Conference & Events Duty Manager - Kia Oval

Levy Uk + Ireland; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An events management company is seeking a Conference and Events Duty Manager to ensure smooth operations during events at The Kia Oval. Responsibilities include overseeing catering, hospitality, and bar operations, working with sales teams, and maintaining client relationships. The ideal candidate has experience in events management, excellent communication skills, and is detail-oriented. Benefits include a competitive salary, annual leave, healthcare support, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual leave and holiday purchase scheme

Healthcare benefits

Mental health support

Family benefits

Discounts on shopping and fitness memberships

Pension scheme and life assurance

Ongoing training opportunities

Meals on duty

Qualifications

• Proven experience in conference, events or hospitality management.
• Organised, detail‑oriented and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and match days.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the smooth running of all C&E operations, ensuring exceptional service.
• Work closely with the Sales team to review client requirements.
• Monitor and manage labour scheduling, addressing variances.
• Support business improvement initiatives as part of the senior management team.

Skills

Leadership and team management skills

Excellent communication

Detail-oriented

Ability to manage multiple priorities

Job description

Conference and Events Duty Manager – The Kia Oval

Overview

Join the iconic home of Surrey County Cricket Club as a confident, organised Conference and Events Duty Manager. In this fast‑paced role you will oversee the smooth running of all conference and events catering, hospitality and bar operations, ensuring exceptional service and attention to detail across match day and non‑match day events.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the smooth running of all C&E operations, ensuring exceptional service and attention to detail across every event.
• Work closely with the Sales team to review client requirements, attend site visits and confirm operational details.
• Partner with the Culinary team to maintain outstanding food presentation and service standards.
• Lead weekly function sheet meetings to align internal teams on event plans.
• Produce staff rotas in collaboration with the Head of C&E, ensuring labour costs are monitored and controlled.
• Maintain strong knowledge of in‑built AV systems; train Event Managers/Supervisors and liaise with suppliers to order additional equipment when required.
• Coordinate with the reception team to ensure event signage, paperwork and administrative materials are prepared and distributed in advance.
• Monitor till operations, oversee bar closures, and ensure the secure handling of cash and stock.
• Oversee all catering setups, working closely with the logistics team to ensure events are set according to function sheets and SOPs.
• Maintain stock levels and ensure all catering equipment is in good working order, arranging repairs or replacements as needed.
• Manage and support a team of Managers and Supervisors, providing clear pre‑event briefings and post‑event feedback.
• Assist with the induction, training and development of team members, ensuring high levels of service and operational efficiency.
• Promote a positive, collaborative working culture across all departments.
• Welcome event organisers and clients, ensuring their needs are met from initial planning to delivery.
• Act as the main operational point of contact on event days, quickly resolving any issues or last‑minute requests.
• Build strong, lasting relationships with clients, encouraging repeat business and positive feedback.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety and legal regulations.
• Contribute to regular health and safety meetings and maintain accurate training records.
• Lead by example in promoting a safe working environment for staff, clients and guests.
• Promote the Levy culture of sustainability, proactively reducing wastage, electricity usage and supporting the 2027 net zero promise.
• Identify operational improvements and cost‑saving opportunities without compromising service standards.
• Monitor and manage labour scheduling, addressing variances between forecast and actual spend.
• Take ownership of all operational costs under your management, ensuring profitability targets are met.
• Support business improvement initiatives as part of the senior management team.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in conference, events or hospitality management.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and client relationship abilities, with experience developing meaningful client relationships.
• Organised, detail‑oriented and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and match days.

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £35,000 + bonus and full company benefits.
• 23 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and a holiday purchase scheme.
• Healthcare & wellbeing: Aviva Digicare, Medicash (dental, optical, therapy treatments).
• Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Family benefits: extra leave after maternity leave, birthday off, enhanced family leave.
• 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.
• Professional development: ongoing training and structured career pathways.
• Meals on duty included.

We are a passionate, diverse team dedicated to making the planet better for future generations. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, empowering workplace where everyone can thrive.