Overview
Who Are Absolute Taste and What Do We Do?
We are an innovative culinary and customer service provider, dedicated to delivering inspirational food and experiences that redefine customer satisfaction. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for pushing boundaries, we continue to grow from strength to strength. As a small, dynamic team of event professionals, we specialise in creating exciting, well‑managed, and sustainable events while fostering strong working relationships. We're looking for individuals who share our fun, resilient, and hardworking values to join our supportive, high‑performing team. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a highly regarded organisation dedicated to success and a positive, empowering culture.
About the Role
As an Event Manager, you’ll play a central role in planning, coordinating, and delivering some of Absolute Taste’s largest and most prestigious events. You will work closely with internal teams, clients, and suppliers to ensure every detail is executed to the highest standard. This role requires exceptional organisation, strong leadership, and the ability to thrive in fast‑paced, high‑pressure environments. You will be a key point of contact for major clients, lead onsite teams, and ensure that every event reflects our commitment to quality, creativity, and outstanding hospitality.
Location: Bicester, Oxfordshire
Your Key Responsibilities
General
* Support the Project Lead in planning and delivering Silverstone Hilton, a major event hosting 5,220+ guests over 4 days (approx. 50% of the role).
* Plan and deliver all aspects of Salon Privé London and Salon Privé Blenheim, two premium events held over 5 and 3 days respectively (approx. 40% of the role).
* Assist the Operations Director with ad‑hoc quotes and events (approx. 10% of the role).
* Ensure all Absolute Taste events meet our exacting standards of quality and service.
* Act as a key client contact for senior stakeholders across event portfolios.
* Provide leadership across all event functions, motivating and directing teams both pre‑event and onsite.
* Communicate progress clearly and transparently to internal and external stakeholders.
* Manage onsite teams, scaling leadership to suit event size and complexity.
* Support sourcing, managing, and controlling third‑party suppliers and Absolute Taste assets.
* Identify and implement operational efficiencies across food COS, supplier networks, and resources.
* Lead regular event updates, project planning meetings, and maintain key planning documents.
* Collaborate with Culinary, Logistics, and Staffing teams to ensure seamless operational delivery.
* Contribute to menu development and operational planning alongside Project and Culinary Leads.
* Ensure staffing levels and budgets are aligned with event requirements.
* Bring strong event catering experience; greenfield catering experience is desirable.
Budget & Finance
* Maintain a full understanding of event budgets, cost centres, and client financial structures.
* Work with Finance and Project Leads to forecast, track spend, and manage budgets throughout the project lifecycle.
* Support invoicing, payment tracking, and reconciliation processes.
* Follow company finance procedures including raising POs, goods receipting, and invoice submission.
* Assist with budget reporting for senior management.
* Maintain strong knowledge of seasonal ingredients and food costs, adapting plans to mitigate cost pressures.
Strategy
* Act as an ambassador for Absolute Taste, representing our brand and values to clients and guests.
* Use key performance objectives to support the evolution and improvement of the events department.
* Support creative and deliverable menu development, considering seasonality and local specialities.
Onsite
* Attend and lead onsite delivery for:
* Silverstone British Grand Prix (July)
* Salon Privé London (April)
* Salon Privé Blenheim (September)
* Additional major events as required throughout the year.
* Ensure teams deliver high‑quality hospitality and exceptional guest experiences.
* Remain calm, decisive, and solutions‑focused in challenging environments.
* Work with Logistics to manage suppliers, deliveries, and operational flows.
* Oversee daily hospitality operations, briefing Event Managers and ensuring efficiency.
* Identify opportunities to elevate the guest experience and drive excellence.
* Ensure all records, reports, and compliance documentation are completed accurately.
Other Responsibilities
* Build and maintain strong client relationships.
* Bring varied operational and planning experience across hospitality, food, and beverage.
* Develop and communicate SOPs to ensure consistent event delivery.
* Supervise staff and reinforce the importance of customer and client satisfaction.
* Handle customer complaints professionally and effectively.
* Attend post‑event debriefs with clients.
* Uphold Absolute Taste brand identity and values across all guest touchpoints.
* Continuously improve processes to enhance event operations.
* Maintain high standards of organisation, punctuality, and communication.
* Adhere to all company codes of conduct.
What We Are Looking For
* Proven experience in event management, ideally within large‑scale hospitality or catering environments.
* Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage diverse teams.
* Excellent communication and relationship‑building abilities.
* Highly organised, detail‑focused, and able to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
* Confident working in fast‑paced, high‑pressure environments.
* Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and cost controls.
* A proactive, solutions‑driven mindset with a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.
* Ability to collaborate effectively with Culinary, Logistics, Staffing, and Finance teams.
* Experience in greenfield or complex event environments is advantageous.
Why Join Us at Absolute Taste?
Join a fast‑growing and innovative company redefining customer experiences in the culinary and event space. We offer an empowering team culture, the opportunity to work on exciting, high‑profile events, and a supportive, resilient team environment.
We are committed to supporting your career growth with thorough training and ongoing development.
You can also enjoy benefits such as:
* 25 days holiday + bank holidays
* 3% pension
* Life assurance
If you're ready to make an impact in a fast‑paced environment and contribute to the success of Absolute Taste, apply today and join our team.
Compensation: Competitive salary
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