Head Of Event Operations in London

Head Of Event Operations in London

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

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, healthcare 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 your food shop with 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.

Head Of Event Operations in London employer: Compass Group UK

As a leading player in the hospitality sector, Compass Group UK&I offers an exceptional work environment for the Head of Event Operations role, where you can thrive in a culture that values diversity and personal growth. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including a contributory pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes, you will be well-supported in your career journey. Join us to manage high-end dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts and wellness initiatives that enhance both your professional and personal life.
C

Contact Detail:

Compass Group UK 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 colleagues or mentors. 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 manage operations effectively.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their approach to hospitality and event management, and think about how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested in the role.

✨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 shows you’re keen on joining our team at Compass and contributing to our mission in the hospitality sector.

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 Training and Development
Cost Control
Client Relationship Management
Service Consistency
Risk Assessment
High-Volume Service Management
Communication Skills
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫑

Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your background in hospitality and event operations. We want to see how your past experiences align with the role of Head of Events Operations, so don’t hold back on those impressive achievements!

Be Specific About Your Skills: Tailor your application by mentioning specific skills that relate to managing food service and large-scale events. We love it when candidates can demonstrate their knowledge of operational planning and compliance, so get into the nitty-gritty!

Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Share your passion for hospitality and how you can contribute to our team, but also let your personality shine through to help us get to know you better.

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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK

✨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 teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and developed teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a difference in event execution or team performance.

✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations. Think of scenarios where you had to manage unexpected challenges during an event. Outline your thought process and the steps you took to ensure everything ran smoothly.

✨Understand Compliance and Safety Standards

Since compliance is crucial in hospitality, brush up on relevant food safety and health regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would implement these standards in the new position.

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

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

C
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>