At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead logistics for exciting events, ensuring top-notch delivery and operational excellence.
- Company: Join Absolute Taste, a dynamic culinary and event service provider redefining customer experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a pension scheme, life assurance, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Embrace a positive culture focused on creativity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a fun, resilient team making a real impact in the events industry.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in logistics, strong communication skills, and budget management experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Who Are Absolute Taste and What Do We Do? We are an innovative culinary and customer service provider, dedicated to delivering inspirational food and experiences that redefine customer satisfaction. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for pushing boundaries, we continue to grow from strength to strength. As a small, dynamic team of event professionals, we specialize in creating exciting, well-managed, and sustainable events, while fostering strong working relationships. We're looking for individuals who share our fun, resilient, and hardworking values to join our supportive, high-performing team. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a highly regarded organisation dedicated to success and a positive, empowering culture.
About the Role: We’re seeking an experienced Head of Logistics to oversee planning, procurement, supplier management, equipment, and operational delivery across major UK and international events. This senior role requires exceptional organisation, commercial focus, and proven leadership in fast‑paced, complex environments.
Location: Bicester
Your key responsibilities as Head of Logistics will be:
- Operational Leadership: Act as the senior logistics lead across multiple events and projects, ensuring safe, efficient, and first‑class delivery. Lead and support complex multi‑agency operational planning processes. Collaborate closely with internal departments, venues, contractors, suppliers, production teams, and clients. Develop and implement operational procedures and systems that improve efficiency, consistency, and scalability. Support wider event operations teams where required, adapting to changing project demands and priorities. Lead special projects and operational improvement initiatives, including procurement strategies and process development. Lead procurement activity for logistics equipment and operational services, balancing cost efficiency with delivery quality. Manage high‑value tenders, supplier negotiations, and contractual relationships. Identify and manage local suppliers and operational partners in international markets. Analyse technical specifications and financial implications to provide informed operational recommendations. Lead, develop, and mentor the Logistics team, ensuring clear objectives, accountability, and continuous development. Foster a collaborative, high‑performance culture across internal and external delivery teams. Support performance management and ongoing operational training.
- Equipment & Asset Management: Oversee the management and maintenance of all Absolute Taste‑owned equipment, including heavy equipment and catering support kit. Ensure regular stock takes are completed and losses, damages, and storage standards are properly managed. Identify efficiencies in equipment utilisation to reduce unnecessary expenditure and improve operational effectiveness. Manage large and complex operational budgets, forecasts, reconciliations, and reporting. Ensure cost control measures and commercial efficiencies are identified and implemented across all projects.
- Health, Safety & Compliance: Ensure all logistics operations are delivered in compliance with health and safety legislation, food safety standards, and event regulations. Lead risk assessment and mitigation planning for all operational activity. Promote best practice in safety, sustainability, and operational compliance.
- Pre‑Event: Work with Event Managers to ensure all logistical and service provisions are in place, including power, water, waste, plant, and infrastructure requirements. Plan international routing, transportation, and storage of event assets. Coordinate logistics schedules, supplier timelines, and operational planning documentation. Ensure all operational requirements are communicated clearly across teams.
- On Event: Deliver clear and comprehensive operational briefings to all event teams. Oversee event build and setup to ensure delivery meets Absolute Taste’s premium standards. Maintain close communication with on‑site logistics, BOH, and event management teams to resolve issues quickly and efficiently. Act as the senior operational logistics lead on site.
- Post Event: Oversee breakdown operations, ensuring sites are cleared professionally and compliantly. Ensure all hire equipment is returned, waste is disposed of correctly, and assets are cleaned, secured, and accounted for. Support post‑event debriefs and contribute operational insights to improve future delivery. Share operational intelligence and reporting across departments to support business‑wide improvements. Complete financial wrap up with relevant event managers.
What We’re Looking For:
- Operational leadership — proven ability to run complex logistics in fast‑paced environments
- Stakeholder management — strong leadership and communication capability
- Budget ownership — experience managing large budgets and financial reporting
- Supplier management — strong procurement and contract oversight
- Organisation & communication — excellent planning and interpersonal skills
- H&S compliance — strong working knowledge of legislation and standards
- Risk management — demonstrable experience in assessments and mitigation planning
- Advanced Excel — formulas, analysis, and data handling
- International logistics — experience coordinating global event operations
- Motorsport experience — Formula 1, premium sports hospitality, or global live events
- Sustainability knowledge — understanding of carbon‑reduction initiatives
Why Join Absolute Taste? Working with us means joining a fast‑growing, innovative company that is redefining culinary and event experiences. You’ll be part of a supportive, resilient team that values creativity, development, and having fun at work. We offer:
- 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays
- Company Pension Scheme
- Life assurance
- Thorough training and ongoing development
- A positive, empowering culture where your growth matters
We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer.
Head of Logistics - Events in Bicester employer: Premier Foods Wholesale
Absolute Taste is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and creativity within the culinary and events sector. Located in Bicester, we offer a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee development, collaboration, and a fun atmosphere, alongside competitive benefits such as 25 days holiday, a company pension scheme, and life assurance. Join our dynamic team to not only advance your career but also contribute to redefining customer satisfaction through memorable experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Logistics - Events in Bicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the events and logistics industry. Attend industry meetups, conferences, or even local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the Head of Logistics role. Use specific examples that highlight your leadership and organisational skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply—engage! When you find a job that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring manager or team. A quick email expressing your enthusiasm and asking about the role can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on the latest trends in logistics and event management. Consider taking online courses or attending workshops. This not only boosts your CV but also shows potential employers that you're committed to personal growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Logistics - Events in Bicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for logistics and events shine through! We want to see how your passion aligns with our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in logistics and event management. Use keywords from the job description to show us you understand what we're looking for and how you fit the bill.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to read and understand. No need for fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Absolute Taste!
How to prepare for a job interview at Premier Foods Wholesale
✨Know Your Logistics Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your logistics knowledge, especially in relation to event management. Be prepared to discuss your experience with operational leadership and how you've successfully managed complex logistics in fast-paced environments.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Think of examples where you've effectively communicated and collaborated with various stakeholders. Highlight your ability to lead teams and manage supplier relationships, as this is crucial for the Head of Logistics role.
✨Demonstrate Budget Management Experience
Be ready to talk about your experience managing large budgets and financial reporting. Prepare specific examples of how you've implemented cost control measures and improved operational efficiencies in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Health & Safety Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with health and safety legislation relevant to logistics operations. Be prepared to discuss how you've led risk assessments and ensured compliance in past projects, as this will be a key aspect of the role.
