Heritage Portfolio
Event Operations Manager
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Job Title: Event Manager
Location: Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 6TS
Salary: upto £36,000 per annum
Hours: 40hrs/ Working 5 days out of 7, some weekends or evenings may be required
Position Type: Permanent
Job Introduction
We have an exciting role for an Event Operations Manager at Edinburgh Zoo, a chance to build the rhythm, standards, and style of our events operation from the ground up. If you love the buzz of live events and the satisfaction of making every detail land perfectly, this is your opportunity to shape how we plan, deliver, and elevate unforgettable experiences in a truly unique setting.
You’ll lead end-to-end event delivery, often managing multiple events in the same week, partnering closely with clients and internal teams to bring each brief to life. From staffing and service flow to equipment, linen, food offers, and on-the-day execution, you’ll be the person who makes it feel seamless while keeping financial targets, project milestones, food safety, and H&S firmly on track. Just as importantly, you’ll help develop our casual team, creating a clear pathway into our rotational placement programme and setting the tone for a high-performing, positive events culture.
What You'll Do:
- Ensure all planning, operational, and kitchen service delivery functions for the venue are in place and to the right standard.
- Manage all quality control measures, Health & Safety, and Hygiene systems to the desired standard of Heritage Portfolio in line with the tasking allocated by the operations manager.
- Understand and articulate service offers to venue clients, customers, and the Heritage Portfolio team.
- Lead innovation and service styles that drive positive PR, positive client feedback.
- Play an active part within the wider events team – contribute to team activities, discussions, and decisions to grow and improve the Heritage Portfolio business.
- Work closely with the clients on the planning of their event, ensuring all linen and equipment are in place in line with client expectations.
- Ensure the correct staffing levels in line with event requirements and budget.
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What You Bring:
Essential:
- A passionate interest in the catering industry – knowledge of current trends and interest in the hospitality world.
- 1 year's experience in a high-volume catering environment.
- Ability to craft a communication plan to key stakeholders.
- Evidence of ability to create and adhere to a project delivery plan.
- Ability to competently use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Email.
- Ability to motivate a team of mixed abilities and personalities.
- Proven record of managing a front-of-house team of managers and floor staff.
Desirable:
- Experience and understanding of events costing and design of events.
- Ability to produce accurate work to tight deadlines under pressure.
- Experience in assisting to create a project plan.
- Capability to identify and highlight revenue maximizing opportunities.
- Ability to produce accurate work to tight deadlines under pressure.
- First aid and personal alcohol license qualifications.
- Experience in assisting to create a marketing plan.
- Capability to identify and highlight revenue maximizing opportunities.
What We Offer:
Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we also offer a range of resources, rewards, and benefits for our colleagues and their families:
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
- Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.
- Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems where you may need additional support, including legal and financial advice, support with work-related issues, or personal issues such as bereavement.
- Access to a free health and wellbeing app that provides rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and includes access to a 24hr virtual GP and various other services.
- The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 (also open to friends and family) and/or the prepayment cashback card.
- Money Insights and financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform.
- Save for your future by becoming a member of the Sodexo Retirement Plan.
- A Death-in-Service benefit for colleagues who pass away whilst employed by Sodexo.
- Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools.
- Cycle to Work Scheme to help colleagues do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit.
- Volunteering Opportunities to enable all colleagues to help support worthwhile causes in our communities.
- Flexible and dynamic work environment.
- Competitive compensation.
- Full training and full protective uniform supplied.
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today! Career progression for the caring profession.
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