Job Introduction
Conference & Events Operations Manager
Location - ExCeL London
Salary up to £38000
Role Overview
Levy delivers world-class food, drink, and hospitality experiences at some of the most iconic venues in the UK and Ireland. At ExCeL London, one of Europe’s largest and busiest exhibition and conference centres, we operate at exceptional scale, pace, and complexity.
We are seeking an experienced Conference & Events Operations Manager to join our established team of 8 Conference & Events Operations Managers, collectively responsible for the seamless planning and delivery of high-profile conferences, exhibitions, banqueting, and live events. This role is pivotal in ensuring operational excellence, outstanding guest experience, and strong client relationships across a diverse and fast-moving event portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
Event Delivery & Operations
- Lead the end-to-end operational delivery of conferences, exhibitions, and events within ExCeL London
- Act as the operational lead on assigned events, ensuring all food & beverage services are delivered to Levy’s high standards
- Work collaboratively within the wider team of 8 Operations Managers to ensure consistency, flexibility, and shared best practice across the venue
Client & Stakeholder Management
- Build strong relationships with clients, organisers, venue partners, and internal stakeholders
- Represent Levy as the primary operational contact for events, managing expectations and delivering solutions in a high-pressure environment
- Collaborate closely with Sales, Culinary, Logistics, People & Culture, and Finance teams
Team Leadership
- Lead, motivate, and support large, multi-skilled operational teams during event delivery
- Ensure effective briefing, deployment, and supervision of teams to meet service, safety, and performance standards
- Support the development and engagement of colleagues, contributing to a positive and inclusive team culture
Commercial & Financial Performance
- Deliver events in line with agreed budgets, margins, and forecasts
- Identify opportunities to enhance guest experience while driving efficiency and commercial performance
- Ensure accurate cost control, labour planning, and post-event reconciliation
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure all events are delivered in full compliance with food safety, health & safety, and licensing regulations
- Champion Levy’s standards, policies, and procedures at all times
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Proven experience in conference, events, or large-scale hospitality operations
- Experience managing high-volume, complex events in a fast-paced environment
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and inspire large teams
- Excellent organisational, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- Commercially aware with strong operational problem-solving ability
- Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings and weekends
Desirable
- Experience working within a major venue, convention centre, or large event space
- Knowledge of large-scale catering operations and logistics
- IOSH, food safety, or hospitality management qualifications
Why Join Levy at ExCeL London?
- Work at one of Europe’s most prestigious and dynamic event venues
- Be part of a collaborative, experienced team of 8 Conference & Events Operations Managers
- Deliver iconic, large-scale events with global reach
- Career development opportunities within Levy and Compass Group
- A fast-paced, high-energy environment where no two days are the same