Overview
As Events Executive, you will be responsible for securing all catering sales, coordinating all aspects of the food and beverage bookings and overseeing the operational delivery of exceptional hospitality and event experiences across RHS Wisley. Working alongside the RHS Wisley Events Team, the position will require a proactive approach to converting and maximizing all catering sales opportunities. The role will involve creating innovative and bespoke catering proposals to exceed customer expectations as well as efficiently responding to and managing RHS Wisley internal and group bookings. The role is responsible for ensuring all catering event details are collated in a timely manner, event details and supporting documents are accurate and distribution to operations team is consistent and within the agreed timelines. The planning aspect of the role involves taking the lead on co-ordination of event logistics including staffing, equipment hires and supplier liaison. The role will also involve ensuring invoices are raised, and payments received in line with company payment terms. With a strong focus on service excellence, operational efficiency, and guest satisfaction, the Events Executive will oversee the operational delivery of the catering events planned to ensure they are delivered seamlessly and to the highest standard. You will lead the catering event set up, team briefings and oversee the food and beverage service.
Responsibilities
* Act as the main liaison between the Events Team, external and internal clients to deliver seamless, professional event planning and execution.
* Manage all event enquiries promptly, providing tailored catering proposals and exceptional client service, proactively following up to achieve conversion expectations.
* Prepare accurate and engaging event proposals, menus, and costings in line with company pricing policies and margin targets.
* Send contracts, T&Cs and invoices and ensure all relevant documentation is received.
* Take responsibility of catering upselling strategy and achieve agreed upselling targets.
* Maintain up-to-date event menus, pricing and collateral, ensuring all departments have the latest information.
* Coordinate and attend client tastings, site visits and meetings, ensuring all client preferences, dietary needs and special requests are accurately recorded and communicated.
* Manage all event logistics, including catering orders, equipment hire, staffing schedules and supplier coordination.
* Oversee the timely collection and confirmation of event details – final menu selection, guest numbers, seating plans and access arrangements – ensuring all are finalised at least one week prior to the event.
* Produce, distribute and communicate accurate catering event details; proactively communicate with culinary and operations teams for successful delivery of event, leading weekly events meetings.
* Conduct thorough daily briefs with relevant culinary and operational team members before each event to communicate latest updates and ensure clarity on all operational details.
* Collaborate closely with chefs, operations managers and service teams to ensure all event elements are executed with excellence.
* Lead and co‑ordinate the operational team during event setup and execution to guarantee smooth delivery and client satisfaction.
* Build and maintain strong professional relationships with external clients, the RHS Wisley Events Team and all internal departments to ensure every detail of each event is delivered to the highest standard.
* Actively encourage and use customer feedback to build action plans for continuous improvement; respond to customer feedback or complaints, resolve issues and maintain the company’s reputation.
* Ensure full payments are received in line with company payment terms, support finance team in processing invoices and event financial summaries, and record all event costs accurately.
* Identify opportunities for C&E sales growth and work collaboratively with the team to implement.
* Adhere to all Health & Safety and Food Hygiene regulations and maintain a safe and hygienic working environment for staff and clients.
* Report any hazards, maintenance issues or incidents promptly to the Head of Operations.
Qualifications
* Exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail and solid knowledge and experience of food & beverage service within a conference and events setting.
* Experience in C&E event planning processes and procedures.
* Must have C&E operational experience.
* Sales focus with the ability to recognize and maximise sales opportunities.
* Self‑managed workload and flexible working; role is both office‑based and operational within the venue.
* Establish positive working relationships and communicate effectively at all levels; develop partnerships with industry contacts.
* Show initiative, commitment, drive and ambition to deliver; confident decision‑maker.
* Demonstrate a thorough approach to work with great attention to detail.
* Excellent customer service skills with a strong desire for continuous improvement and guest satisfaction.
* Effective team player with an outgoing, entrepreneurial personality and a drive to succeed.
* Proven experience working within a partnership‑led venue such as a cultural attraction, heritage site or visitor destination.
About Us
Restaurant Associates is a leading premium hospitality provider with an ethos drawn from our history of fine and high‑quality dining in London and New York. In our venues team, we provide catering and hospitality services to some of the most iconic visitor attractions and destinations across the UK, including the Imperial War Museum London, Glyndebourne Opera House, Knebworth House, Design Museum, Whipsnade Zoo and many more.
We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, diverse, fun and dynamic place to work with opportunities to collaborate with a wide range of teams and a commitment to putting our people first. Restaurant Associates is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. As a business, we are committed to sustainability‑led practices and have achieved 3 stars with the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s Food Made Good Programme.
Benefits
* Collaborative and inclusive culture where your ideas are valued and creativity is encouraged.
* The chance to work in a truly beautiful and inspiring setting, surrounded by nature and stunning gardens.
* 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays and national holiday days).
* Free parking on site.
* Free staff meals while at work.
* Access to Compass Group company perks & benefits.
* Perks for Works discounts and promotions.
* Access to training, mentoring and development, with support from our wider Restaurant Associates and Compass Group UK networks.
* On‑site F&B discounts.
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