Catering Event Planner in Edinburgh

Role Purpose
The Catering Event Planner plays a key role within the Catering Planning Team at the EICC, responsible for the end-to-end planning and coordination of catering services across a diverse portfolio of events, including conferences, exhibitions, banqueting and bespoke corporate functions. Working closely with clients, the EICC venue team and Levy operational colleagues, the Catering Event Planner ensures a seamless journey from initial enquiry through to successful event delivery. The role is central to maintaining and enhancing Levy's reputation at the EICC for quality, consistency and outstanding customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Client Consultation & Event Planning
  Act as a trusted partner to clients, understanding event objectives, delegate profiles and catering requirements. Provide expert advice on menus, service styles and EICC-specific logistics. Prepare detailed event proposals covering food & beverage, staffing, timings and set-ups.
• Menu Planning & Catering Coordination
  Curate menus suited to conferences and events, ensuring dietary and allergen requirements are fully accommodated. Work closely with chefs to ensure menus reflect Levy standards and client branding where required. Coordinate tastings with clients to finalise menus.
• Logistics & Venue Coordination
  Liaise with EICC teams to plan kitchen usage, service areas and delegate flow. Coordinate with third-party suppliers for equipment and event rentals as required. Plan and manage catering logistics for large-scale conferences and exhibitions.
• Budget Management & Administration
  Provide clear and accurate costings, ensuring events are delivered within agreed budgets. Administer all event-related documentation including contracts, deposits and final invoicing in line with company procedures. Liaise with suppliers to ensure best value without compromising quality.
• On-Site Event Delivery
  Work closely with Levy operational teams to ensure smooth service delivery on event days. Act as a point of escalation for last-minute changes or client requests, resolving issues quickly and professionally.
• Client Relationships & Continuous Improvement
  Serve as the main point of contact for clients before, during and after events. Gather and review post-event feedback to drive continuous improvement and build long-term relationships.
• Compliance, Health & Safety
  Ensure all food safety, hygiene and health & safety standards are fully adhered to. Support compliance with Levy and EICC policies for large-scale events.
• Business Development & Industry Awareness
  Build strong relationships with clients, agencies and conference organisers. Stay informed on industry trends to help evolve Levy's catering offer at the EICC.

Person Specification
A strong team player who lives Levy's values and is passionate about delivering outstanding visitor experiences. A confident, professional communicator with relevant event planning experience, ideally within a hospitality or venue environment. Sound knowledge of food and drink, with a genuine interest in quality and presentation. Highly organised with excellent time-management and prioritisation skills. Approachable, self-confident and comfortable dealing with clients at all levels. Professional telephone manner and competent in Microsoft Office applications. Experience of managing compliance, customer feedback and complaint handling.

Why Join Us?
Levy UK & Ireland is part of Compass Group, the world's largest catering company, and a vibrant leader in hospitality. We believe in celebrating individuality and building inclusive teams where everyone feels they belong. Our diverse team fuels creativity, innovation, and excellence. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, empowering workplace where everyone can thrive. Together, we create unforgettable experiences and shape the future of hospitality. As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.