Head Of Event Operations in London

Head Of Event Operations in London

London Full-Time 52000 - 78000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and oversee premium dining events, ensuring exceptional service and operational excellence.
  • Company: Join a leading hospitality business with a focus on food and events.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, health perks, and exclusive discounts.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in high-end dining while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in hospitality and event management, with strong leadership abilities.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and a supportive team culture.

The predicted salary is between 52000 - 78000 Β£ 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.

Key Responsibilities

  • Hospitality & Event Delivery
    • 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 Β£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
  • Discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
  • Up to 44% off cinema tickets
  • Cash rewards every time you spend
  • Free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes

About Us

As part of Compass you will 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 in London employer: Compass Group UK & Ireland

As a leading player in the hospitality sector, Compass Group UK&I offers an exceptional work environment for the Head of Event Operations role, characterised by a commitment to employee growth and a vibrant team culture. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including healthcare and travel discounts, and opportunities for professional development through tailored programmes, employees are empowered to thrive in their careers while delivering outstanding dining experiences across diverse venues.
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Contact Detail:

Compass Group UK & Ireland Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

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

✨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 event operations. Share specific examples of how you’ve led successful events and managed teams effectively.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its events. Understand their style and what makes them unique. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company culture.

✨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 in London

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

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Events Operations role. Highlight your background in hospitality and event management, and don’t forget to mention any relevant achievements!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in managing events and leading teams, and show us your passion for food service.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior leadership position, we want to see how you’ve led teams in the past. Include details about your experience in recruiting, training, and developing staff, and how you’ve maintained high service standards in previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our platform!

How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK & Ireland

✨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 Events Operations, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure environments. Highlight your approach to training and developing staff, as well as how you ensure service standards are met.

✨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.

Head Of Event Operations in London
Compass Group UK & Ireland
Location: London
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