Conference & Events Manager

Job Introduction

An exciting opportunity for a Conference & Event Manager to join our team at the prestigious Ascot Racecourse has arisen. The role holder will be responsible for the conference & event function, reporting to the Head of Operations. Leading, developing and motivating a high-performing team to deliver exceptional events is the core objective of this role, however the role holder will have involvement in client relations, H&S, finance, HR, sales and planning.

Our heritage is built on catering and hospitality experience and fuelled by our passion for exceptional food and service. For over 40 years we have been providing bespoke catering and hospitality services for sports stadia, racecourses, visitor, attractions, historic venues, major events and premium airline lounges. Recognised across the globe for hospitality, we help create exceptional moments at extraordinary events such as Royal Ascot, Tour de France and RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

For more information on the company see Careers in Sports and Leisure

Role Responsibility

• Act as a strategic partner to the Ascot client in developing C&E business development strategy
• Act as the point of contact between the sales and operational teams for all C&E events
• Ensure that all events are delivered in line with agreed budgets and time frames
• Create and manage pricing structures for a variety of events e.g. day delegates, dinners and conferences to ensure the business remains profitable
• Work HR and Training teams to ensure all C&E staff have the required skills to deliver outstanding service
• Liaise with clients to understand event requirements and attend key client meetings
• Support operational teams as required to deliver racedays and events within the Ascot calendar
• Lead the C&E team, including the Assistant Manager giving a clear direction to all team members
• Design, develop and maintain operational SOP’s to ensure consistency in service standards
• Provide monthly and periodical forecasting for the C&E account
• Attend monthly commercial meeting
• Work with client and culinary teams to develop innovative strategies to attract and maintain new and existing clients
• Keep up to date with industry trends and advances
• Lead by example to embed Sodexo’s Health and Safety culture across site
• Act as the onsite representative for Sodexo (1711 by Ascot) outside of hours

The Ideal Candidate

Essential

• Operational knowledge, skills and experience
• Strong commercial and business acumen
• Experience of working with a diverse casual team
• Excellent communication skills at all levels, internally and externally
• Resilience to manage multiple tasks and prioritise importance
• Self-motivated and able to work on own initiative within a team environment
• Experienced in using Microsoft Office
• Good standard of literacy and numeracy
• Experience in planning and management of events
• Flexible approach to working time

Desirable

• Personal licence holder

Package Description

Up to £43,000 + bonus + benefits

About the Company

In the UK and Ireland, Sodexo employs some 37,000 employees to deliver integrated facilities management services to clients at over 2,000 locations in the energy, corporate, healthcare, education, leisure, defence and justice sectors. With an annual turnover of over £1bn, we provide everything from catering, cleaning and reception to security, laboratory and grounds maintenance services, enabling our clients to focus on their core business

At Sodexo we are committed to a leading role in promoting equality opportunities and valuing diversity and inclusion. We seek to create a work environment based on mutual respect for all individuals, building a culture that appreciates and values the experiences and skills brought by each person to benefit our organisation and work hard to ensure that all people, whatever their age, disability, gender, transgender, marital or family status, race or ethnicity, religious belief of sexual orientation are welcome to and included within our business.