Operations Manager (Event Catering)

Operations Manager (Event Catering)

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 and catering.
  • Company: Dynamic international events and catering business with a focus on growth.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, and opportunities for career progression.
  • Other info: Work closely with the Founder and senior leadership in a collaborative setting.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while shaping operational excellence.
  • Qualifications: Experience in operations management, logistics, or event coordination is essential.

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) employer: KnoWho

Join a dynamic and growing international events and catering business in East London, where you will thrive in a fast-paced environment that values operational excellence and innovation. With direct access to the Founder and senior leadership team, you'll have the opportunity to shape processes and drive efficiency while enjoying a hybrid working model and long-term career progression. This role not only offers competitive salary and benefits but also the chance to make a meaningful impact on global events.

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Contact Details:

KnoWho Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

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

Get Involved in Industry Events

Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like KnoWho and learning about the latest trends in the industry.

Leverage Online Communities

Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at KnoWho!

Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio

Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.

Apply Directly Through Our Website

Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like KnoWho keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.

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

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

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.

Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to KnoWho:This is your chance to really connect with the team at KnoWho. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at KnoWho

Know Your Logistics Tools

Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with KnoWho.

Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.

Show Your Team Spirit

Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show KnoWho that you're a team player!

Understand the Big Picture

Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at KnoWho. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!