At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate catering operations at a premier London venue, ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
- Company: Join Levy, part of Compass Group, delivering legendary food and hospitality experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a vibrant work culture focused on sustainability.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration across diverse teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the catering industry while working with top-tier events and clients.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior catering roles and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Overview
QEII Taste operated by Levy is the in‑house catering partner at the QEII Centre, delivering exceptional food, drink, and hospitality experiences within one of London’s premier conference and events venues. We are passionate about creating memorable guest experiences through innovative catering, high‑quality ingredients, and outstanding service. Sustainability, wellbeing, and operational excellence are at the core of everything we do, ensuring we consistently deliver best‑in‑class catering across conferences, exhibitions, and banqueting events.
Role Purpose
The Head of Operations holds a pivotal leadership role, responsible for the strategic delivery and day‑to‑day execution of all catering operations at the QEII Centre. This role ensures that all catering services – from large‑scale conferences to bespoke VIP events – are executed to the highest standards. The position combines strategic oversight, financial accountability, and operational excellence, with a focus on delivering outstanding food experiences, driving revenue growth, and leading high‑performing teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Planning and Leadership
- Work closely with the General Manager to deliver the catering operations strategy in line with venue vision, brand standards, and client expectations.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement across all catering services.
- Communicate strategic objectives clearly to operational teams and ensure effective execution.
- Catering Operations Delivery
- Manage the end‑to‑end delivery of all catering operations across all event styles, including but not limited to conferences, exhibitions, and banqueting, enforcing a high standard of service throughout.
- Ensure seamless coordination between kitchen, back‑of‑house, and front‑of‑house teams.
- Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, and service.
- Monitor performance across all event formats and onsite catering operations.
- Client & Stakeholder Management
- Build strong relationships with clients, event organisers, and venue stakeholders.
- Collaborate with sales and events teams to translate client briefs into exceptional catering delivery.
- Proactively manage client expectations and resolve issues to ensure satisfaction and repeat business.
- Represent QEII Taste in client meetings and high‑profile engagements.
- Financial Management & Commercial Performance
- Hold financial accountability for the catering operation.
- Manage budgets, forecasts, and financial performance reporting.
- Identify and maximise revenue opportunities through upselling and innovative catering offers in partnership with the sales team.
- Maintain strict control of labour and operational expenses.
- Use data and insights to drive performance improvements and profitability.
- Operational Excellence & Efficiency
- Continuously evaluate and improve operational processes to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
- Ensure compliance with all food safety, health & safety, and hygiene regulations.
- Implement best practices in stock control, waste management, and sustainability.
- Leverage technology and systems to optimise planning and execution.
- Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, inspire, and develop a diverse catering team across front‑of‑house and back‑of‑house operations.
- Build a high‑performance culture focused on service excellence and accountability.
- Support the team with training and development programmes.
- Conduct performance reviews, succession planning, and talent development.
- Foster strong communication, openness and collaboration across all teams.
- Quality Assurance & Guest Experience
- Ensure exceptional guest experiences across all events.
- Monitor client and guest feedback and implement improvements.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, presentation, and service consistency.
- Conduct regular operational reviews and service audits.
- Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with all health & safety and food safety legislation.
- Promote a strong safety culture across all catering operations.
- Maintain audit‑ready standards and ensure team compliance with procedures.
- Take personal responsibility for the safety of staff and guests.
Person Specification
Essential
- Proven experience in a senior catering or hospitality operations role with financial accountability.
- Experience within a large‑scale events venue or conference centre.
- Strong background in high‑volume conference, events, or venue catering.
- Demonstrable experience leading large, multi‑functional teams.
- Strong understanding of premium and VIP catering environments.
- Excellent commercial acumen with a track record of driving revenue and controlling costs.
- Strong leadership and people development skills.
- Experience delivering operational improvements and change programmes.
- Excellent stakeholder and client management skills.
- Strong knowledge of food safety, health & safety, and compliance requirements.
- High level of IT literacy and data‑driven decision‑making.
Desirable
- Hospitality or management qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 3 or equivalent).
- Experience working within a contract catering or venue partnership model.
Head Of Operations employer: Levy
Levy, as the in-house catering partner at the prestigious QEII Centre in Westminster, offers an exceptional work environment where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our operations. Employees benefit from a vibrant culture that prioritises wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion, alongside opportunities for professional growth within the world's largest catering company. Join us to be part of a team that is passionate about delivering legendary food experiences while working in one of London's premier venues.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Operations
✨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 Levy. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Levy
Don't be shy about reaching out to Levy 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 Head Of Operations
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 Levy 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 Levy
✨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!
