Meeting and Events Manager

Job Introduction

Sodexo Live! are seeking a highly motivated and organized Meeting and Events Manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment to join Newcastle United Football Club at St James Park. 

The jewel in the crown of the city of Newcastle, St James' Park boasts one of the largest, state-of-the-art meeting, conference and banqueting facilities in the Northeast and is perfect for all types of events. This is an exciting role which you can really make your own within an iconic and prestigious venue in the area.

As part of a dynamic, award-winning Operations team, you will be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of all Meetings and Events operations. Your key duties include supervision, development, motivation, and training of staff, monitoring procedures, and ensuring standards are adhered to and exceeded at all times. 

You will be responsible for the delivery of an incomparable service to clients who expect only the best! With an emphasis on exceptional service, quality criteria, and the ability to deal with guest requests, you will contribute to the overall success of all events held at St James Park.

This will offer an experienced Meeting and Events Manager the opportunity to create and manage a diverse range of events on one of the most popular venues in the Northeast of England!

We’re experience makers and food fanatics. Our experiences are unique, and so are our people. Bring personality, your background and your desire for delighting others. In return we’ll give you all you need to thrive. Because at Sodexo Live! We’re so much more. Be part of something greater.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Management of the daily activities for all Meetings and Events operations.
• Supervision, development and motivation of all Meetings and Events staff which focus on exceptional standards of service with quality criteria prescribed for the Meetings and Event facilities.
• Ensure the preparation of all function areas, the quality of service and standards of hygiene within the Catering facility conforms to the criteria set out in the SOP manual.
• Ensure that all required billing or accounting is complete in a timely manner either to present to a guest or to be processed by our Commercial department. 
• Monitoring all Meetings and Events procedures and ensure standards are adhered to and exceeded at all times by operational staff.
• Noting and dealing with any guest comments or requests, dealing with them directly in the first instance if possible and informing the Operations Manager, Senior Operations Manager, or Head of Operations thereafter.
• Liaise closely with our Sales team to co-ordinate and meet organisers in advance of the event where necessary. 
• Management and ownership of key special events and implementing, in collaboration with our Business Development Manager, a calendar of bespoke one-off events.
• Ensure the preparation of all function areas and the quality of service and standards of hygiene within the catering facility conforms to the criteria set out in the SOP manual.
• Achieve maximum profitability and over-all success by controlling costs and quality of service whilst optimising sales and identifying any areas of action.
• Achievement of budgeted food sales, beverage sales and labour costs meetings and events.
• Liaise with key suppliers and build relationships with prospective supplier to enhance the meetings and events product.
• Work closely in collaboration with the Meetings & Events Sales department to increase revenue generation and strategy.
• Monitoring that all food and beverage service procedures and standards are adhered to at all times by operational staff.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

You will be experienced in catering and hospitality event management and demonstrate energy, enthusiasm and passion for delivering unforgettable guest experiences. 

You will have previous experience of managing events venues that required an operational focus as well as the need to work strategically to plan and grow the event delivery. You will understand the strong emphasis on reviewing standards, quality control, training, and labour management. 

You will also have:

• Experience of managing a large operation within a high-volume Meetings and Events operation.
• The ability to manage multiple workloads and shifting priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with customers, clients and employees at all levels.
• Excellent IT skills with knowledge of Microsoft office applications.  
• The flexibility to work as the business operates over seven days there will be a requirement to work evenings and weekends. 
• A passionate interest in the hospitality industry with knowledge of current and emerging trends.
• Evidence of being organised and possess excellent planning and time management skills. 
• Financial awareness and understanding of a good profit and loss account.

WHAT WE OFFER

We offer a salary of £27,000 with a discretionary performance related bonus. 

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