AddressEvents Manager
We have an exciting opportunity to work as part of a growing team, working in a truly unique environment at the UKs number 1 zoo! As part of the Food and Beverage team, the Events Operations Manager will be responsible for the daily operation and the successful delivery of all events and hospitality in our stunning new venue The Square as well as The Oakfield our gastropub in a grade II listed building.
With our ambitious plans for 2024, there couldnt be a more exciting time to join us!
The Role
As part of our F&B management team, youll work closely with our Chef and Sales team, all while maintaining our exceptionally high standards. The Square is part of our heritage zone and also includes our award winning gastro-pub, The Oakfield, where you will also support with events and general pub/restaurant duties when required.
- You will be required to develop the Food & Beverage activities to achieve agreed net profits and enhance the visitor experience within Chester Zoo
- This position requires the successful candidate to be responsible for the Food & Beverage service primarily in The Square and The Oakfield, as well as supporting when required with other event & meeting operations within Chester Zoo. You will also support operational delivery within all our restaurants, outlets in Chester Zoo
- As part of our constantly growing business, you will be integral to implementing world class standards into our meetings and events business as well as the overall operation, and as we look to enhance our reputation through investment you will be an integral part of our journey to becoming a world class venue
- You will need to be able to work closely with the Venue Sales team to ensure speculative clients and their needs are communicated to the operation and delivered to an exceptional standard
- You will be part of a broader team of operations managers, reporting to the Food & Beverage General Manager and will have a shared responsibility of up to 200 employees at our busiest times of the year To be successful in this role, you will have a positive can do attitude and lead by example. You will provide innovative ideas to generate the best results for the organisation, as well as fantastic customer service all whilst being able to inspire your team to be the best they can be
The Package
Youll be working a variety of shifts, including days and evenings for events such as weddings and corporate functions. Contract hours are 40 hours per week, 5 days out of 7 on a rota basis including weekends and bank holidays.
- Permanent contract
- £37,621.32 per annum based on 40 hours per week (with the salary increasing to £38,952.52 from 1st April 2024)
- 33 days annual leave plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days
- Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family
- Cycle to work scheme
- Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme
- Discounted gym membership
- Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks Pension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 9%
Our Requirements
- A proven track record in a hospitality environment that would specifically have exposure to any of the following: Conference, Events and Meetings Venues, Hotels, Restaurants, Contract Catering, Visitor Attractions
- People Management experience including mentoring and training staff, performance management and taking responsibility for resources within an area
- Commercial and business acumen
- Financial and analytical skills including effective management of budgets and creation and analysis of reports
- Experience in creating and updating policy, adherence to food safety systems and best practice processes
- A flexible and adaptive style
- Exposure to new and current trends within the hospitality & events industry.
- Experience of stock management systems
- A personal licence and food hygiene qualifications would be desirable The Zoo welcomes 2 million visitors per year and our Food & Beverage outlets are very busy. It is therefore important that you are able to work in a fast paced, high volume, multiple Food & Beverage outlet environment and that you are able to thrive working under pressure.
Shortlisting of applications and interviews for the role will take place while the advert is live; the advert will close once the successful candidate is found. Candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible.
Closing date for applications is 2 April 2024
What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?
Well, where do we start? Here goes
Were a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketeers, visitor experience professionals, environmental policy influencers; the list goes on. Each and every one of us is on a mission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world, and our planet a better place.
As the UKs biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and theres always lots going on here. Were an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of nearly 500 permanent and 500 seasonal team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development. We have ambitious goals, and we want you to be with us for the long term on our exciting journey.
Our working environment could not be more different from a typical office where else can you see critically endangered orangutans from your office window, or stroll among rare giraffes and tigers on your lunch break?
