Catering & Events Operations Team Leader

Edinburgh

£30 006 - £ 33 094 per year + 15% Flexible Working Premium

Permanent | Full-Time 35H

Blue Arrow is delighted to be recruiting for a Catering & Events Operations Team Leader on behalf of a leading Edinburgh-based organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced hospitality or events professional to step into a hands-on leadership role overseeing the delivery of a diverse range of catering and event services. From conferences and corporate functions to receptions, dinners, weddings, and external catering events, you'll play a key role in ensuring every event is delivered to the highest standard.

Offering an excellent benefits package, significant annual leave entitlement, career development opportunities, and the chance to lead and develop a dedicated team, this is a fantastic role for a motivated hospitality leader looking for their next challenge.

As Catering & Events Operations Team Leader, you will lead a team of Supervisors and Assistants, ensuring the smooth planning, organisation, and delivery of catering and events across multiple venues.

This is a varied and fast-paced position combining operational leadership, event coordination, staff management, customer service, and administrative responsibilities. You will be responsible for maintaining exceptional service standards while ensuring events run efficiently and exceed customer expectations.

• Lead and support a team of Catering & Events Supervisors and Assistants.
• Ensure catering and event services are delivered to the highest operational standards.
• Provide daily guidance, coaching, and instruction to team members.
• Monitor service delivery and drive continuous improvement in customer experience.
• Act as a key point of contact for customers, event stakeholders, and operational teams.

• Plan, organise, and oversee a wide variety of events including:
  • Conferences
  • Meetings
  • Hospitality functions
  • Drinks receptions
  • Private dinners
  • Weddings
  • External catering events
• Review event requirements and ensure appropriate staffing, equipment, and resources are in place.
• Coordinate venue set-up, catering schedules, beverage service, and event logistics.
• Ensure customer expectations, timelines, and service standards are consistently achieved.

• Support, coach, and develop Supervisors and Assistants.
• Deliver on-the-job training and assist with staff inductions.
• Promote a positive team culture focused on excellent customer service.
• Conduct performance reviews and identify development opportunities.
• Allocate workloads and create work plans to support efficient event delivery.

• Monitor stock levels and support ordering requirements.
• Maintain records, schedules, equipment inventories, and stock transfers.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety, food safety, and alcohol licensing regulations.
• Complete routine operational checks and support weekly cleaning and compliance schedules.
• Assist with event reporting and operational administration.

• Deliver exceptional customer experiences across all events.
• Respond promptly to customer enquiries and operational challenges.
• Resolve service issues efficiently and professionally.
• Build strong working relationships with internal departments, customers, suppliers, and event stakeholders.

We're looking for a confident and proactive leader who thrives in a busy hospitality environment and enjoys motivating teams to deliver outstanding service.

• Previous experience in a supervisory, team leader, or management position within hospitality, catering, events, or conference operations.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Proven organisational and planning skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach.
• Customer-focused with a passion for service excellence.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

• Experience managing large-scale events or conference operations.
• Stock control and operational administration experience.
• Knowledge of food safety and alcohol licensing requirements.
• Experience training and developing team members.

• £ 30 006 - £33 094 per annum
• Permanent, full-time position
• Up to 40 days annual leave, including public holidays
• Excellent pension scheme
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Genuine career progression pathways
• Supportive and professional working environment
• Opportunity to lead a high-performing catering and events team

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious hospitality professional looking to develop their leadership career within a large-scale catering and events operation, delivering memorable experiences across some of Edinburgh's most prestigious venues.

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.