Operations Manager (Conference and Events) - SEC Glasgow

Compass Group; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global hospitality partner is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee catering operations at the prestigious SEC Glasgow. This role involves leading a dynamic team, ensuring all services meet exceptional standards, and driving financial performance. The ideal candidate boasts strong leadership skills, a guest-first mindset, and proven experience in event management. Attractive benefits include a competitive salary and excellent perks.

Benefits

Healthcare benefits

Exclusive perks and discounts

Meals on duty

Holiday purchase scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior catering or events role with full P&L accountability.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen to drive revenue and manage budgets.
• Experience managing and developing teams of 8+.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day catering operations across retail, hospitality, and restaurant services.
• Ensure all catering areas are event-ready and maintain presentation standards.
• Drive financial performance and manage costs.

Skills

Leadership

Financial acumen

Stakeholder management

Guest-first mindset

Health and safety knowledge

IT skills

Results-driven

Job description

Operations Manager - Conference and Events | SEC Glasgow | Full-Time / Permanent

£39,500 + excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.

Are you a dynamic and experienced catering professional ready to lead operations at one of Scotland's most iconic venues? We're looking for a passionate Catering Operations Manager to drive excellence across all food and beverage services at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) Glasgow. From high-profile live events to bustling retail outlets, hospitality suites, and restaurants, you'll lead a talented team to deliver seamless, efficient, and innovative experiences. If you're driven by operational brilliance, exceptional standards, and pushing the boundaries of event catering, this is your stage.

At Levy, we're proud to be the official catering partner for The Scottish Event Campus. We pride ourselves on providing an exceptional customer experience for every visitor to the venue. The campus comprises of the SSE Hydro, the SEC Armadillo and the SEC Centre. The company enjoys an enviable reputation as one of Europe's most prestigious venues with the SSE Hydro consistently ranked in the top 3 busiest venues in the world by attracting over 1.1 million visitors each year.

Operations Manager - Conference & Events - the role:

• Lead day-to-day catering operations across retail, hospitality, and restaurant services, acting as the main operational point of contact for the SEC and building strong stakeholder relationships.
• Ensure all catering areas are event-ready, overseeing setup, presentation standards, and smooth delivery during live and non-live event days.
• Collaborate with internal teams including logistics, BOH, and sales to manage labour, stock, ordering, and scheduling efficiently, ensuring operational excellence.
• Drive financial performance, including managing labour costs, spend per head, cost of sales, and stock control, while supporting Capex/Opex planning and budget delivery.
• Champion guest experience and service quality, responding to feedback, monitoring standards, and leading improvement initiatives aligned with Levy and client expectations.
• Ensure health, safety, and compliance, maintaining accurate records, leading on risk assessments, and ensuring adherence to all regulatory and company procedures.
• Lead, develop, and inspire your team, managing recruitment, training, performance, and succession planning to maintain a motivated and skilled workforce.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities, service styles, and product innovation to drive growth and align with current trends and client ambitions.

What we're looking for:

• Proven experience in a senior catering or events role with full P&L accountability in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, with the ability to drive revenue, manage budgets, and forecast effectively.
• A natural leader and motivator, experienced in managing and developing teams of 8+ to deliver exceptional service.
• Excellent stakeholder and client relationship skills, with clear, confident communication across all levels.
• Demonstrates a guest-first mindset, taking ownership of customer satisfaction and striving for service excellence.
• Deep understanding of health, safety, and food safety legislation, with a proactive approach to compliance.
• Tech-savvy with solid IT skills, and comfortable using systems to enhance operations and reporting.
• Flexible, resilient, and results-driven, with a values-led approach and a commitment to continuous improvement.

What you'll get in return:

• Healthcare & Wellbeing -Medicash health benefits (including dental, mental health & optical for you and up to 4 children), free annual health check with Aviva Digicare, discounts at Nuffield Health & Pure Gym, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Exclusive Perks & Discounts - Save on entertainment (up to 55% off cinema tickets), shopping (up to 15% off), Vodafone plans, and travel with top providers such as TUI & Expedia.
• Workplace Benefits - Meals on duty, pension scheme, life assurance, and professional subscriptions paid.
• Leave & Family Support - 23 days + bank holidays, your birthday off, extra leave after maternity return, a day off for your baby's 1st birthday, and a holiday purchase scheme.
• Career & Financial Support -Ongoing training & development, career pathways, financial wellbeing programme, and preferred rates on salary finance products.

We are Levy

Levy is about elevating experiences. We are a leading global hospitality partner, designing and delivering unforgettable guest moments that prioritise people and the planet.

Trusted by some of the world's most iconic stadiums, entertainment venues, and major events - including Wimbledon, Twickenham, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Edgbaston, the SEC and ExCeL London - we bring experiences to life with passion and precision.

Our mission is to succeed the right way. From pioneering tech and seamless operations to show-stopping menus and exceptional service, we use insight and innovation to understand guests, improve the customer journey, reduce environmental impact, and support local communities.

We are a passionate, diverse team of venue specialists dedicated to making the planet better for future generations.

Why Join Us?

Levy UK & Ireland is part of Compass Group, the world's largest catering company, and a vibrant leader in hospitality.

We believe in celebrating individuality and building inclusive teams where everyone feels they belong. Our diverse team fuels creativity, innovation, and excellence.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, empowering workplace where everyone can thrive.

Together, we create unforgettable experiences - and shape the future of hospitality.