Events Hospitality Manager

Sodexo Live! is delighted to be recruiting for a dynamic and highly experienced Events Hospitality Manager to join our team at Ascot Racecourse. Supporting the Head of Hospitality, you will lead all aspects of event hospitality for this spectacular venue. 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. This is a fabulous opportunity to showcase your skills and expertise in hospitality event management by joining a venue like no other.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Support the Head of Hospitality in the development of business strategy, in line with current and emerging client needs
2. Lead, develop, manage and motivate a high performing team, to the agreed standard, to ensure that the clients receive services of the highest quality
3. Maximise the profitability of the conference and events department, known as Events at Ascot (EAA)
4. Deliver on client KPI’s and SLAs, to ensure exceptional standards of service
5. Support the Ascot client in developing the Conference & Event client base, identifying opportunities to maximise profit and growth
6. Ensure that business deadlines and targets are achieved
7. Lead with the set-up of all the EAA events & Agreed Price (client funded) areas, in line with agreed SOP’s
8. Undertake projects set by the Head of Hospitality and ensure they are completed in the allotted timeframes
9. Work with all departments to share best practice across site
10. Work with the culinary team to ensure world class food is served consistently
11. Work with the cellar team to ensure the right mix and product offer is available
12. Assist with creating SOPs, ensuring they are deliverable and achievable
13. Co-ordinate the training of casual management and staff in conjunction with the Training Department

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

You will be an experienced Hospitality Event Manager with previous experience of working in large venues, organising high end prestigious events. You will have solid operational experience. A passion for service excellence is essential, as is your desire and ability to build strong working relationships at all levels within the business.

Drawing from your experience in the hospitality industry you will know what good looks like, but you will have the desire and drive to exceed this and deliver excellence. You will also have:

1. Operational knowledge and a minimum of three years’ experience in hospitality and event delivery
2. Logistics understanding, for efficient set up and breakdown of events
3. Management of Profit and Loss Accounts
4. Management of a diverse casual team
5. Experience of Client Liaison
6. Excellent communication skills with diverse stakeholders
7. Resilience to manage multiple tasks and effectively prioritise
8. Self-motivated and able to work on own initiative within a team environment
9. Ability to interpret and utilise financial and commercial information
10. Experienced in using Microsoft Office
11. The flexibility to work weekends and evenings when needed

Desirable:

1. CIEH Level 3 qualification
2. Personal licence holder

WHAT WE OFFER

You will be rewarded with a salary of up to £40,000 plus access to a suite of benefits, which includes:

1. Performance-related annual bonus
2. Contributory pension scheme
3. A buy and sell holiday scheme of up to 3 days (FTE)
4. Volunteering days via our charity partner STOP HUNGER