Catering and Events Operations Manager

The following content displays a map of the jobs location
- Dorney

Working Hours:

40

Location:

Dorney

Closing Date:

18/11/2026

Job Category:

Catering Management

UK Schools

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…