Assistant Events Manager - Rugby

Compass Group UK; Rugby; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

Career development programs

Digital GP access

Travel discounts

Discounts on groceries

Cinema tickets discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness classes

Friends and family discounts

Job summary

Compass Group UK at Rugby School is seeking an experienced Assistant Event Manager to support the Event Manager in day-to-day operations of hospitality and catering services. This hands-on Front of House role involves leading and supporting a team across conferences, weddings, private functions and school events, ensuring customers receive an exceptional experience.

You will manage client liaison, staff rotas, operational administration and stock control, while upholding food safety and service

Qualifications

• Experience in hospitality frontline and events
• Ability to lead and support a team
• Deliver high standard customer service during events

Responsibilities

• Provide friendly, professional service across conferences and events
• Lead Front of House team to ensure efficient service
• Liaise with kitchen and events staff to deliver seamless service
• Prepare staff rotas and manage daily event requirements
• Ensure food safety and health & safety standards are met
• Take responsibility for catering operation in absence of Event Manager
• Assist with stock control and deliveries to events

Skills

Front of House

Team leadership

Customer service

Event operations

Job description

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Assistant Event Manager to support the Event Manager in the day‑to‑day operation of Rugby School's Hospitality and Catering services.

This is a hands‑on Front of House and events role, ideal for an experienced hospitality professional who enjoys being involved in the operation, leading and supporting a team, and ensuring customers and clients receive an excellent experience.

The Assistant Event Manager will play an important role in the daily running and delivery of catering and hospitality services, supporting conferences, weddings, private functions, school events and other hospitality occasions. The role will work closely with the Event Manager, Head Chef and wider Hospitality and Catering team.

The post holder will be welcoming, proactive and hands‑on within the operation, leading by example and supporting service delivery across breakfast, morning break, lunch, hospitality, conferences and events.

The role will also involve client liaison, team organisation, staff rotas, operational administration, stock control, deliveries and supporting the management of food safety, health & safety and service standards.

In the absence of the Event Manager, the Assistant Event Manager will take responsibility for the day‑to‑day catering and hospitality operation, ensuring services continue to operate safely, efficiently and to the required standard.

Customer and Guest Experience

Duties/Tasks

• Provide a friendly, professional and welcoming service to all guests across a variety of hospitality settings, including conferences, working lunches, reception drinks, canapé events, weddings, private functions and school events.
• Oversee the daily running of customer‑facing catering and hospitality services, ensuring they are well organised, appropriately staffed and delivered to a consistently high standard.
• Greet guests and ensure they receive a seamless and personalised experience.
• Lead the Front of House team to deliver efficient, friendly and professional service.
• Monitor customer flow and service standards and make adjustments where required.
• Serve food and beverages efficiently and in line with service standards.
• Demonstrate menu knowledge and make recommendations where appropriate.
• Respond positively to individual requests and customer needs.
• Deal with customer enquiries and resolve service issues promptly and professionally.
• Maintain clean, safe and well‑presented service, dining and hospitality areas.
• Gather and communicate customer feedback to the Event Manager to support continuous improvement.
• Liaise with the kitchen to ensure food is served accurately on time and to the required standard. Positive customer and client feedback and minimal complaints.

Brand, Food and Quality Standards

Duties/Tasks

• Represent Lodestone House, Compass Group and Rugby School positively and maintain the required brand image and professional standards at all times.
• Ensure food is displayed, handled and served safely and to agreed quality standards.
• Ensure service areas, counters, displays, dining areas and hospitality rooms are clean, fully stocked and ready for service.
• Ensure event orders and hospitality requirements are delivered accurately, on time and to the expected standard.
• Monitor service quality and operational performance, taking corrective action where required.
• Liaise with the Chef on duty and kitchen team regarding daily bookings, menus, service requirements and changes.
• Contribute ideas to improve service efficiency, quality and the overall customer experience.
• Support continuous improvement within the Hospitality and Catering operation.

