Food & Drink Studio Brand Events Manager in London

Are you passionate about delivering great service and eager to share your knowledge with others? Do you have a flair for customer service and a love for artisanal products? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

Role Purpose: This is a unique role which will oversee the development and delivery of non-commercial Brand experiences in Fortnum's Food and Drink Studio. Opened in March 2023, this is a highly innovative space, home to extraordinary food and drink experiences - from panel talks to supper clubs, masterclasses to product showcases - that showcase the best of Fortnum's, tap into trends and allow us to collaborate with unique voices, creatives and communities from around the world. Customer experience is key to the Studio's success, so the Brand Events Manager will need to own all aspects of that experience, working creatively with the Food & Drink Studio Producer to decide on bespoke formats, then liaising with all the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the vision is carried out in the best possible way.

In order for these experiences to be coherent, engaging and have maximum impact, the Brand Events Manager will need to have close working relationships with not only the Food & Drink Studio Producer and guest talent, but also other key parts of the business such as Marketing, PR, Retail, Hospitality, Buying, Merchandising, HR, Employee Communications & Engagement and the Fortnum & Mason leadership team. This is a multi-faceted role that will demand a high degree of dexterity, imagination, passion and flair, affinity to our brand and values, and an ability to engage with our teams on a cross functional basis to create outstanding experiences and moments that bring Fortnum's purpose ('We Make Joy') to life every day.

Although Brand experiences are a priority in this role, the Brand Events Manager will also be called on to deputise for the Food & Drink Studio Private Events Manager on occasion, overseeing commercial events such as corporate business lunches, wedding parties and private dinners tailored to the client. The Food & Drink Studio is a 7-Day Week operation and will require a level of flexibility to the working week, including some cover of early mornings, evenings & weekends. A 45-hour week will be managed by a rota.

Key Accountabilities

• Work closely with the Food & Drink Studio Producer to design Brand events that will deliver the intended core messaging and promise an outstanding customer experience.
• Bring the unique qualities of the Food and Drink Studio to life by overseeing the planning and delivery of Brand events that establish the space as one of the most exciting, innovative and ground-breaking initiatives in the world of retail.
• Compere or host Brand events, as required, to ensure the key messaging comes through to our guests.
• Support the Food & Drink Studio Producer with photography, filming shoots and event roundups - ensuring that Brand events continue to have a life beyond the day itself.
• Work collaboratively to ensure that the look and feel of the space evolves with the seasons and shows the Studio off in its best light.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, controls, and standards (e.g., due diligence, cleanliness, H&S, dress code standards etc.).
• Lead by example, demonstrating high levels of planning, organising, and time management to drive the operational execution of Brand events in the Food & Drink Studio.
• Support VIP and private events where required, deputising for the Food & Drink Studio Private Events Manager on occasion.

Brand & Commercial

• Ensure that End of Day reports have been completed and feed into End of Week reports where required.
• Track Brand event costs and revenue.
• Review event collateral requirements, and work closely with the Design & Marketing team to support with any new briefs.
• Monitor and review costs associated with putting events on through P&L's, working closely with the Procurement & Menu Co-ordination Teams to track changes in costs of products & services and update costs accordingly.
• Monitor invoices and expenses, ensuring that talent are paid on time.
• Develop and deliver an imaginative, thoughtful and meaningful programme of experiences and events which showcase and reflect Fortnum's purpose 'We Make Joy' and its People Manifesto which is rooted in Mastery, Mobility and Community.

Operational brilliance

• Play a leading role in ensuring the teams exemplify outstanding ways of working, guided by first class operating procedures and processes which breed creativity and experimentation, and are equally rooted in strong controls and safety.
• Role model impeccable presentation in all working areas and personal presentation.
• Ensure staff grooming standards meet company requirements.
• Actively role model Fortnum's Leadership competencies and attributes, and act as an outstanding ambassador for its brand and people.
• Seek out, develop and nurture talent and build a happy, healthy and high performing team with a strong sense of inclusion and belonging.
• Play a leading role in ensuring that the Food & Drink Studio acts as a beacon for the brand and builds pride amongst our people internally.

Role Specific Criteria (Experience/Behaviours/Technical Ability)

We expect the successful candidate to have the following skills and experience:

• A passion for food and drink, and awareness of current hospitality trends.
• An interest in food sustainability and innovation.
• Excellent Microsoft office skills.
• Excellent communication skills and impeccable attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for diplomatically handling staff and customers.
• Digitally savvy; Tripleseat and Photoshop experience beneficial.
• Ability to engage a wide range of audiences and work with integrity/confidentiality.
• The ability to lead and motivate a team of staff.
• The ability to cope under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong planning and organisational skills to run a streamlined operation.
• A flexible hands-on, can-do attitude.
• The ability to work independently, make decisions and problem solve confidently.
• A friendly but professional work ethic.
• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Why Work For Us:

• Competitive hourly rate paid overtime.
• Discretionary annual bonus (up to 5% of salary).
• Up to 40% store and restaurant discounts.
• Subsidised staff restaurant using Fortnum's ingredients.
• 28 days holiday, a day off for your birthday and 5 extra wellbeing days off.
• Matched pension scheme and career development opportunities.
• Annual staff party and incredible gifts after 5 years.

We are committed to developing your career and nurturing your talent, regardless of age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; sexual orientation. We respect and embrace each other's differences, to create a truly inclusive environment. In the last year alone, our people have been recognised and celebrated, winning awards for their outstanding contributions to Retail, Technology, Global Hospitality & Tourism, Visual Merchandising & Display, Customer Service and Local Community Awards.