Job Introduction
Head of Events Operations
We are seeking an accomplished Head of Events Operations with a strong background in hospitality, food service, and restaurant-led events to oversee the operational delivery of premium dining and catering experiences. This senior leadership role is responsible for ensuring the seamless execution of food-focused events while maintaining the highest standards of service, compliance, and commercial performance.
Key Responsibilities
Hospitality & Event Delivery
Lead the operational planning and delivery of hospitality-driven events, including large-scale dining experiences and high-volume service.
Oversee front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) operations, ensuring exceptional guest experience and service consistency.
Produce detailed operational plans, service notes, and staffing briefings aligned with food service requirements.
Attend site visits, tastings, and client meetings to assess menus, service flow, and operational feasibility.
Manage supplier relationships for food, beverage, equipment, and logistics.
Act as the primary operational contact for key clients and hospitality venues, ensuring adherence to venue and food safety standards.
Team & Staffing Leadership
Lead, develop, and appraise the full-time operations team.
Recruit, train, and manage freelance Operations Managers with hospitality expertise.
Oversee FOH staffing functions, including coordination with staffing agencies and performance feedback.
Ensure all staff uphold service standards, presentation, punctuality, and brand values within a restaurant-led environment.
Verify right-to-work documentation and mandatory hospitality training for all staff.
Financial, Food & Compliance Management
Maintain responsibility for operational cost control, including staffing, food, beverage, and equipment spend.
Support gross profit targets through effective planning and supplier negotiation.
Ensure full compliance with food safety, health & safety, licensing, and risk assessment requirements.
Oversee training certifications relevant to hospitality operations, including food safety and first aid.
What We Offer
Competitive salary of £65,000 per annum
Senior leadership position within a food-focused hospitality business
Opportunity to manage complex, high-end dining and catering operations
Clear scope for professional growth and strategic influence
We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
- Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
About Us
As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.
Job Reference: com/0402/41230005/52788443/SU #Rocket
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!