstances in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to the job.