The JobWe're looking for an Operations Director to cover a fixed-term, 12-month role. As the Operations Director, you will have oversight and responsibility for our event delivery, ensuring seamless execution while maintaining profitability and high standards. Leading our event operations, staffing, and logistics functions, you will refine internal processes to ensure efficiency and service quality across multiple venues.This is a hands-on role, requiring a dynamic leader with a passion for hospitality, a sharp eye for detail, and who will thrive in a fast-paced, multi-site environment.Who Were Looking ForAn experienced and highly organised event operations leader; with strong catering experienceSomeone with experience working across multiple sites and venues, including prestigious/historic venues and greenfield; knowledge of Londons event venues and hospitalityStrong understanding of event logistics, staffing, and service delivery at scale.A clear communicator, able to manage and engage multiple stakeholders and teams and processesCommercially focussed with strong attention to detailStrong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to operational challenges.Key ResponsibilitiesOperationsOverall responsibility for managing effective operations across HQ units and our event locations; ensuring seamless event deliveryEnsure all events are delivered smoothly and to a high-quality; putting the right team and processes in placeLead the weekly cadence of Operations meetings across multiple stakeholders (inc leadership sales, planning, kitchens, logistics, staffing)Ensure key operational information is collated and disseminated effectively and timelyManage internal operational processes including clear reporting systems; refine processes to ensure consistent balance of high-quality of service and efficiencyManagementDay-to-day management of Event Operations, Staffing Manager and Warehouse/Logistics teamsOversight of a wider team of freelance and casual employees, deployed to support effective event delivery as neededEnsure effective retention and development of talentClient Care & Supplier RelationshipsMaintain relationships with clients; including our venue partner clients acting as a key point of contactBuild strong relationships with suppliers to ensure we maximise support available from themFinancial & Commercial OversightEnsure events are delivered within budget and maintain profitable margins.Identify opportunities to reduce operational costs while maintaining quality.Work closely with Finance to track key performance metrics and financial targets.SustainabilityEnact and oversee environmental responsibilities where required.Consider the impact of all decisions to balance people, planet, and no profit as per our updated Company Articles of Association: in accordance with B Corp, we have legally committed to using business as a force for good by:Creating a material positive impact on society and the environment though our business and operations.Considering `stakeholder interests` - including our shareholders, employees, suppliers, society and the environment.Warehouse & LogisticsOversee the team managing our warehouse and logisticsEnsure processes are in place for accurate and efficient management of goods in / onSign-off the drivers and logistics schedules within budgets, and ensuring most time and cost-effective methods are usedEvent DeliveryAttend and, when needed, directly help to run our larger, complex, high-profile or high-value events; including being on site for multi-day eventsAct as a project manager to oversee high-complexity eventsHealth & Safety, ComplianceEnsure compliance with all health 'safety, licensing, and regulatory requirements.Meet all venue-specific safety and KPI requirements,Food Trends:Follow all seasonal, British and catering food trends closely.Understand and appreciate food seasonality throughout the seasons and the menu impact.Take an active interest in London food trends, talks, pop-ups, and current food affairs.General:Take an active interest in Social Pantry, the progress, market growth and positioning of the company.Always work ethically and as a team member.Go above and beyond to always support and help other team members.To always work honestly and with the interest of Social Pantry and the team.
Job Title
Operations Director (catering & events)