Event Manager

Job Introduction

We are currently recruiting for an Event Manager to join our Sodexo Major Events Team based on-site at Ascot Racecourse. You will be responsible for leading the operational management of major events operated by Sodexo Sports & Leisure, including but not limited to; Chelsea Flower Shower, Henley Regatta, Royal Ascot, and conducting all related planning such as tasting and functions for our stakeholders. 

You will have previous experience within catering operations, able to navigate the logistics of large scale events, with meticulous planning and organisation skills, and will be a confident communicator, able to interface at all levels. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for a pro-active individual looking to further develop your career within the Events industry, offering exposure to large scale events and the wider Sodexo business. 

If you have a creative and driven mindset, capable of articulating and delivering ideas, while juggling multiple events and functions, we would love to hear from you! 

Role Responsibility

• Identify organic growth opportunities through innovation and new initiatives within existing contracts
• Manage clients expectations both internal and external, working with the client and Sodexo teams to design and deliver exceptional catering offers
• Ensure your account is performing within the agreed SLAs at all times to meet Sodexo commitments
• Take overall responsibility for ensuring that specific accounts are operated within budget
• Ensure that clients receive best in class service delivered within contractual terms and in a cost effective manner
• Develop and retain existing client relationships through monthly meetings and quarterly reviews, using the full CFL process
• Monitor KPI reporting for your account, reviewing contents of client meetings and delivering actions
• Deliver Clients for Life development plans as necessary for your account
• Oversee recruitment for specified events and ensure the motivation of a strong team supporting creative recruitment methods and incentive schemes

Please see attached job description for further details. 

The Ideal Candidate

What we are looking for

• Experience in events, hotels, contract catering (in a food service environment), catering and/or hospitality industry
• Proven track record in operational management in a similar environment
• Achieve set, standards and operate to performance criteria; for example health and safety, hygiene
• Good understanding of budget management and good numeracy skills
• Ability to interpret and utilise financial and commercial information
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, planning and organisational skills
• Ability to negotiate, work with flexible schedule and changing priorities is essential
• Experience in training casual floor staff to a 5* service standard
• Self-motivated and able to work on own initiative within a team environment
• Proficient with MS Word, Excel and Outlook

Where we can be flexible

• Degree in Event Management or equivalent 
• Level 2/3 Food Safety certification 
• Level 2/3 Heath and Safety certification 

Package Description

£30,000 - £35,000 + excellent benefits package 

Including Sodexo Discounts site promoting discounted mobile phone tariffs, savings across restaurant chains and days out, where you and your family can save money on everything from your weekly food shop to the latest cinema blockbuster and much more

About the Company

In the UK and Ireland, Sodexo employs some 36,000 employees to deliver integrated facilities management services to clients at over 2,000 locations in the energy, corporate, healthcare, education, leisure, defence and justice sectors. With an annual turnover of over £1bn, we provide everything from catering, cleaning and reception to security, laboratory and grounds maintenance services, enabling our clients to focus on their core business.

At Sodexo we are committed to a leading role in promoting equality opportunities and valuing diversity and inclusion. We seek to create a work environment based on mutual respect for all individuals, building a culture that appreciates and values the experiences and skills brought by each person to benefit our organisation and work hard to ensure that all people, whatever their race, colour, sex, gender identity  disability, nationality, national or ethnic origin, religion or belief, marital/partnership or family status, sexual orientation, age, social class, educational background, employment status, working pattern, are welcome to and included within our organisation.

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.

We are building on our support to the Armed Forces community through the development of specific pathways within our recruitment process to  support ex-forces personnel and reservists, those applying for jobs with us who meet the ideal candidate criteria for the role advertised are guaranteed to progress to the selection process.