At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the seamless execution of high-profile events at a luxury hotel.
- Company: Join the prestigious Sofitel London St James team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with a passionate team and elevate your career in the F&B industry.
- Why this job: Be the orchestrator of unforgettable experiences in a vibrant hospitality setting.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in event operations within luxury venues.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Head of Event Operations is responsible for the end-to-end operational delivery of all conferences, banquets, and private events at Sofitel London St James. This encompasses orchestrating every element—kitchen, front-of-house, AV, planning, and client liaison—to ensure seamless event execution and exceptional outcomes. The role carries direct accountability for standards, staffing, financial performance, and client satisfaction across all event spaces.
Line management responsibility extends to the Conference & Events Operations Manager and Events Planning Executive, ensuring continuity and communication integrity throughout the client journey from booking through execution. As a senior member of the Food & Beverage management team, the role extends beyond events operations to contribute to the collective performance, culture, and standards of the wider F&B operation. The successful candidate will be a genuine team player whose capability and presence add value across the department.
Qualifications
- Proven background in event operations leadership within a luxury or five-star hotel, private members club, or a similar premium venue ideally in central London or a comparable market.
- Demonstrable experience managing the full events journey from planning handover through to post-event debrief, with accountability for multiple concurrent functions.
- Experience managing or closely collaborating with event planning or coordination functions, with an understanding of both the commercial and operational dimensions of the sale to execution relationship.
- A proven track record of building, developing, and retaining high-performing teams within a structured luxury service environment.
- A broad F&B operational grounding, comfortable and credible across the full food and beverage environment, not exclusively within a conference and events context.
- Exceptional organisational capability – able to hold multiple events in preparation simultaneously without sacrificing detail or composure.
- Clear, confident communicator across all stakeholder levels: clients, colleagues, senior leadership, and suppliers.
- Commercially fluent, able to read a Hotel Profit and Loss statement, manage a payroll budget, and identify revenue opportunities within the event cycle.
- Technically proficient across event Audio Visual and meeting room technology.
- Familiar with Hotel Property Management Systems, Micros Symphony and event management platforms; Opera Cloud and Delphi experience advantageous.
- Fluency in LQA and/or Forbes standards is also advantageous.
- Calm, decisive, and authoritative under pressure, seen as the Orchestrator who keeps every part of a complex event moving in the same direction, without visible effort.
- Naturally client-facing, with the presence and interpersonal intelligence to represent Sofitel to a discerning audience, able to build an emotional connection with clients and their team.
- An Architect of Occasions in approach, bringing considered intent to how an event space feels, flows, and is experienced, not just whether it functions operationally.
- A team builder who invests in people and takes genuine pride in the success of those around them.
Head of Event Operations in London employer: Sofitel
Sofitel London St James is an exceptional employer that prioritises a culture of excellence and collaboration, making it an ideal workplace for the Head of Event Operations. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer extensive training and development opportunities within a luxury environment, ensuring our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the heart of London, our hotel provides a vibrant atmosphere where creativity and innovation flourish, allowing you to orchestrate memorable events while being part of a supportive and dynamic team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Event Operations in London
✨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 Sofitel. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sofitel
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sofitel 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 Event Operations in London
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 Sofitel 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 Sofitel
✨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!
