About the role
We are looking for an experienced Festival & Catering Manager to join our growing team for the 2026 summer season and beyond. This is a full-time role spanning both our festival operations — which peak during the summer months and may take you to some of the most scenic parts of the UK — and our year‑round event and corporate catering services across Greater London. Working closely with the founder you will oversee operations from planning through to delivery, ensuring smooth, professional and high‑energy service on site. At Smashing Plates, we serve fresh, vibrant Greek street food and take pride in delivering food that is fast, high‑quality and full of flavour. We trade at some of the UK’s leading festivals and events are proud members of Kerb, London’s leading street‑food collective. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast‑paced environments, understands festival and event logistics, and enjoys leading teams on the ground. We are building a long‑term team as the company continues to grow, with exciting plans ahead.
Don’t hesitate and apply if
* you are an experienced festival unit, kiosk or concession manager with a background in street food, fast‑paced hospitality, festivals or quick‑service dining.
* you love leading, inspiring and motivating teams through high‑energy shifts and take pride in running operations to the highest standards.
* you’re hands‑on, proactive and solutions‑focused.
Key responsibilities
* Running the day‑to‑day operation of festival and event food units, including setup, service and close‑down.
* Leading, supporting and motivating your team to deliver consistent food quality and excellent customer service.
* Planning rotas and coordinating staffing levels across events and festivals using the company software.
* Managing stock, ordering, wastage and costs in line with operational targets.
* Ensuring food safety, hygiene standards, health & safety and EHO compliance at all times.
* Overseeing daily opening and closing procedures, including cash‑ups and reporting.
* Coordinating festival build, setup, pack‑down and equipment management.
* Liaising with other team leaders, event organisers and suppliers.
* Working closely with the central production unit (CPU), warehouse and operations team to manage stock flow and logistics.
* Communicating clearly with the team on the ground to ensure smooth service during busy trading periods.
* Reporting weekly on performance, staffing, compliance, stock and upcoming operational needs; make specific recommendations and assist in continuously improving performance.
* Opportunity to grow into a bigger role as the company grows.
Requirements
We are looking for someone who is hands‑on, energetic and ready to lead from the front.
* Proven experience working in festivals, street food operations or large‑scale events.
* Experience managing or supervising festival units, concessions or high‑volume food operations.
* Passion for delivering excellent customer service — from delighting individual customers to executing large office catering orders on time.
* Comfortable working in fast‑paced, high‑pressure trading environments.
* Fluent English required, with the ability to communicate clearly with team members, customers and event organisers.
* Ability to motivate, train and support teams during busy shifts.
* Strong organisational and leadership skills.
* Calm, solutions‑focused mindset when things get busy.
* Level 3 Food Hygiene certification (or willingness to obtain min Level 2).
* Full UK driving licence, comfortable driving vans under 7.5 tonnes.
* A willingness to work weekends, festivals and outdoors events.
What we offer
For strong performers in this role, there will be opportunities to expand responsibilities and grow your career within Smashing Plates as the business continues to scale.
* Permanent, full‑time role with real opportunities for growth and progression within the company.
* Above London Living Wage pay, with performance‑based bonuses.
* Average ~40 hours per week across the summer season, with peak activity between May and September.
* Opportunities to work at some of the UK’s biggest and best festivals and events.
* A supportive, positive and ambitious company culture.
* A collaborative team with deep experience in hospitality, events and street food.
* A creative and fast‑growing business where your ideas and contributions matter.
* Offers across hospitality via partners schemes.
If you're passionate about great food, exciting events and creating memorable customer experiences, we’d love to hear from you.
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