At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead workforce planning and staffing for prestigious events at Ascot Racecourse.
- Company: Join Sodexo Live!, a leader in hospitality and events.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, mental health support, and discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting events and make a real impact on guest experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing casual workforces and strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 44000 £ per year.
Location: Royal Ascot, High Street, Ascot, SL5 7JX with travel to off-site events
Up to £44,000 Salary + up to 10% performance bonus
40 Hours / Mon-Fri with requirements to support Weekend Racedays & Events
Perks: Raceday Tickets
Job Introduction
Due to continued business growth and an expanding events portfolio, Sodexo Live! have an exciting opportunity for a People Operations Manager – Events to join our team at Ascot Racecourse, supporting the delivery of some of the UK’s most prestigious sporting and hospitality events. This is a fast-paced and varied operational role where you will take ownership of workforce planning and people operations across off-site events and support Racedays. You will play a key role in delivering exceptional guest experiences by ensuring staffing plans are efficient, commercially focused, and aligned to operational needs.
Working closely with operational leaders, agency partners, and key stakeholders, you will oversee labour planning, staffing delivery, labour forecasting, recruitment support, and workforce performance across a diverse events portfolio. You will also lead and develop a small event staffing team, driving high standards, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement. You will be accountable for managing people related budgets for key events and will need to ensure you are driving commerciality. This role will involve weekend working, travel to off-site events, and flexibility during peak event periods, particularly throughout the summer season. Some events may require overnight stays or extended periods away from home.
To succeed you will have strength of character, meticulous attention to detail and a passion for driving Service Excellence through people. If you thrive in fast-paced, diverse operational environments, enjoy leading people, and want to be part of an exceptional portfolio of prestigious events, we’d love to hear from you.
What You'll Do:
- Lead all aspects of labour planning and workforce delivery for allocated events and operational functions
- Produce accurate staffing forecasts aligned to budgets, operational requirements, and commercial targets
- Manage and develop a small People Operations/Event Staffing team
- Build strong relationships with operational managers, agency partners, and key stakeholders
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and engagement of direct hire and casual event staff
- Monitor labour productivity, staffing costs, and event KPIs to drive operational efficiency
- Oversee timesheet accuracy, payroll support, purchase orders, and labour reporting
- Support live events both on-site and off-site, ensuring staffing challenges are resolved effectively
- Drive continuous improvement across workforce planning systems, reporting, and processes
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation, HR policies, and health & safety standards
- Support the development of a casual workforce and drive organic growth within the team
What You Bring:
- Experience managing large-scale casual or temporary workforces within hospitality, events, leisure, or service-led environments
- Strong labour planning, scheduling, and forecasting experience
- Confident people manager with the ability to coach and support teams
- Commercially aware with experience managing labour costs and staffing productivity
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced operational environment
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Experience using workforce planning or time and attendance systems such as Humanforce is desirable
- Strong Microsoft Excel and reporting skills
- Full UK driving licence is desirable and flexibility to travel to event locations
What we offer:
Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we also offer a range of resources, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:
- Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.
- Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems where you may need additional support, including legal and financial advice, support with work related issues or personal issues such as bereavement.
- Access to a free health and wellbeing app that provides rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and includes access to a 24hr virtual GP and various other services.
- The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 (also open to friends and family) and/or the prepayment cashback card.
- Money Insights and financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform.
- Save for your future by becoming a member of the Sodexo Retirement Plan.
- A Death-in-Service benefit for colleagues who pass away whilst employed by Sodexo.
- Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools.
- Cycle to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit.
- Volunteering Opportunities to enable all colleagues to help support worthwhile causes in our communities.
- Flexible and dynamic work environment.
- Competitive compensation.
- Full training and full protective uniform supplied.
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today! Career progression for the caring profession.
People Operations Manager - Events in Reading employer: Sodexo Live
Sodexo Live! is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic and supportive work environment at the prestigious Ascot Racecourse, where you can thrive in a fast-paced role while contributing to some of the UK's most celebrated events. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, growth opportunities, and a culture that values individual contributions, you'll enjoy benefits such as unlimited access to mental health support, a comprehensive discounts scheme, and a commitment to your professional development. Join us to be part of a team that not only delivers outstanding guest experiences but also prioritises your personal and career growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Operations Manager - Events in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to those already in the field. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your experience in managing teams and driving operational efficiency, as these are key for the People Operations Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’d be a fantastic fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace People Operations Manager - Events in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the People Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing large-scale workforces and any relevant events you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your People Skills:Since this role is all about leading teams, don’t forget to emphasise your people management experience. Share examples of how you've coached or supported teams in the past. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and drive their teams to success!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff!
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo Live
✨Know Your Events Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the events that Sodexo Live! manages. Familiarise yourself with their past events, guest experiences, and operational challenges. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you discuss how your skills can enhance their event management.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a People Operations Manager, your ability to lead and develop teams is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed large-scale workforces in the past. Highlight your coaching techniques and how you've driven high standards in previous roles.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling staffing challenges during peak events. Think of specific scenarios where you've had to adapt quickly or resolve issues on-site. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Understanding labour costs and budget management is key for this role. Be prepared to discuss how you've previously managed budgets and driven commerciality in your operations. Bring examples of how you've forecasted staffing needs aligned with financial targets.
