Conference and Events Operations Manager | SEC in Glasgow

About the Role

The Operations Manager will lead all elements of catering and deliver operational efficiency at the SEC, managing a team across retail, hospitality, and restaurant operations during high-profile events. The role involves early client engagement, partnering with the events planning team to fully plan events, and overseeing delivery from set-up to de-brief. The position reports to the Head of Department and works collaboratively with logistics, back of house, and HR teams to ensure best-in-class operations that evolve operationally and technologically.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all elements of catering and deliver operational efficiency across retail, hospitality, and restaurant operations at the SEC.
• Act as the lead operator for SEC stakeholder liaison, consulting with senior stakeholders, contractors, and partners, and maintaining day-to-day contact with the venue client.
• Support the sales team in developing financially sound bids and proposals, sign off final agreements, and manage ordering processes and delivery schedules.
• Oversee non-live setup days, ensure catering areas are ready and presentable, and collaborate with the Logistics Manager on rotas, stock, and stock-taking schedules.
• Deliver effective pre-shift briefings, communicate strategy, and implement improvements to maximise performance and customer satisfaction, while ensuring compliance with Challenge 25 and health, safety, and hygiene rules.
• Manage all aspects of labour scheduling, control operating costs, analyse COS, VPM, and liquor yields, and take ownership of all costs associated with operations.
• Manage, train, and appraise staff to Levy standards, build positive team morale, and ensure effective communication and staff development, including suggestive selling techniques.
• Recommend and develop new products, service styles, and business opportunities to support growth for both Levy and the client.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• A minimum of 2 years in a Management role with event P&L accountability in high-volume quality food service and/or conference and event catering.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to engage stakeholders effectively.
• Strong IT Skills.
• Sound knowledge and ability to manage all aspects of Health, Safety, and Food Safety in a foodservice environment.
• Must possess strong commercial acumen and outstanding skills to increase sales and profitability within all areas of the business.
• Able to motivate and inspire people at all levels.
• Fully flexible and willing to adapt to ever-changing environments.

Preferred Skills

• Experience of working in environments involving high levels of customer care.
• Experience of working collaboratively with a client and experience of managing and delivering all contractual terms.
• Experience with managing multiple operations and/or multiple service streams.

Benefits & Perks

• 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme.
• Healthcare & wellbeing: Aviva Digicare, Medicash (dental, optical, therapy treatments).
• Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Family benefits: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave, 2 days additional leave after returning from maternity leave, day off for your baby's first birthday.
• Perks & discounts: Shopping, entertainment, and travel discounts, 20% off Nuffield Health and 10% off PureGym memberships.
• Financial wellbeing: Pension scheme, Life Assurance, preferred rates on salary finance products.
• Development opportunities: Professional subscriptions, ongoing training and structured career pathways.
• Meals on duty included.
• Exclusive Benefits & Wellbeing site (Perks at Work).
• Entertainment discounts up to 55% off cinema tickets.
• Travel discounts with TUI and Expedia.
• Shopping discounts up to 15% at high street and online stores.

About the Company

We are a visionary venue partner that designs and delivers bespoke guest experiences prioritising people and the planet. We are a passionate, diverse team of venue specialists dedicated to making the planet better for future generations.

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