Job Introduction
A high-profile opportunity for a dynamic senior and inspirational hospitality professional, experienced in F&B delivery across meetings, conferences, exhibitions and large-scale banquets. We seek a real ‘people person’ and ‘foodie’, with rounded leadership skills and a focus on delivering consistency of quality and innovating to keep evolving the offering. Responsible for developing and delivering an exceptional food and guest experience. Critical to the success and reputation of the hospitality offering is the leadership, selection and engagement of a large, well-trained team, both fixed and variable.
This is not a role for someone who wants to preserve the status quo, but if you have a passion for food and service, underpinned by evidence of delivery of fresh ideas and operational excellence then you and the venue will shine.
This type of venue and role doesn’t happen often, so if you are looking for your next career move in a fast-paced hands-on business dealing with a range of clients and guests, and working for a world leader in legendary experiences, who partners with one of the UK’s most prestigious venue’s then please contact me on rebecca.mclean@levy.co.uk
More about the role:
You will work closely with our client to qualify requirements and align closely with the EICC brand vision, values, culture and processes to enable and deliver the catering strategy, driving changes to continually evolve and improve both the catering and delegate experience, making the EICC renowned for food and hospitality excellence, as befits its standing Scottish community and wider UK market.
You will be fully commercially accountable to deliver accurate and timely forecasts and budgets, taking control of all operating costs and continually analysing key performance statistics to identify opportunities for growth. This includes liaison with culinary and marketing specialist colleagues on continuous product development and driving spend per transaction
In addition to operational aspects of the catering provisions, you will be responsible for the achievement of conference and events sales targets and in doing so must work hand in hand with the commercial sales team charged with driving the achievement of increased hospitality revenues, agreeing price tier structures, looking after established buyers and identifying new opportunities and customers.
Who you are:
- Passionate about food and hospitality with a natural flare for delegate/visitor focus and quality of experience at all levels
- Demonstrates focus and hunger for ensuring exceptional hospitality, with the ability to inspire the team to work as one to delight in delivering the best possible food and experiences
- Passionate about people – enjoys communicating with our key clients as well as the all-important team members that deliver great service day to day
- Track record of senior F&B delivery with ideally 5 years + experience gained from large volume conference centre, hotel or major leisure venue operational contract management experience
- Confident in managing a mixed range of event types, embracing the spectrum from quality dining to event catering (in excess of 1,000 covers) to fast paced retail food delivery during the festival period
- Commercial agility – adept at budgeting, forecasting and effective resource deployment, with an eye for trends and embracing change in a cost-effective way, whilst mainlining product integrity
- Respected for leadership skills – confidently able to appoint, develop and inspire large high performing teams of both fixed and variable staff. Can demonstrate provision of clear and decisive direction
- Strategic thinker – ability to conceive and plan effective strategies and supporting tactics which embrace a variety of elements into a common goal
- Excellent client and stakeholder management presence and interpersonal skills. Well versed in clarifying client and customer requirements
- Excellent listening, written and verbal communication skills. Known for collaborative approach. Natural and engaging in dialogue with customers at all levels
- Strong conference and events sales experience. Able to demonstrate strong sales delivery across multiple years and varying external environments and good working knowledge of the “new world” of C&E selling
- Consummate professional, someone who naturally commands respect and delivers on promises. Resilient, focused on ownership and delivery
What we'll give:
Venue Director
- £70,000 per annum
- Compass exclusive offers on PerksAtWork
- Access to a wide range of programs to train and develop you
- Pension contribution
- Private healthcare
- Bonus scheme
Who we are:
As part of Compass, you have the opportunity to work behind the scenes at sports and leisure events, oilrigs and military bases, and in the heart of schools, hospitals, care homes, client offices and boardrooms – some 6,000+ locations across the UK and Ireland.
We do it all and so could you. Apply now and join the family!
Levy Restaurants UK is the sports, leisure and hospitality sector of Compass Group UK and Ireland and British partner to Levy Restaurants US. A hospitality market leader, Levy Restaurants provides individual character to each of its clients through focusing on delicious food, great atmosphere and legendary service.
We are an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees.
Please note that we reserve the right to remove this advert prior to the advertised date, dependent on the level of response received. You are therefore advised to apply at your earliest convenience.