Hospitality and Events Manager in Windsor

Bekynton is the central catering facility in Eton College, predominantly catering for breakfast, lunch, and supper for all the boys of 12 out of the 25 boarding houses. Bekynton currently serves around 15,000 meals per week over 37 weeks per year, equalling 555,000 meals per annum and growing! Bekynton also prepares and delivers 32,000 packed meals for sports events around the campus, 9,500 hot and cold sports teas each year, and has catered in 64 differing venues around Eton. Many community events are catered for, including House Events, Eton Action Fair, and other events requiring catering.

As Hospitality & Events Manager, you will pro-actively lead the Eton College Hospitality team, driving high standards and excellent customer feedback. This is a hands-on role, helping to ensure that the services provided meet the standards required by Eton College.

Main Duties

• Manage and organise the delivery of all non-core catering from Bekynton across the whole site, including events associated with sports fixtures (internal and external).
• Ensure high levels of standards in all areas of work.
• Organise staff rotas, allocating duties according to the needs of the business for the hospitality team.
• Ensure uniform and appearance of yourself and your team meet company specifications at all times.
• Adhere to all current Food Safety and Health and Safety regulations, especially allergen management, promoting a safe and hygienic environment.
• Organise your team to ensure all tasks are completed to specification and within set targets, providing support and assistance where required.
• Ensure all preparation for functions is completed well ahead of any event.
• Liaise with clients pre and post-event.
• Undertake staff briefings prior to every function.
• Induct new and casual staff.
• Undertake all necessary administration, including e-mail answering, calendar entries, function sheets, costings, and stock-taking.
• Ensure all areas we operate in are clean and tidy before clients enter and left clean and tidy after the event.
• Comply with COSHH regulations using chemicals safely and effectively.
• Develop effective partnerships with duty managers and colleagues, including daily communications and providing reciprocal support.
• Promote a good company image to customers and guests through positive customer service practices and foster friendly working relationships with colleagues.
• Develop and motivate your team to ensure unit standards are maintained.
• Receive training as required to maintain and develop standards.
• Attend to any reasonable request by management.
• Assist as required in Bekynton with our core catering commitment.
• Report any incidents of accident, fire, theft, loss, or damage and take appropriate action.
• Support the duty manager to evacuate the unit in accordance with fire regulations and procedures.
• Attend meetings, courses, and training days as required.
• Cover during holidays, sickness, and other absences.
• Assist with Summer Schools as directed.
• Undertake occasional duties outside the normal routine but within the scope of the position and department’s activities.

All employees of Eton College are also expected to:

• Develop a good understanding of safeguarding procedures, as all positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’.
• Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including completing safeguarding training as required and complying with all safeguarding procedures.
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.
• Display a commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Working Pattern

Your working hours will be 42.5 hours per week, working 5 days a week (including evenings and weekends) for 46 weeks per year (34 weeks term time, 6 weeks summer schools, and 6 weeks paid annual leave, paid over 12 months).

The Ideal Candidate

• Previous management experience within a hospitality or similar environment.
• Customer service experience.
• A relevant catering qualification would be desirable (NVQ Level 2).
• A clear understanding of Health and Safety legislation.
• A clear understanding of Food Hygiene legislation.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• The ability to lead and motivate a team.
• The ability to communicate effectively with customers, clients, and staff.
• A calm, professional manner with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A passion for delivering high standards in food, service, and customer care.
• The ability to manage food allergens in accordance with the school’s processes and procedures.

You may also enjoy this role if you:

• Have a flexible approach to work and a ‘can do’ attitude.
• Have the ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Enjoy working as part of a team and are happy to support your colleagues.
• Can come up with creative solutions to problems.

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity/Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities, and discounts at local retailers and businesses.