Conference and Events Operations Manager

Job Introduction

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.

Sodexo reserves the right to close this advertisement early if we are in receipt of a high volume of applications.

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.