Event Manager

Chartwells Independent; Greater London; On-site; GBP 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in Greater London is seeking an experienced Event Manager to oversee various events, ensuring an exceptional dining experience from planning through execution. The role entails being the principal client contact, developing and managing catering services, and maintaining high standards of food quality. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in event management, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for customer satisfaction. Attractive benefits and competitive salary included.

Benefits

Healthcare benefits including dental and optical

Free annual healthcare check

Entertainment discounts

Health and Wellbeing discounts

Travel discounts

Shopping discounts

Meals on duty

Life Assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

23 days plus bank holidays

Additional leave for maternity return

Ongoing training and development

Professional subscriptions paid

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a similar role.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational abilities.
• A passion for delivering outstanding guest experiences.
• Knowledge of industry trends.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage events from planning to post-event follow up.
• Act as principal contact for clients, ensuring all catering needs are met.
• Develop and organize conference and event catering.
• Monitor service standards, particularly for food quality.
• Prepare Catering Schedules and manage last-minute changes.
• Conduct Menu Tastings as required.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Organisational abilities

Attention to detail

Guest experience focus

Job description

Event Manager - QEII Centre

£33,000 per annum

We are QEII Taste, by Levy UK + Ireland, the QEII Centre’s award‑winning caterers. We are renowned for creating and delivering exceptional guest dining experiences. Based on the core principles of quality, innovation and service, QEII Taste aims to exceed client expectation.

From graduation and awards ceremonies to international conventions, our menus are sure to enhance the event experience. From our prime location in the heart of Westminster, we have hosted over 13,000 events since it was opened by Her Majesty the Queen on the 24th June 1986.

Overall Purpose of the Role

You will be looking after a range of events from the planning to post‑event follow up and will be the main client contact dealing with all catering requirements.

More about the role

• Principal contact between QEII Taste and the client, selling, developing, organising and managing conference and event catering
  • Flexibility to deal with a wide range of issues that may occur during the working day
  • Ensure client requirements are communicated to the highest possible standard
  • Building great relationships with clients, whilst maximising all business opportunities through upselling; including follow up calls with clients to ensure satisfaction
  • Monitor all standards of service, particularly food quality
  • Responsible for all client meetings, whether face‑to‑face or virtual. To be involved in showrounds and requirements meetings for events
  • Responsible for creating Catering Schedules for clients confirming all of their catering requirements, and liaising with clients regularly to ensure all last minute changes and requests are met on the event day
  • Being able to react in situations regarding operational issues
  • Holding Menu Tastings for clients who request this prior to an event

What you’ll get in return

Medicash – Healthcare benefits, including dental, optical and therapy treatments (includes up to 4 dependent children)

Aviva Digicare – Free annual healthcare check

Exclusive Benefits + Wellbeing site (Perks at Work)

Entertainment discounts – up to 55% off cinema tickets

Health and Wellbeing discounts – Discounts for Nuffield Health (20%) and Pure Gym (10%)

Travel discounts – Discounts with holiday companies such as TUI and Expedia

Shopping discounts – Save up to 15% at high street and online stores by purchasing Shopping Cards

Meals on duty

Vodafone discounts

Pension scheme and Life Assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

23 days + BH’s and an additional day off for your birthday

2 days additional leave, following return from Maternity leave during the first year back

Competitive and supportive family benefits

Day off for baby's 1st birthday

Holiday purchase scheme

On‑going training & development and career pathways

Professional subscriptions paid

Financial wellbeing programme and preferred rates on salary finance products

Who you are

• Proven experience in similar role
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and organisational abilities
• A passion for delivering outstanding guest experiences
• Knowledge of industry trends
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment

Who we are

At Levy UK + Ireland, we take pride in fostering a workplace culture that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusion. We believe that our differences are our greatest strengths, and we are committed to creating an environment where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered.

Join us in our journey towards a more diverse and inclusive world, where every person has the chance to thrive and contribute their unique talents. Together, we can achieve greatness.

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.

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!