At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the planning and execution of exciting conferences and events at a prestigious racecourse.
- Company: Join the renowned Ascot Racecourse, a hub of elegance and celebration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus potential, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and career growth.
- Why this job: Make unforgettable experiences come to life in a dynamic and vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in hospitality/event management with strong organisational and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
- Job Title: Conference and Events Operations Manager
- Location: Ascot Racecourse, High Street, Ascot, SL5 7JX
- £45,000 Salary + up to 10% Bonus
- 23 days Holiday + Bank holidays
- Mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends depending on event schedule.
About Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse is a destination for over 500,000 guests each year where passion, elegance, and celebration converge, and it is our team of behind-the-scenes heroes that bring every intricate detail to life. As one of the world\'s leading racecourses, Ascot is renowned for its rich heritage spanning over 300 years. But we are not bound by the past; we\'re driven by the pursuit of excellence in everything we do. From hosting our flagship event, Royal Ascot, to pioneering sustainable practices, we are committed to building a Global lifestyle brand, wrapped around the world class horse racing we run. We offer a premium venue for our Conference & Event business and take pride in our ability to deliver bespoke, contemporary propositions.
About this Role
As our Conference and Events Operations Manager at Ascot Racecourse, you’ll take charge of the planning, management, and flawless execution of our dynamic portfolio of conferences and events. From exhibitions and conferences, intimate dinners, to large-scale hospitality events, your expertise will ensure seamless planning, cost control and event delivery, with a focus on driving exceptional service and consistent delivery.
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do and we strive to be one of the UK best venues for Conference and Events.
We’re seeking a proactive, detail-oriented leader with exceptional organisational skills, creativity and the ability to build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal teams. If you’ve successfully led large-scale F&B operations, can interpret P&L statements with confidence and thrive on turning complex plans into unforgettable experiences, this is your stage.
With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of what makes events successful, you’ll bring energy, resilience, and the drive to elevate Ascot’s C&E operations. Ready to make your mark? Join us and lead with confidence.
What You\'ll Do:
- Act as a strategic partner to the Ascot client, advising on C&E business development and client retention strategies.
- Serve as the key point of contact between sales and operations teams to ensure seamless event delivery.
- Manage all aspects of C&E operations to deliver best-in-class service while ensuring compliance with contractual terms, safety standards, and cost-efficiency.
- Ensure event spaces are set up and closed efficiently, maintaining cleanliness and organisation pre-, during, and post-events.
- Ensure adherence to SOPs, food safety, health & safety policies, and Safeguard audit standards.
- Monitor, report, and act on KPIs tied to C&E performance, ensuring targets are consistently met.
- Partner with culinary teams to design compelling, tailored menu offerings aligned with client needs.
- Liaise with clients to share best practices, review event details, and co-develop innovative approaches to attract and retain business.
- Develop pricing structures, manage costs, and ensure events remain profitable and within budget.
- Provide accurate financial forecasting and manage labour plans and actuals in line with budgets.
What You Bring:
- Operational knowledge and a minimum of three years’ experience in hospitality and event delivery
- Logistics understanding, for efficient set up and breakdown of events.
- Management of Profit and Loss Accounts
- Management of a diverse casual team
- Experience in developing & Implementing SOP’s
- Experience of Client Liaison
- Excellent communication skills with diverse stakeholders
- Resilience to manage multiple tasks and effectively prioritise
- Self-motivated and able to work on own initiative within a team environment
- Ability to interpret and utilise financial and commercial information
- Experienced in using Microsoft Office
- The flexibility to work weekends and evenings when needed
Desirable
- CIEH Level 3 qualification
- Personal licence holder
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today! Career progression for the caring profession.
About Sodexo Live!
At Sodexo Live!, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds, and identities. We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins.
Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins.
We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations.
Click here to read more about what we do to promote an inclusive culture.
Conference & Events Operations Manager in Reading employer: Sodexo Live
At Ascot Racecourse, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates passion and excellence in event management. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to employee growth through diverse training opportunities, we empower our team to thrive in a dynamic environment. Join us in creating unforgettable experiences at one of the UK's premier venues, where your contributions will be valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Conference & Events Operations Manager in Reading
✨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 Live. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sodexo Live
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sodexo Live 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 Conference & Events Operations Manager in Reading
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 Live 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 Live
✨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!
