Conference and Events Manager

Sodexo; England; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality firm is seeking an experienced Events Hospitality Manager to oversee event operations at Ascot Racecourse. The ideal candidate will have extensive operational experience and a passion for delivering exceptional service. Responsibilities include managing event logistics, building client relationships, and ensuring service excellence while leading a motivated team. Competitive salary of up to £45,000 plus benefits, in a flexible and supportive work environment.

Benefits

Mental health support

Employee Assistance Programme

Wellbeing apps

Retirement plans

Performance bonus

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of experience in hospitality and event management.
• Solid operational experience in large or diverse venues.
• Experience in managing Profit and Loss accounts.

Responsibilities

• Lead event hospitality operations for Ascot Racecourse.
• Act as a strategic partner advising on C&E business development.
• Manage event space setup and breakdown for efficiency.

Skills

Operational management

Relationship building

Creativity

Financial acumen

Stakeholder communication

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Introduction

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. 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 has a rich heritage spanning over 300 years. We are driven by the pursuit of excellence, from hosting flagship events like Royal Ascot to pioneering sustainable practices. We aim to build a global lifestyle brand centered around world-class horse racing.

This is a fabulous opportunity to showcase your skills and expertise in hospitality event management at a unique venue.

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 top-tier service while ensuring compliance with contractual, safety, and cost standards.
• Oversee event space setup and breakdown, maintaining cleanliness and organization before, during, and after events.
• Ensure adherence to SOPs, food safety, health & safety policies, and audit standards.
• Monitor, report, and act on KPIs related to C&E performance to meet targets.
• Collaborate with culinary teams to design tailored menus aligned with client needs.
• Liaise with clients to review event details and develop innovative approaches to attract and retain business.
• Develop pricing strategies, manage costs, and ensure profitability within budgets.
• Provide financial forecasts and manage labor plans accordingly.
• Recruit, train, and lead a motivated casual workforce aligned with standards and values.
• Identify and develop talent through training programs to build a high-performing team.

What You Bring

You are an experienced Hospitality Event Manager with a background in large or diverse venues, organizing high-end prestigious events. You possess solid operational experience, a passion for hospitality, and creativity to elevate Ascot Racecourse C&E.

Commitment to service excellence and strong relationship-building skills are essential. You should aim to exceed expectations and deliver outstanding results.

You Will Also Have

• At least three years of operational experience in hospitality and event delivery.
• Understanding of logistics for efficient event setup and breakdown.
• Experience managing Profit and Loss accounts.
• Ability to manage a diverse casual team.
• Experience developing and implementing SOPs.
• Excellent stakeholder communication skills.
• Resilience and prioritization skills to handle multiple tasks.
• Self-motivation and initiative.
• Financial and commercial acumen.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Flexibility to work weekends and evenings as needed.

Desirable

• CIEH Level 3 qualification.
• Personal license holder.

What We Offer

Up to £45,000 salary plus benefits and performance bonus.

Benefits

We offer resources and benefits including mental health support, Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing apps, discounts, financial benefits, retirement plans, and more. We promote a flexible, inclusive, and supportive work environment.

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 receive a high volume of applications.

About Sodexo

Our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone. Operating in 55 countries, we serve over 100 million consumers daily, offering a range of services aimed at improving quality of life. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, and are a Disability Confident Leader employer.

Attached documents

• UK Rewards and Benefits Guide.pdf
• Sodexo Live! Events Hospitality Manager JD_ May 25.docx