Teamwork and Professional Conduct

Duties/Tasks

• Work collaboratively and respectfully with colleagues across Hospitality, Catering, Rugby School and other departments where required.
• Lead, motivate, coach and support Front of House team members.
• Organise and delegate the team according to daily service and event requirements.
• Prepare staff rotas to ensure the operation is appropriately staffed.
• Conduct team briefings and communicate daily priorities, service requirements and event information clearly.
• Ensure staff are aware of their shifts, duties and working requirements.
• Lead by example and maintain a positive, professional and supportive working environment.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with colleagues, clients, suppliers and internal departments.
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to support the team wherever required.
• Attend required training, meetings and briefings.
• Act with honesty, integrity and professionalism at all times.

Stock, Equipment and Deliveries

Duties/Tasks

• Support stock ordering and stock control in accordance with operational requirements.
• Complete regular stock takes accurately.
• Ensure daily consumption sheets and stock records are completed accurately.
• Receive, store, rotate and label stock appropriately, including allergen and expiry control.
• Monitor catering stores and equipment and report shortages, damage or maintenance requirements promptly.
• Ensure equipment is available, clean, safe and ready for service.
• Support catering and hospitality deliveries across the Rugby School campus.
• Drive the company van safely around the School campus when required.
• Check orders before delivery to ensure they are complete and accurate.
• Ensure catering, hospitality and event orders are delivered on time and to the required standard.
• Ensure the company van is clean, tidy and presentable.
• Complete required vehicle checks.
• Ensure paperwork for company vehicles is kept up to date.
• Report vehicle, equipment or delivery issues promptly.

Operational Excellence

Duties/Tasks

• Assist with the day‑to‑day operation of hospitality and catering services, including breakfast, morning break, lunch, hospitality and events.
• Provide, set up and clear away food, beverages and equipment for meetings, conferences and events.
• Ensure service areas, counters, displays, dining areas, hospitality rooms and service points are prepared to the required standard.
• Manage service flow to maximise efficiency while maintaining excellent customer service.
• Monitor operational performance and resolve issues promptly.
• Check the booking system daily and communicate requirements with the Chef on Duty.
• Organise and allocate Front of House resources according to operational and event requirements.
• Prepare and maintain staff rotas.
• Support the Event Manager with operational improvements and continuous development.
• Take responsibility for the catering and hospitality operation in the absence of the Event Manager.
• Complete administration relating to the catering and events operation accurately and on time.
• Assist with month‑end procedures and provide accurate information and documentation.
• Maintain accurate records, paperwork, event documentation, plate counts and consumption information.
• Follow cash‑handling procedures and security requirements.
• Communicate effectively with team members, clients and other departments while working efficiently in a fast‑paced environment.

Health & Safety

Duties/Tasks

• Comply with all health & safety, food safety, fire safety, hygiene and allergen management requirements.
• Ensure company policies, procedures and statutory regulations are followed.
• Ensure Front of House staff maintain required standards of personal appearance, behaviour, hygiene and customer care.
• Follow safeguarding procedures and report any concerns appropriately.
• Report accidents, incidents, near misses, hazards and maintenance issues to the line manager promptly.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness across all catering, hospitality, storage and service areas. Monitor cleaning and laundry standards.
• Promote safe working practices in line with company policies and See‑Care‑Share training.
• Ensure PPE is used appropriately.
• Ensure food allergens are managed in accordance with company procedures and customer requirements.
• Operate catering and other equipment safely and only in accordance with appropriate training.
• Ensure catering stores and equipment are maintained to the required standard

Person Specification

Essential

• Commitment to delivering a high standard of customer service.
• Good communication skills and ability to engage with a wide range of people.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently when required.
• Customer-focused, flexible, and adaptable approach.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work under pressure while maintaining a positive attitude.
• High standards of personal appearance, hygiene, and professionalism.
• Willingness to comply with all company policies, procedures, and legislative requirements.
• Acts with honesty, integrity, and professionalism at all times.
• Flexible to meet the needs of company, client and customers.
• Valid UK driving licence and be willing and able to drive a company transit van. For insurance purposes, post holder must be aged 21 or over.
• Successful completion of an Enhanced DBS check with confirmation that the individual is not barred from working with children prior to commencing employment.

Desirable

• Previous hospitality or catering experience.

About Us

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Job Reference: com/2409/76416001/52835738/SU #Lodestone House

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!