Head of Event Planning - Compass Group - ref. t45962723
Position: Head of Event Planning Salary: £45,000 per annum Location: Based on site at Scottish Event Campus (SEC)
Additional Benefits Include -- Medicash - Family Healthcare benefits, including dental, optical & therapy treatments
- Aviva Digicare - Free annual healthcare check
- Exclusive Benefits & Wellbeing site (Perks at Work)
- Entertainment discounts - up to 55% off cinema tickets
- Health & Wellbeing discounts - Discounts for Nuffield & Pure Gym
- Travel discounts with holiday companies such as TUI & Expedia
- Shopping discounts - Save at high street & online stores
- Meals on duty
- Vodaphone discounts
- Pension scheme & Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- 23 days + BH/'s & additional day off for your birthday
- 2 days additional leave, following return from Maternity leave
- Competitive & supportive family benefits
- Day off for baby/'s first birthday
- Holiday purchase scheme
- On-going training & development & career pathways
- Professional subscriptions paid
- Financial wellbeing programme & preferred rates on salary finance products
More about the Role The Head of Event Planning at SEC manages the event planning team to ensure seamless execution of diverse events, including conferences, exhibitions, and dinners. This role involves close collaboration with the SEC and Levy teams, delivering exceptional service from planning through to event delivery.
Key responsibilities include leading the event planning team, coordinating catering, planning logistics, and ensuring client needs are met efficiently. Strong communication skills are essential for liaising with clients and stakeholders to meet and exceed expectations.
As part of the /'One Team/' ethos, the role emphasizes collaboration, customer focus, and maintaining Levy’s reputation for excellence, ultimately supporting the organization’s growth and success.
Key Responsibilities Event Strategy & Planning- Develop event strategies aligned with company goals.
- Oversee event planning, ensuring client satisfaction and standards.
- Coordinate logistics, staffing, and departments.
- Manage event correspondence, contracts, and payments.Client Management
- Primary contact for high-profile clients.
- Lead client consultations, meetings, and event walkthroughs.Team Leadership
- Manage event planning team, including staffing and training.
- Delegate tasks and allocate resources for smooth event execution.Vendor & Supplier Coordination
- Negotiate contracts and manage vendor relationships.
- Ensure quality service and collaborate with internal teams.Budget & Financial Oversight
- Develop/manage event budgets, control costs, and maximize revenue.
- Approve expenditures and provide financial reports post-event.Event Execution
- Oversee logistics, timelines, and client specifications.
- Ensure smooth on-site delivery and handle last-minute issues.Quality Control & Compliance
- Ensure events meet legal, health, and safety standards.
- Maintain high service quality and implement best practices.Innovation & Trendsetting
- Introduce new trends and creative event concepts.Client Retention & Business Development
- Foster client satisfaction for repeat business.
- Collaborate with sales/marketing to attract new clients.Post-Event Evaluation
- Conduct evaluations for feedback and improvements.
More about You
Qualifications: Bachelor’s in Event Management, Hospitality, Business, or related field. Event planning certification (CSEP, CMP) is a plus.Experience: 7-10 years in event planning, 3+ years in leadership within contract catering/hospitality.Proven success in high-profile events, managing budgets, and leading teams.Industry Knowledge: Expertise in contract catering, food service operations, event logistics, and current trends in catering and event tech.Leadership & Management: Strong leadership and project management skills, overseeing multiple events and developing teams.Client-Focused: Excellent communication, relationship management, and bespoke solution offering.Financial Acumen: Budget management, cost control, vendor negotiations, and strategy adaptation for profitability.Problem-Solving & Detail-Oriented: Creative problem-solving, meticulous event planning, adaptable to last-minute changes.Adaptability: Flexible with irregular hours during peak seasons.Personal Attributes: Passion for food, hospitality, creativity, highly organized, and collaborative team player.
Levy is the vibrant and exciting sector of Compass Group, the world’s largest catering company. We work at some of the greatest venues in the world, delivering legendary experiences in food, drink, and hospitality.
In the UK, we are proud to have a wealth of long-standing partnerships with venues across sport, entertainment, and events. Our partnerships include venues such as Wimbledon, Twickenham, Edgbaston, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Principality Stadium, Scottish Event Campus (SEC) and ExCel London.
We are culinary champions – it is what we do, and it is what we are passionate about. At the core of our work is the belief that sustainably sourced great food and drink, coupled with exceptional service is key to creating legendary experiences.
Focussed on ‘doing the right thing’ for our people and the planet, sustainability, wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do.
We have a commitment to being Net Zero by 2027, are official partners of the British Paralympic Association, and are proud to pay all our team members at least the Real Living Wage or London Living Wage.