Head of Events & Catering

University of Oxford; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Oxford seeks a leader for its Events & Catering function, overseeing retail catering and venue hire. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in events management, a background in budget handling, and a track record of delivering top-quality events. This full-time role offers a supportive work environment, competitive benefits including 38 days of annual leave, and opportunities for development. Join us to create unforgettable experiences at Britain's oldest public museum.

Benefits

Excellent contributory pension scheme

38 days of annual leave

Comprehensive childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle loan scheme

Discounted bus travel

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing events and catering functions.
• Strong budget management skills and experience in delivering high-quality events.
• Ability to lead a team, manage multiple priorities, and maintain high service standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead Events & Catering function and manage supplier relationships.
• Oversee financial performance and ensure safety compliance.
• Develop commercial plans and mentor support staff.

Skills

Events and catering management

Budget management

Supplier relationship management

Client relationship building

Team leadership

Tools

Artifax

Job description

In this role, you will work within the Commercial Department in the Ashmolean Museum, which supports the museum through income from catering, retail, publishing and venue hire. You will lead our Events & Catering function, overseeing retail catering, venue hire and corporate membership. You will set commercial plans, manage supplier relationships and ensure excellent service standards. You will lead a team of Events Managers and support staff development. You will also oversee financial performance, ensure legal and safety compliance, and work closely with colleagues to deliver high-quality events. This is a full-time post, working 37.5 hours per week. The role is predominantly based on-site, but some level of home-working is available, dependent on the events programme.

You will have strong experience in events and catering management, with a track record of delivering high-quality events and managing budgets. You will be confident working with suppliers, leading a team and building positive relationships with clients and colleagues. You will be well organised, calm under pressure and comfortable managing multiple priorities. Experience in museums, corporate membership schemes or systems such as Artifax would be helpful but not essential.

Ashmolean Museum, Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2PH. Ready to lead one of the most exciting events and catering operations in the museum world? Join us to shape unforgettable experiences at Britain's oldest public museum.

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees' wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days of annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans