Conference and Events Operations Manager | SEC

Global Sports Jobs Limited; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days leave

Healthcare

Mental health support

Pension

Job summary

Global Sports Jobs Limited is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead catering across retail, hospitality and restaurant services at high-profile events, ensuring seamless delivery from set-up to de-brief.

You will work with the events planning team, manage a diverse operations crew, drive efficiency, safety and guest experience, and partner with logistics, HR and back-of-house teams to optimise performance and cost control.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years in a management role with event P&L accountability.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to engage stakeholders effectively.
• Strong IT Skills across software and systems.
• Sound knowledge of Health, Safety and Food Safety in a foodservice environment.
• Must possess strong commercial acumen and ability to increase sales and profitability.
• Able to motivate and inspire people at all levels.
• Fully flexible and willing to adapt to changing environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead catering and deliver operational efficiency across retail, hospitality and restaurant operations at the SEC.
• Act as lead operator for SEC stakeholder liaison with senior stakeholders, contractors and partners.
• Support sales in developing bids and proposals, sign off final agreements, and manage orders and delivery schedules.
• Oversee non-live setup days, ensure catering areas are ready and presentable, and collaborate on rotas, stock, and stock-taking schedules.
• Deliver pre-shift briefings, communicate strategy, and drive improvements for performance and customer satisfaction while complying with health and safety rules.
• Manage labour scheduling, control operating costs, and monitor COS, VPM, and liquor yields.
• Train and appraise staff to Levy standards and foster staff development and morale.
• Suggest and develop new products, service styles, and business opportunities to grow for Levy and client.

Skills

Communication

IT skills

Health & Safety

Commercial acumen

Leadership

Flexibility

Tools

POS/Inventory systems

Job description

About the Role

The Operations Manager will lead all elements of catering and deliver operational efficiency at the SEC, managing a team across retail, hospitality, and restaurant operations during high-profile events. The role involves early client engagement, partnering with the events planning team to fully plan events, and overseeing delivery from set-up to de-brief. The position reports to the Head of Department and works collaboratively with logistics, back of house, and HR teams to ensure best-in-class operations that evolve operationally and technologically.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all elements of catering and deliver operational efficiency across retail, hospitality, and restaurant operations at the SEC.
• Act as the lead operator for SEC stakeholder liaison, consulting with senior stakeholders, contractors, and partners, and maintaining day-to-day contact with the venue client.
• Support the sales team in developing financially sound bids and proposals, sign off final agreements, and manage ordering processes and delivery schedules.
• Oversee non-live setup days, ensure catering areas are ready and presentable, and collaborate with the Logistics Manager on rotas, stock, and stock-taking schedules.
• Deliver effective pre-shift briefings, communicate strategy, and implement improvements to maximise performance and customer satisfaction, while ensuring compliance with Challenge 25 and health, safety, and hygiene rules.
• Manage all aspects of labour scheduling, control operating costs, analyse COS, VPM, and liquor yields, and take ownership of all costs associated with operations.
• Manage, train, and appraise staff to Levy standards, build positive team morale, and ensure effective communication and staff development, including suggestive selling techniques.
• Recommend and develop new products, service styles, and business opportunities to support growth for both Levy and the client.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• A minimum of 2 years in a Management role with event P&L accountability in high-volume quality food service and/or conference and event catering.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to engage stakeholders effectively.
• Strong IT Skills.
• Sound knowledge and ability to manage all aspects of Health, Safety, and Food Safety in a foodservice environment.
• Must possess strong commercial acumen and outstanding skills to increase sales and profitability within all areas of the business.
• Able to motivate and inspire people at all levels.
• Fully flexible and willing to adapt to ever-changing environments.

Preferred Skills

• Experience of working in environments involving high levels of customer care.
• Experience of working collaboratively with a client and experience of managing and delivering all contractual terms.
• Experience with managing multiple operations and/or multiple service streams.

Benefits & Perks

• 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme.
• Healthcare & wellbeing: Aviva Digicare, Medicash (dental, optical, therapy treatments).
• Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Family benefits: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave, 2 days additional leave after returning from maternity leave, day off for your baby's first birthday.
• Perks & discounts: Shopping, entertainment, and travel discounts, 20% off Nuffield Health and 10% off PureGym memberships.
• Financial wellbeing: Pension scheme, Life Assurance, preferred rates on salary finance products.
• Development opportunities: Professional subscriptions, ongoing training and structured career pathways.
• Meals on duty included.
• Exclusive Benefits & Wellbeing site (Perks at Work).
• Entertainment discounts up to 55% off cinema tickets.
• Travel discounts with TUI and Expedia.
• Shopping discounts up to 15% at high street and online stores.

About the Company

We are a visionary venue partner that designs and delivers bespoke guest experiences prioritising people and the planet. We are a passionate, diverse team of venue specialists dedicated to making the planet better for future generations.