Head of Conference and Events (C&E)

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Head of Conference and Events is a senior leadership position responsible for the strategic planning, coordination, and flawless execution of all catering operations for conferences and events hosted at the Etihad Stadium. Reporting directly to the F&B Director, this role plays a pivotal part in shaping the guest experience, driving operational excellence, and delivering commercial success across a diverse portfolio of events.

A FLAVOUR OF THE DAY TO DAY

Strategic Planning and Leadership

• Develop and implement the overall catering strategy for conferences and events, aligned with the organization’s goals and the Manchester City Football Club’s sales objectives.
• Identify and implement innovative approaches to event catering management and guest experience.

Team Management

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of event catering professionals, fostering a culture of service excellence and accountability.
• Conduct regular 1:1s, team meetings, and business reviews to ensure objectives are met and performance is continuously improved.
• Build a motivated, respectful, and stable team through clear direction, open communication, and employee engagement.

Budget and Financial Management

• Manage departmental budgets, including forecasting, tracking, and cost control.
• Oversee all non-F&B purchasing, ensuring expenditure aligns with budget and supplier agreements.
• Maximise labour productivity using efficiency models and ensure accurate forecasting and reporting to meet P&L targets.
• Monitor gross profit, cash, and stock, ensuring accurate and timely client billing in collaboration with relevant departments and third‑party suppliers.

Marketing and Sales Collaboration

• Work alongside the club’s sales team to develop and implement catering related marketing and sales strategies that promote conferences and events.

Event Execution

• Oversee all aspects of event delivery, from setup to teardown, ensuring smooth operations and high‑quality outcomes.
• Liaise with logistics teams to ensure all operational elements are in place.
• Undertake duty management and operational shifts as required.

Systems and Technology

• Ensure effective use and training of the till system; act as a super user for back‑of‑house functions related to the C&E department.
• Ensure compliance with Humanforce for shift scheduling and approvals, supporting timely and accurate payroll processing.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Monitor performance against service standards and SLAs, driving continuous improvement and cost efficiencies.
• Ensure compliance with all company and client policies, licensing laws, Trading Standards, and EHO regulations.

Training and Development

• Work with the People Team to ensure a robust training plan is in place.
• Ensure all statutory and bespoke training is scheduled, delivered, and recorded appropriately.

Client and Stakeholder Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Act as the first point of contact for client queries and ensure service delivery exceeds expectations.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Significant experience in leading a Conferences & Events catering operations team, either as a multi‑site manager or within a large single‑site venue.
• Proven ability to lead and manage large, high‑performing teams through effective behaviours, role‑modelling, structured meetings, and coaching—while also acting as the first point of contact for team‑related matters and supporting individual and collective performance.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple workloads and shifting priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing budgets, labour efficiency, and operational performance.
• Experience in developing and delivering high‑quality event catering operations across multi‑service environments.
• Resilience and adaptability when faced with conflicting business challenges.
• Self‑motivated and able to work on own initiative with a proactive approach to problem‑solving.
• Personal License holder.
• Experience in successfully managing large‑scale VIP events (500+ guests) from concept through to delivery and evaluation.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• Staff meals.
• Opportunity for personal training and development.
• Cross‑exposure to the wider business.
• Sick Pay.

Application Deadline

21st November 2025

Contact us: talent@eastlandsvsl.com

If successful in your application, you will be required to provide eligibility to work evidence in line with the ‘Eligibility to Work in the UK’ requirements.

If you require any additional support or adjustments during the application process, please let us know—we’re here to help.