Events Catering Manager | EICC

Levy; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career development

Industry-leading training

Healthcare support

Meals on duty

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Inclusive culture

Job summary

Nourish with Levy at Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) is seeking an Events Manager to lead catering and hospitality operations across a busy venue. You will work with the Operations Manager and leadership team to deliver exceptional service, drive commercial performance, and develop the events team.

You will oversee planning, staffing, service delivery and post‑event review for conferences, exhibitions, galas and festivals, ensuring compliance with food safety, health and safety,

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience in event management, hospitality operations, catering, or conference venue management.
• Experience managing large‑scale events and multiple concurrent events.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Outstanding organisational and project management abilities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Financial awareness and experience managing budgets and labour costs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational planning, management, and delivery of events across the venue, ensuring exceptional execution and customer satisfaction.
• Manage a wide variety of events including conferences, exhibitions, corporate receptions, awards ceremonies, gala dinners, festivals, public events, and high‑profile functions.
• Coordinate all event logistics, ensuring effective communication between clients, sales teams, chefs, suppliers, and operational teams.
• Ensure detailed event briefs are produced and communicated effectively to all stakeholders.
• Act as a senior operational contact throughout event delivery, ensuring client requirements are met and exceeded.
• Oversee event setup, service delivery, and post‑event breakdown activities.
• Proactively resolve operational challenges and ensure service recovery where required.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Organisational skills

Project management

Communication

IT skills

Tools

EPOS systems

Event management software

Job description

Job Title - Events Manager

Reporting To - Operations Manager

Location - Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), Edinburgh

Responsible For - Operations Supervisors, Team Leaders, Front of House Team Members,

About Nourish

Nourish is a leading hospitality and catering partner, delivering exceptional food, beverage, and event experiences across a diverse portfolio of conferences, exhibitions, gala dinners, receptions, festivals, sporting events, and corporate functions. We are committed to innovation, outstanding customer service, operational excellence, and creating memorable experiences for every client and guest.

Job Summary

The Events Manager plays a critical role in the successful planning, coordination, and delivery of catering and hospitality services across all events within the venue. Working closely with the Operations Manager and wider leadership team, the Events Manager will ensure exceptional customer experiences, operational excellence, financial performance, and team development.

The role requires a highly organised, commercially aware, and hands‑on individual who can manage multiple events simultaneously, lead large operational teams, and consistently deliver outstanding food and beverage experiences that exceed client expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Event Planning & Delivery

• Lead the operational planning, management, and delivery of events across the venue, ensuring exceptional execution and customer satisfaction.
• Manage a wide variety of events including conferences, exhibitions, corporate receptions, awards ceremonies, gala dinners, festivals, public events, and high‑profile functions.
• Coordinate all event logistics, ensuring effective communication between clients, sales teams, chefs, suppliers, and operational teams.
• Ensure detailed event briefs are produced and communicated effectively to all stakeholders.
• Act as a senior operational contact throughout event delivery, ensuring client requirements are met and exceeded.
• Oversee event setup, service delivery, and post‑event breakdown activities.
• Proactively resolve operational challenges and ensure service recovery where required.

Customer Experience

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, venue stakeholders, and event organisers.
• Ensure Nourish consistently delivers service that exceeds client expectations.
• Lead customer liaison processes throughout the event lifecycle.
• Implement effective systems for gathering, reviewing, and responding to client feedback.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement based on customer insights and operational review.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, inspire, and motivate front‑of‑house operational teams to deliver exceptional service standards.
• Manage supervisors, team leaders, and event staff, ensuring clear accountability and performance expectations.
• Support recruitment, induction, training, and development of team members.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching to maximise individual and team performance.
• Foster a positive working culture built on teamwork, innovation, engagement, and accountability.
• Ensure effective communication through regular team briefings, meetings, and event reviews.

Operational Excellence

• Maintain exceptional standards across all catering and hospitality operations.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of food and beverage service, event management, hospitality trends, and industry best practices.
• Ensure compliance with all legislative and company requirements, including:
  • Food Safety and Hygiene
  • Health & Safety
  • Licensing Regulations
  • Employment Law
  • Fire Safety
  • Venue Policies and Procedures
• Manage staffing levels effectively to ensure operational requirements are met while controlling labour costs.
• Oversee procurement, stock control, storage, and usage of:
  • Crockery
  • Cutlery
  • Glassware
  • Linen
  • Uniforms
  • Disposable service items
  • Small equipment
• Ensure all operational resources are available and maintained to support service delivery.

Commercial & Financial Management

• Manage event staffing and labour planning in line with budgetary targets and forecasted demand.
• Monitor event profitability and identify opportunities to maximise revenue.
• Investigate and address operational cost variances, revenue shortfalls, and inefficiencies.
• Support payroll forecasting and ensure accurate recording of staff working hours.
• Manage stock control processes, audits, and inventory management.
• Protect company assets through effective security and control procedures.
• Support business growth through excellent operational delivery and repeat business opportunities.

Continuous Improvement & Business Development

• Drive innovation and continuous improvement across the event operation.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and emerging hospitality developments.
• Contribute ideas to enhance service delivery, customer experience, and commercial performance.
• Work collaboratively with sales and venue teams to identify and secure new business opportunities.
• Support the development of new products, services, and event concepts that strengthen Nourish's market position.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Success In This Role Will Be Measured Through

• Customer satisfaction scores and client feedback.
• Successful delivery of events to agreed standards.
• Achievement of labour and operational cost targets.
• Revenue growth and profitability.
• Team engagement, retention, and performance.
• Health & Safety and Food Safety compliance.
• Repeat business and client retention.
• Operational efficiency and continuous improvement outcomes.

Essential

Skills & Experience

• Minimum 2 years' experience in event management, hospitality operations, catering, or conference venue management.
• Experience managing large‑scale events and multiple concurrent events.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Outstanding organisational and project management abilities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Financial awareness and experience managing budgets and labour costs.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable

• Experience within a conference, events, or contract catering environment.
• Personal Licence Holder qualification.
• Food Hygiene qualification.
• First Aid qualification.
• Events or Hospitality Management qualification.
• Knowledge of EPOS and event management systems.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences.
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Professional, confident, and approachable.
• Positive and proactive attitude.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Commercially aware and results‑driven.
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast‑paced environment.
• Committed to excellence and continuous improvement.

Why Join Nourish with Levy?

At Nourish with Levy, we're passionate about creating memorable hospitality experiences while investing in our people.

You'll Enjoy

• Competitive salary
• Career development and progression opportunities
• Industry‑leading training programmes
• Healthcare and wellbeing support
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Exclusive retail, travel and lifestyle discounts
• Meals on duty
• Pension scheme
• Life assurance
• A supportive, inclusive culture where everyone can thrive

Why EICC?

The Edinburgh International Conference Centre is one of Europe's leading conference and events venues, hosting everything from global conventions and exhibitions to prestigious awards ceremonies and high‑profile corporate events. Every event is different, giving you the opportunity to develop your skills while working with an experienced and passionate team.

Job Reference: com/0907/68675001/52557667/IN/SU #SCOT #Levy UK

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!