At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow hospitality and events operations, delivering exceptional guest experiences.
- Company: Join Abingdon School Foundation, a historic institution with a modern vision.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free parking, quality meals, and a beautiful campus.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team in a thriving educational environment.
- Why this job: Shape a premium hospitality operation during an exciting growth phase.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality, strong leadership skills, and commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Abingdon School, located in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, is seeking a Commercial Hospitality & Events Manager. The role offers a salary of circa £45,000 per annum, depending on experience, with a commitment of 40 hours per week over 52 weeks per year. Flexibility will be required to support the needs of the business, including evenings and weekends for events.
About Abingdon School:
Set within 35 acres of beautiful grounds, Abingdon School Foundation combines over 750 years of history with a modern outlook. The Foundation is becoming fully co-educational from 2026, with new summer camps launching in 2027. The school promotes a culture of respect, equality, and inclusion, where diversity is celebrated and wellbeing is a priority.
About this role:
The Commercial Hospitality & Events Manager will lead and grow the hospitality and events operation across Abingdon School. This senior, client-facing leadership role involves developing a commercially focused hospitality offer, delivering exceptional guest experiences, and supporting the School’s ambitious plans for growth. Responsibilities include:
- Leading the commercial hospitality and events operation across a 52-week trading environment.
- Developing and delivering a hospitality strategy that supports revenue growth, guest experience, and long-term commercial success.
- Driving new business opportunities, repeat bookings, and strong external partnerships.
- Overseeing internal and external events, including school functions, fine dining, casual dining, sports hospitality, conferences, and commercial events.
- Managing hospitality budgets, pricing, forecasting, revenue performance, and margin delivery.
- Working closely with the Executive Chef on menus, product development, cost control, and service innovation.
- Leading, coaching, and developing the hospitality team.
- Ensuring every event is delivered to a consistently high standard.
- Building strong relationships with senior school stakeholders, governors, commercial partners, and external clients.
- Ensuring compliance with food safety, allergen management, licensing, health and safety, safeguarding, and Sodexo standards.
- Managing wine and beverage stock, supplier relationships, tastings, and product development.
- Using systems, data, and reporting to improve planning, performance, and the overall customer journey.
What You’ll Bring:
- Significant experience in hospitality, events, catering, or premium service environments.
- A strong track record of leading teams and delivering high-quality events.
- Commercial experience, including revenue growth, pricing, forecasting, and margin management.
- Confidence managing client relationships and engaging with senior stakeholders.
- Excellent organisation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- A proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to work in a busy environment.
- Experience managing teams across permanent, supervisory, and casual staffing structures.
- A strong understanding of food safety, allergens, health and safety, and service compliance.
- Experience in licensed hospitality environments, including responsible alcohol service and stock control.
- A Personal Licence Holder qualification, or willingness to obtain one.
- A full UK driving licence and access to a car.
Safeguarding:
This role is based within an educational environment and is subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and any additional pre-employment screening required for the role.
Join Sodexo at Abingdon School Foundation and play a key role in shaping a premium hospitality and events operation during an exciting period of growth, investment, and transformation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Hospitality & Events Manager in Abingdon
✨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 Sodexo Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sodexo Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sodexo Group 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 Commercial Hospitality & Events Manager in Abingdon
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 Sodexo Group 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 Sodexo Group
✨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!
