Operations Manager (Event Catering) in London

Operations Manager (Event Catering) in London

London Full-Time 50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead operations for exciting global events and ensure seamless logistics.
  • Company: Dynamic international events and catering business with a fast-paced culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, and opportunities for career growth.
  • Other info: Collaborate closely with leadership and enjoy a hands-on role.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing business while working on global projects.
  • Qualifications: Experience in operations management, logistics, or event coordination.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.

KnoWho are partnering with a growing international events and catering business to find an experienced Operations Manager to help drive the next phase of their growth. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, loves solving operational challenges and enjoys bringing structure, process and efficiency to a growing business delivering projects across the globe.

Working closely with the Founder and senior leadership team, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring events, logistics, suppliers and operational processes run seamlessly from planning through to delivery.

The Role

This is a hands-on operational leadership role where you'll oversee the moving parts behind a busy international events and catering business. You'll be responsible for improving processes, managing suppliers, coordinating logistics and ensuring projects are delivered efficiently, on time and to the highest standard. A key part of the role will involve working closely with freight forwarding partners and external suppliers, ensuring equipment, catering assets and event materials are transported and delivered successfully across international markets.

Key Responsibilities
  • Oversee day-to-day operations across multiple events and projects.
  • Manage international logistics and operational planning.
  • Coordinate freight forwarding activities, shipping schedules and customs-related processes where required.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with external suppliers, production partners, venues and logistics providers.
  • Drive operational efficiency through improved systems, workflows and processes.
  • Support resource planning, scheduling and project delivery.
  • Oversee inventory, stock management and fulfilment operations.
  • Identify operational risks and implement proactive solutions.
  • Produce operational reports and performance insights for leadership.
  • Collaborate closely with the Founder to support strategic growth initiatives.
  • Ensure operational excellence across all client-facing activity.
About You

Previous experience within Operations Management, Event Operations, Logistics Management or Hospitality Operations. Experience working closely with external suppliers and third-party partners. Strong understanding of freight forwarding, international shipping or complex logistics coordination. Ideally experience gained within the events, exhibitions, experiential, hospitality or live events sector. Comfortable managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. Process-driven with a continuous improvement mindset. Commercially aware and highly organised. Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills. Enjoys working within an entrepreneurial, growing business where you'll have genuine influence.

What's On Offer?

£50,000 - £60,000 salary. Hybrid working environment. Opportunity to shape and improve operations within a growing international business. Direct access to the Founder and senior leadership team. Global event exposure. Long-term career progression as the business continues to scale.

This role would suit someone currently working as an Operations Manager, Event Operations Manager, Logistics Manager, Supply Chain Manager or Project Operations Lead within the events, experiential, exhibition, hospitality or catering sectors who is looking for a role with real ownership and impact.

Operations Manager (Event Catering) in London employer: KnoWho

Join a dynamic and rapidly expanding international events and catering business in East London, where you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on operations and logistics. With a supportive work culture that values innovation and efficiency, you'll enjoy direct access to senior leadership and the chance for long-term career progression in a hybrid working environment. This role not only offers competitive salary and benefits but also the unique advantage of global event exposure, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.

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Contact Details:

KnoWho Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations Manager (Event Catering) in London

Get a Taste of the Scene

Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!

Network at Food Festivals

Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!

Show Off Your Skills

Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like KnoWho. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to KnoWho

Don't be shy about reaching out to KnoWho directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!

We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager (Event Catering) in London

Operations Management
Event Operations
Logistics Management
Supplier Relationship Management
Freight Forwarding
International Shipping
Project Coordination

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.

Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!

Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about KnoWho and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!

Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!

How to prepare for a job interview at KnoWho

Show Your People Skills

In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!

Know Your Menu Inside Out

Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!

Demonstrate Your Team Spirit

Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'

Get Ready for a Practical Test

In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!