Event Operations & Catering Lead

Event Operations & Catering Lead

Venue:London Conference Centre

Location: St Pauls / Farringdon (EC1A)

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is one of the leading business schools in the world. The school offers full and part-time MBA programs, a Ph.D. program, open-enrolment executive education, and custom corporate education, with campuses in London, Chicago, and Hong Kong.

Chicago Booth London Campus in London is looking for a highly motivated individual to join its team.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The staff member is the lead specialist responsible for the successful execution of events across the entire London campus. The role ensures the highest standards of event delivery and outstanding customer service in a high-demand, fast-paced, academic environment. The Lead collaborates with both internal and external clients, applying expertise and judgement to deliver client events and academic programs in a seamless operational experience. This person will also cover duties of other members of events team while they are away on holidays/sick leave/off-site.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the execution and delivery of conference centre events, ensuring a seamless and high-standard experience for internal and external clients. Serve as the primary point of contact for event delivery for clients, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Support the delivery of additional campus events and lectures, including academic class weeks for EMBA and Specialized Masters Programs at the direction of the program staff, supporting staffing and service delivery as required.
• Oversee event logistics, including venue setup, catering, AV/IT coordination, and vendor management, ensuring strict compliance with legal, health & safety, university, and food standards. Support campus-wide catering and event services as directed by program staff.
• Recommend tailored product and service solutions to clients, adopting a consultative, solutions-focused approach to meet all event requirements. Foster effective client relationships to support venue, rebooking, and marketing objectives.
• Analyze operational and client feedback data to identify trends and drive continual improvement in service delivery and business processes.
• Manage contracts, proposals, Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), client records, and financial processes in close collaboration with the Director and team.
• Provide guidance and training to less experienced staff, sharing subject matter expertise to uphold standards and support campus event operations.
• Work flexible hours, including early mornings, late nights, and weekends as required, maintaining professionalism and service quality in demanding situations.
• Perform other duties as required.

Measurement of Success:

• Consistently meets or exceeds quarterly department performance goals.
• Achieves operational targets by facilitating the targeted rebooking rate for major conferences.
• Evidence of continual process improvement through documented operational enhancements.
• Meets Conference Centre targets as established by the department goals by using a consultative, solution-focused approach.
• Demonstrate efficiency and effectiveness in independent work and collaboration within a small team.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports to Director, London Conference Centre
• Direct Reports None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

• A university degree required.
• Experience working in a similar role for 45 years within the London hospitality industry or similar is essential. Prior hotel or conference centre work experience preferred.
• Proficient in event booking software (Amadeus, Opera, Delphi, or similar) is essential.
• Knowledge of creating BEO (Banquet Event Order), vendor communication, and conducting BEO meetings.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office Excel, Word, and PPT) and Adobe software.
• Experience in managing multiple conference room inventories is essential.
• Fluent in English with excellent oral and communication skills.
• Must be able to work legally in the UK on a permanent basis.
• Outstanding interpersonal and public relations abilities; able to build rapport in person, over the phone, and in writing. Ability to handle stressful and demanding situations while maintaining efficiency, service, and professional demeanour.
• Deep understanding of the local business and events community, including key venues, vendors, and competitors.
• Excellent organizational skills, initiative, and keen attention to detail.
• Self-starter, highly motivated, and able to project a professional image (including dress code) in all client, vendor, faculty, and staff interactions.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. In addition to salary the Chicago Booth London Campus offers an attractive benefits package including 25 days holiday per year (plus 8 Bank Holidays), Private Medical Insurance, a contributory pension scheme, interest-free travel card loan scheme.

HOW TO APPLY:

• Detailed cover letter outlining your relevant experience
• Updated CV
• Your notice period from the current workplace (if relevant)
• Your annual salary expectation for this position

Please indicate the Job title in the Subject line of your email.