Conference & Banqueting Manager

Compass Group UK & Ireland; Leeds; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering and hospitality company in Leeds seeks an experienced Conference & Banqueting Manager to ensure exceptional service in a high-volume venue. Responsibilities include managing events, developing staff, and adhering to budgets. The role offers a competitive salary of £30,000 plus benefits, including a contributory pension scheme and personal development opportunities. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in event management and strong leadership skills.

Benefits

Enhanced pension contributions

Free meals on duty

Personal Development and Training opportunities

Access to Digital GP and comprehensive healthcare

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Conference & Banqueting management within a high-volume venue.
• Strong background in catering or food & beverage operations.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as demand requires.

Responsibilities

• Deliver conferences and events, ensuring outstanding service.
• Manage staffing levels and budgets for efficient operations.
• Lead and develop a diverse team.

Skills

Strong leadership skills

Exceptional organisational skills

Commercial mindset

Confident communication style

Ability to thrive under pressure

Job description

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Job Introduction

• £30,000 per annum + paid overtime
• Enhanced pension contributions
• Opportunity to buy additional holiday allowance
• Access to a wide range of programs to train and develop you
• Discounts at selected high street retailers

What you'll be doing:

The Royal Armouries & New Dock Hall is the largest dedicated conference, events and Exhibition space in Leeds. Our venue offers world-class facilities for high-profile conferences, conventions, exhibitions, awards dinners and corporate events for up to 2,500 delegates, hosting more than 380 national and international events every year.

We are now seeking an experienced Conference & Banqueting Manager to join our Operations Team, reporting to the Head of Events. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll be at the heart of delivering exceptional client experiences, from intimate weddings and private meetings to large-scale conferences.

In return we offer support and development to grow within our business alongside a competitive salary.

Purpose of the role:

• Take a hands-on role in the end-to-end delivery of conferences and events, ensuring outstanding service and attention to detail.

• Work closely with clients, event organisers and internal departments to support the smooth running of all aspects of the event

• Lead, train and develop a large and diverse team, supporting career growth and professional development.
• Manage rotas, staffing levels and budgets to deliver efficient, profitable operations.
• Maintain and adapt SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) to evolving business needs.
• Manage customer feedback forum, implementing action plans for continuous improvement.
• Take on Duty Manager responsibilities, acting as a senior leader on site when required.
• Maintaining the Health and Safety standards for the safe handling of food, and the correct use and storage of equipment/ facilities
• Ensure health, safety and food handling standards are met across all event operations.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with both internal teams and external suppliers.

Who you are:

• Proven experience in Conference & Banqueting management within a high-volume, multi-purpose venue.
• A strong background in catering or food & beverage operations.
• A commercial mindset - confident in adhering to budgets, labour costs, and driving profitability.
• Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail.
• A professional, confident and approachable communication style (face-to-face, written, and by phone).
• The ability to thrive under pressure, adapting quickly to last-minute changes.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing and motivating teams.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and unsociable hours as event schedules demand.

About us:

Working with us has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we've developed a range of benefits and development opportunities:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Free meals on duty
• Additional holiday purchase scheme
• Personal Development and Training opportunities
• Career growth through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access to a Digital GP and comprehensive healthcare for you and your immediate family
• Sharebuy scheme
• 'Be a Star' recognition award
• 'Refer a Friend' scheme
• A great wellbeing strategy - including access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Life assurance scheme
• Gym and Health Club discounts
• Regular social events and communication with our leaders
• Exclusive discounts on travel, food shopping, cinema tickets and more!

Join a company that invests in its people, values individuality, and rewards great work. Apply today!

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.