Senior Events Manager

TN United Kingdom; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Heritage Portfolio is seeking an experienced Events Manager for the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. The role focuses on driving commercial success and service excellence across all contract elements, primarily in the events operation. The ideal candidate will have high-volume catering experience and strong leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in delivering high-quality hospitality operations.
• Proven experience managing P&L accounts and driving profitability.

Responsibilities

• Drive growth and revenue by developing innovative event offerings.
• Manage financial performance, including budgeting and cost control.
• Oversee the full planning and execution of events.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Financial Management

Customer Satisfaction

Operational Efficiency

Job description

Heritage Portfolio is seeking an experienced Events Manager for the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a key venue within the Scottish portfolio. This role will focus on driving commercial success and service excellence across all contract elements, primarily in the commercial and internal events operation.

We seek an inspirational and creative leader with high-volume catering experience. The role will deputise for the Operations Manager, leading the event operation alongside the Senior Event Designer throughout the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh. The role is 80% operational, requiring meticulous attention to detail and collaboration with the RBGE sales teams and the Operations Manager to review processes and procedures regularly.

Founded in Edinburgh in 2002, Heritage Portfolio has consistently delivered outstanding catering services for private parties, private dining, and corporate clients across the UK. We also operate in some of Britain's leading visitor attractions, developing a loyal repeat customer base.

Many clients trust us exclusively due to our unwavering commitment to high standards of cooking, service, and imaginative event delivery. Our mantra is ‘building a business to be proud of’. As we expand in the events and wedding sectors, we remain committed to providing memorable experiences that go beyond exceptional food.

Main Responsibilities

What you’ll do

• Drive growth and revenue by developing innovative event offerings, expanding service lines, and building long-term client relationships.
• Ensure all events and services meet contractual SLAs, quality standards, and health and safety regulations, maintaining high customer satisfaction.
• Manage financial performance, including budgeting, P&L, and cost control, while identifying opportunities for profitability improvements.
• Lead, develop, and motivate the events team and retail staff, fostering a culture of excellence, performance, and ongoing professional development.
• Oversee the full planning and execution of events, ensuring seamless delivery and operational efficiency.
• Cultivate strong stakeholder relationships, promoting Heritage Portfolio as a preferred employer and community partner.
• Implement innovative practices to enhance service quality, sustainability, and operational efficiency across departments.
• Ensure compliance with statutory, client, and internal policies, including safety, licensing, and audit requirements.
• Manage suppliers, contractors, and external agents to meet contractual and quality standards.
• Develop and execute strategic plans aligned with site objectives, balancing operational priorities with growth and brand reputation.

The Ideal Candidate

What you bring:

• High literacy and numeracy standards
• Ability to manage senior and challenging client relationships effectively
• Strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills
• Extensive experience in delivering high-quality hospitality operations
• Proven experience managing P&L accounts and driving profitability
• Operational knowledge and experience managing multi-site/multi-service operations
• Ability to manage multiple workloads and shifting priorities
• Commitment to operational service standards and customer satisfaction
• Resilience in facing business challenges
• Ability to interpret complex financial and commercial data
• Excellent interpersonal skills for effective communication at all levels
• Capability to meet health, safety, and hygiene standards
• Self-motivation and initiative within a team environment
• Willingness to travel and stay overnight for training and business needs
• Flexibility to assist in other establishments when required and attend meetings and training courses.

Join Heritage Portfolio and Sodexo Live! for a rewarding career where your individuality is valued, and your development is supported. We’re more than a team — we’re a community of experience makers.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader, offering an interview scheme for qualified candidates with disabilities.

Be part of a forward-thinking organization where “Never Standing Still” is more than a motto — it’s our way of thriving. Apply now to advance your career in operations.