Catering & Events Operations Manager – Dorney Lake

Location: Dorney lake - Eton College Court lane , Off Lake End Road, Dorney SL4 6FJ
Salary: Circa £50,000 per annum depending on experience
Working pattern: Five days out of seven, including evenings and weekends to support the events programme

Job Introduction

An exceptional lakeside setting. A thriving events business. An opportunity to make your mark.

At Dorney Lake, the atmosphere changes with the occasion. Summer brings the energy of regattas and lakeside celebrations, while conferences, elegant weddings, private dining and corporate events create a varied calendar throughout the year. It’s a setting where sporting ambition meets memorable hospitality, and where your next career move could offer something truly special.

Independents by Sodexo is looking for a Catering & Events Operations Manager to join this established business, with an offer spanning Dorney Lake and the wider Eton College venues. From large sporting occasions to intimate, bespoke celebrations, the variety makes this an exciting opportunity for someone who loves event catering and wants to build lasting connections with a venue, its people and its clients.

You’ll be joining at a promising time. With investment in facilities, new opportunities in private house catering and a strong foundation of repeat business, there is real scope to contribute ideas and influence what comes next. An experienced team and a well-received hospitality offer are already in place, alongside the opportunity to work closely with a client who is invested in the venue’s success.

Whether your experience comes from a hotel, stadium, racecourse or dedicated events venue, this is an opportunity to bring your passion for exceptional hospitality to a distinctive setting with room to grow.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the delivery of catering, hospitality and event services across Dorney Lake and the wider Eton venues, ensuring consistently high standards across conferences, weddings, sporting events and private dining.
• Manage financial performance, including budgets, forecasting, profit and loss reviews, purchasing and stock control, taking action to achieve revenue and profitability targets.
• Lead, develop and motivate the operational and housekeeping teams, setting clear expectations and supporting performance through regular feedback, training and development.
• Plan staffing levels around the events calendar, balancing permanent and casual resources to meet demand while controlling labour costs and ensuring accurate payroll administration.
• Build strong relationships with the onsite client, customers and event partners, responding proactively to feedback and encouraging repeat business, referrals and new opportunities.
• Work closely with the client and wider team to grow revenue, develop the hospitality offer and introduce improvements that enhance the guest experience and commercial performance.
• Ensure effective planning and communication before, during and after events, providing hands-on operational and duty management support when required.
• Maintain compliance with health and safety, food safety, company policies and client requirements, ensuring audit readiness and appropriate action on incidents and areas for improvement.

What You Bring

• Experience managing catering and hospitality operations within a conference, banqueting or events environment, including delivering weddings.
• A strong understanding of high-end hospitality and fine dining, alongside the demands of larger events and public catering.
• Proven experience managing budgets and profit and loss accounts, interpreting financial results and taking action to improve performance.
• A track record of increasing sales, maximising revenue and developing business opportunities in partnership with clients.
• Experience leading and developing teams, including planning permanent and casual staffing resources around changing operational demands.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with clients, customers and colleagues at all levels.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the resilience to manage competing priorities and maintain standards under pressure.
• A commitment to fresh food, service quality and continuous improvement, supported by a sound understanding of relevant safety and compliance requirements.
• Flexibility to work five days out of seven, including evenings and weekends in line with the events programme.

Experience in a similar role within a sporting venue, stadium, racecourse or hotel would be advantageous, as would experience delivering bespoke private events. Familiarity with accreditation programmes, regulatory bodies or an Investors in People framework is also welcome.

What We Offer

At Sodexo, this is more than just a job—it’s your chance to be part of something greater.We celebrate individuality, encourage purpose-driven work, and empower you to succeed on your own terms. Here’s what you can expect when you join us:

• A competitive salary & excellent benefits package.

• Opportunities for career growth and development.

• A diverse, supportive, and inclusive workplace.

Additional Perks & Benefits

• Unlimited access to an online mental health and wellbeing support platform.

• An Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support.

• 24/7 access to a virtual GP service.

• Exclusive discounts for you, your family, and friends through the Sodexo Discounts Scheme.

• Membership in the Mercer Aspire Pension Plan to help you save for your future.

• Learning and development opportunities to enhance your career growth.

• A Bike to Work Scheme, supporting both your fitness and the environment.

Ready to Be Part of Something Greater?

If you're looking for an opportunity where you can bring your passion, skills, and ambition to a company that truly values you, then this is it. Apply today and take the next step in your Sodexo journey.

Friendly customers. Vibrant communities. Exciting careers.

Please note: Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications.

This role is based within an educational environment and is subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and any additional pre-employment screening required for the role.