Head of Conference

Job Introduction
Sodexo Live have an exceptional opportunity for a **Head of Conference & Events **to join our first class team at Ascot Racecourse

You will be working as part of the team at the iconic Ascot Racecourse where we are committed to providing our guests with an outstanding experience whether they come to race, hold a business meeting, or host a private dinner at our world-class venue.

You will take ownership of the management and leadership of the Conference & Events operation, ensuring the delivery of the brand values and standard of excellence expected by of clients. You will be responsible for the delivery of an incomparable service to clients who expect only the best

Main Responsibilities
You will:

- Create and manage pricing structures for a variety of events e.g. day delegates, bespoke events, dinners and conferences to ensure the business remains profitable
- Act as the point of contact between the sales and operational teams for all C&E events
- 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 race days and events within the Ascot calendar
- Design, develop and maintain operational SOP’s to ensure consistency in service standards
- Attend monthly commercial meeting to discuss financial performance
- Work with client and culinary teams to develop innovative strategies to attract and maintain new and existing clients
- Act as the onsite representative for Sodexo outside of hours
- Partner with Sodexo and Ascot teams including planning, culinary, sales, logistics, cleaning and commercial to ensure successful delivery of the events

You will have a strong background in Conference and Events management and have solid experience in delivering a highly superior service at prestigious high-capacity events.

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 (not essential)
- Personal licence holder

About The Company
In the UK and Ireland, Sodexo employs around 30,000 people, and partners with clients in many sectors across business and industry; schools and universities; sports and leisure; energy and resources; government and agencies; healthcare; justice and defence.

Sodexo’s connected; people-centric approach brings together a diverse range of expertise. The breadth of services it offers ranges from food and hospitality; cleaning; reception; concierge (Circles); security; property management and technical services through to data driven workplace strategy and design (Wx); employee engagement and recognition services (Sodexo Engage) and personal home services through Prestige Nursing + Care and the Good Care Group.

Vital Spaces is Sodexo’s value proposition that puts people at the heart of everything we do, bringing together services and solutions and focusing on the productivity and wellbeing of people wherever they are.

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.

Package Description
**Salary £40,000 to £44,000**

In return for your commitment and hard work, you will be rewarded with an attractive salary, plus access to our extensive benefits package, which includes:

- Contributory pension scheme of up to 6%
- 23 days holiday rising to 26 after 3 years
- 10% bonus scheme
- A buy and sell holiday scheme of up to 3 days (FTE)
- Volunteering days via our charity partner STOP HUNGER
- Numerous voluntary benefits, including dental care, gym discounts, retail / hospitality, and many more