Hospitality & Events Manager

Restaurant Associates UK; Woking; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension scheme

Career Pathways & MyLearning

Digital GP & wider healthcare benefits

Exclusive travel discounts

Discounts on groceries

Cinema tickets discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness and fitness classes

Discounts for friends & family

Job summary

Restaurant Associates UK is seeking an Hospitality & Events Manager for a premium multi-use contract catering site. You’ll lead a dynamic Front of House operation alongside a Deputy Manager, 5 Supervisors and a core team of 20, expanding to 50 for major events, overseeing 28 meeting rooms and Level 1 fine-dining space.

The role is hands-on across events and turnover of £2m, working closely with the Executive Chef to deliver outstanding experiences for high-profile clients, with approximately 60%

Qualifications

• Proven track record in high-end contract catering or premium event hospitality.
• Client-focused approach with ability to anticipate needs and say yes when possible without compromising standards.
• Ability to make quick, commercially sound decisions under live operation pressure.
• Strong leadership to develop talent and build trust with clients and teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-end hospitality operations across multiple spaces and events.
• Own operational delivery and logistics for flagship events, including large-scale functions.
• Manage a team and scale up for major events while maintaining service standards.
• Oversee financial performance and accountability for turnover.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients and internal stakeholders, including the Executive Chef.

Skills

Operational leadership

Leadership

Client-first mindset

Agility under pressure

Commercial awareness

Flexibility

Job description

Step into a high-profile, fast-paced operational leadership role at a premium multi-use contract catering site! As Hospitality & Events Manager, you’ll lead a dynamic Front of House operation alongside a Deputy Manager, 5 Supervisors and a core team of 20, expanding to a team of up to 50 for major events. From overseeing 28 corporate meeting rooms and an exclusive Level 1 fine-dining space to delivering large-scale events across the auditorium and boulevard, you’ll be the key operational link between our clients and the kitchen brigade, led by the Executive Chef.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead high-end hospitality operations: Oversee daily service across 28 meeting rooms, alongside premium Level 1 fine-dining experiences including three-course meals.
• Deliver flagship events: Take operational ownership of major internal and external events, including Trophy Dinners, Long-Service Awards for up to 250 covers, canapé receptions, fine-dining lunches and corporate functions.
• Own financial performance: Take accountability for a £2m turnover, balancing commercial performance with consistently high service standards.
• Lead and develop teams: Manage a core operational team of 25, scaling to 50 colleagues for major events while creating a positive, high-performing service culture.
• Manage live-event delivery: Be hands-on during race days, weekends and major events, ensuring seamless execution from set-up through to close.
• Partner with key stakeholders: Build strong relationships with clients and work closely with the Executive Chef and wider operational teams to deliver exceptional experiences.

What You’ll Need To Succeed

• Proven operational experience: A strong track record in high-end contract catering, premium event hospitality, large-scale venue management or a similar environment.
• A genuine client-first mindset: Someone who looks for solutions, anticipates client needs and strives to deliver a confident “yes” wherever possible without compromising standards.
• Agility under pressure: The ability to make quick, commercially sound decisions and remain calm and decisive when plans change during live operations.
• Strong leadership skills: A collaborative and inspiring management style, with the ability to lead diverse teams, develop talent and build trust with clients and colleagues.
• Commercial awareness: Confidence managing budgets, turnover and operational resources while maintaining exceptional standards.
• Flexibility: This is a hands-on role requiring approximately 60% weekend availability for race days and events, shared equitably with the Deputy Manager.

If you’re an experienced hospitality leader who thrives on delivering exceptional service, managing large-scale operations and creating memorable experiences for high-profile clients, this is an opportunity to make a real impact.

Benefits

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

About Us

Restaurant Associates provides brilliant hospitality through our food, drink and services. We work with our partners and collaborate with our clients to achieve great things together. Every day, our teams of passionate hospitality professionals strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to some of the UK's leading workplace as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.

Job Reference: com/2309/99573001/52581540/SU #RA Group

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!