Conference and Events Manager

Job Introduction

Sodexo Live! have a fantastic opportunity for a Conference and Events Manager to join our first-class team at the Emirates Old Trafford, the iconic Manchester-based cricket ground and home of Lancashire Cricket.

At Sodexo Live! we bring people together; we create exceptional moments and lasting memories. We are a unique community of people mobilized to create live experiences that are unforgettable.

As Conference and Events Manager, you will be a natural leader and a food safety expert. Your passion for organizational excellence will lead an entire team who pride themselves on delivering a high-quality service consistently. Your focus will be to ensure the prompt and efficient preparation and service of all catering services. You will manage specific conference, events, match day hospitality and teams taking responsibility for the operation in support of our Deputy Catering Manager.

This dynamic role is ideal for someone with a background in stadium or conference-related hospitality and experience managing large-scale events. A key focus will be on delivering exceptional food service.

Main Responsibilities

What you’ll do: 

• Meet the demands of customers by providing the right catering services within the agreed contract agreement.
• Ensure financial documentation and accountancy of the unit (and those from suppliers) is accurate and within agreed budgeted levels.
• Motivate and lead catering employees to perform their roles to a high standard and in alignment to Sodexo policies and procedures.
• Actively seek and identify opportunities for business growth within the contract and external market.
• Ensure the prompt provision and efficient service of all meals and catering requirements at the specified time to the standards laid down in the KPI's.
• 'Walk the floor' during service periods to ensure that excellent levels of service are being delivered to the customers whilst liaising with your Line Manager to ensure innovation is delivered across all event spaces.
• Ensure that all costs and expenditure are within the budgeted levels agreed between the Client and Sodexo and unit is trading in line with budget targets.  
• Control all costs such as labour, expenses, cash purchases as agreed with your line manager.

For a full list of responsibilities please read the attached job description

The Ideal Candidate

Essential:

What you bring: 

• High standard of literacy and numeracy.
• Experience in leading a Bar and Event operations team.
• Experience working in a stadium or large event environment. 
• Expertly manage day to day challenging client relationships.
• Well-developed verbal, non-verbal, presentation and communication skills.
• Experience of delivering high quality hospitality operations.
• Operational knowledge, skills and experience in managing multi service operations.
• Management of large and diverse teams.
• Manage multiple workloads and shifting priorities.
• Deliver excellence in operational service standards and customer satisfaction.
• Demonstrate resilience when faced with conflicting business challenges.
• Ability to interpret and utilise varied financial and commercial information.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with customers, clients and employees at all levels.

Desirable

• Personal licence holder.
• Knowledge Human Force App.
• First Aid qualification.

What we offer

We offer £30,000pa - £35,000pa and a range of excellent benefits. 

Working with Sodexo Live! is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:

• Free parking
• Flexible and dynamic work environment
• Competitive compensation
• Access to ongoing training and development programs
• Countless opportunities to grow within the company.

We also offer Sodexo Discounts site promoting discounted mobile phone tariffs, savings across restaurant chains and days out, where you and your family can save money on everything from your weekly food shop to the latest cinema blockbuster and much more!

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.