Conference and Events Operations Manager

Company Description

At Sofitel London St James, we redefine luxury by treating a stay as more than just a temporary pause—it's an opportunity for guests to fall in love with a unique blend of refined luxury and playful indulgence. Our commitment to excellence transcends the ordinary, and we invite you to join a team that specialises in transforming stays into enchanting tales. We take immense pride in creating a playfully elegant and meaningful experience for both our guests and ourselves. Our commitment to fostering a workplace culture that values diversity, encourages professional growth, and recognises individual contributions ensures that each team member feels appreciated and empowered in their role. Apply now to embark on a career that transcends expectations and celebrates the art of hospitality.

Job Description

The Conference & Events Operations Manager is the operational number two within the Events team at Sofitel London St James, working in close partnership with the Head of Event Operations to deliver every conference, banquet, and private event to the Sofitel standard. In practice, this means functioning as the on floor Orchestrator who is the person who ensures each moving part of a complex occasion is coordinated, prepared, and performing, from the first room inspection through to post-event close.

The role carries direct supervisory responsibility for the C&E team which may include from time-to-time supervisors, team leaders, permanent staff, casual and agency colleagues and is accountable for the day-to-day execution of events across all spaces. Where the Head of Event Operations sets the standard and holds overall accountability, the Conference & Events Operations Manager is where that standard is applied, enforced, and delivered in practice.

The Conference & Events Operations Manager is expected to act with the full authority and accountability of the Head of Event Operations in their absence, stepping into that role without reduction in standard or presence. The expectation is of a senior operator who is ready to lead the department when called upon, and who brings the sensibility of an Architect of Occasions to every function they oversee which means attending not only to whether an event functions, but to how it feels.

The role sits within the Food & Beverage department and carries a broader contribution to the F&B operational performance during periods of lower event volume, as directed by the Head of Event Operations or Food & Beverage Manager, and in their absence the Hotel Manager.

Qualifications

Experience and Background

• Proven operational background in conference and events or broader F&B management within a luxury or five-star hotel, private members club, or a comparable premium venue.
• Demonstrable experience supervising and leading teams across live event environments and as a result is comfortable holding multiple functions in simultaneous delivery without loss of standard or composure.
• Track record of working closely with event planning or coordination functions, with a clear understanding of the BEO process and the sales-to-execution handover.
• Experience operating at a level where stepping up into a more senior role, in absence or otherwise, has been required and delivered successfully.
• A working knowledge of Food & Beverage operations beyond the events floor — credible and capable across the wider F&B environment.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong operational organiser who is able to hold the detail of multiple concurrent events and direct a team through complex delivery without visible stress.
• Clear, direct communicator with colleagues, clients, and senior management; confident in a briefing room and in front of a client.
• Financially aware and therefore understands POS procedures, charge reconciliation, payroll management, and the commercial implications of every function.
• Technically competent across event Audio Visual and meeting room systems.
• Familiar with Hotel Property Management Systems, Micros Symphony, and event management platforms; Opera Cloud and Delphi experience advantageous.
• Working knowledge of LQA and/or Forbes standards advantageous.

Personal Qualities

• Calm and authoritative under pressure, they are the on-floor Orchestrator who directs each part of a complex event without the room feeling directed.
• Naturally client-facing, with the presence and interpersonal intelligence to represent Sofitel to a discerning audience and build genuine connection with event clients.
• An Architect of Occasions in approach, so they will attend to how an event feels and flows, not only whether it functions; takes pride in the design of the experience as much as its execution.
• A developer of people so they will invest in the C&E team, set the standard by example, and take genuine pride in those around them growing in the role.
• Ready to lead  by operating every day as though the Head of Event Operations may not be present, because on some days they won't be.

Additional Information

Managed Hotels.