Catering and Event Operations Assistant Manager

Eden Scott is delighted to be working with a leading University in Edinburgh who manage a superb portfolio of distinctive venues, accommodation, catering and event services at the University. As the commercial arm of the world-leading University, which includes the conference and events team, they provide a professional operation across a broad portfolio of conferences, meetings and events, from major international conferences to day meetings and prestigious dining events (circa 2,000 events annually), held at venues across the University’s portfolio. Additionally, the team operates a large Outside Catering and Delivered Hospitality service to university buildings and to private and corporate locations across the city. The team provides catered and self-catered residential accommodation for over 10,000 students, including community and welfare support through its residential service. They also operate 17 cafes and a range of other catering products to students and staff across the University estate.

They are now seeking to appoint a Catering and Event Operations Assistant Manager to join the management team and assist in the area management and operational delivery of catering and events service under the divisions ‘Conferencing & Events’ and ‘Delivered Hospitality’. The Catering and Event Operations Assistant Manager has a vital leadership role within the wider catering team, with significant responsibility to deliver successful events and ensure their long-term success and sustainability. The post holder will hold a pivotal role in developing the highest possible levels of service and customer engagement.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Contribute to the creation of weekly rotas and daily service plans and in the communication of these to all Team Leaders, Supervisors and Assistants.
• Liaise with customers and colleagues days and weeks ahead to provide advice and suggestions, clarifying and confirming requirements as required for allocated events.
• Carry out routine administration tasks such as monitoring and responding to emails, completing stock transfers and creating daily schedule of activities.
• Support pre-set induction programmes and development plans for Team Leaders, Supervisors and Assistants through on-the-job buddying and training of colleagues to ensure consistency in service delivery as per department standard operation procedures.

Applying candidates should be:

• Substantial work experience in a similar role within a similar environment with one year’s experience at Team Leader / Junior Manager level.
• Ability to use own initiative to resolve day-to-day problems independently and take appropriate action.
• Hands-on experience in leading the delivery and supporting the delivery of a range of events in terms of type of event and size of event.
• Ability to give clear instruction and guide other C&E staff to achieve results.
• Ability to communicate clearly and respond to clients, colleagues and when required, contractors.
• Ability to monitor and uphold Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and operational health & safety requirements.
• Ability to plan and schedule workdays and weeks ahead for self and when required others within the wider C&E Operations team.
• Full driving license valid for driving on UK roads as this role requires the post holder to drive University vehicles.

Salary: Up to £33,555

Working 5 out of 7 days, though their work is primarily Monday to Friday. Full time: 35 hours per week, during busier periods, overtime is paid. Their “golden contracts” come with very generous pension contributions and holiday entitlement (36 days plus 4 fixed days over Christmas) and offer excellent opportunities for career progression. Plus, as part of their team, you'll enjoy many staff benefits.

Eden Scott is dealing exclusively with them on this vacancy so to be considered for this exciting opportunity with a truly unique and best in class employer, please submit your CV online.