Head Of Operations (Planning) - The Excel

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Job Introduction

Head of Planning

ExCeL London, the home of world leading events is enjoying a period of significant growth and is set to become Europe's largest connected convention centre with the opening of a new extension in Autumn 2024, increasing capacity by 25%. To support this exciting expansion, we're growing our world class hospitality team that will help to deliver over 400 leading industry events every year. ExCeL London Hospitality caters for the biggest, most influential events in the UK, from executive meetings to large scale conferences and exhibitions. We boast a highly trained team of managers, chefs and waiting staff, who ensure our customers receive the best possible service.

Overall Purpose of the role:
The Head of Operations - Planning, is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, and management of event planning from the operations perspective. This role is critical in ensuring that events are organised flawlessly, within budget, and aligned with Levy's goals and objectives. The Head of Operations - Planning collaborates with various departments and stakeholders to deliver high-quality experiences that enhance the ExCeL's reputation and achieve its strategic objectives.

The Head of Operations - Planning role requires a dynamic leader with exceptional organisational, strategic delivery, and communication skills. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing and planning large-scale events, leading cross-functional teams, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality event experiences.

Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required.

Occasional travel may be required.

We ensure that you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Medicash - Healthcare benefits, including dental, optical and therapy treatments (includes up to 4 dependent children)
• Aviva Digicare - Free annual healthcare check
• Exclusive Benefits and Wellbeing site (Perks at Work)
• Entertainment discounts - up to 55% off cinema tickets
• Health + Wellbeing discounts - Discounts for Nuffield Health (20%) and Pure Gym (10%) and many more
• Travel discounts - Discounts with holiday companies such as TUI and Expedia
• Shopping discounts - Save up to 15% at high street and online stores by purchasing Shopping Cards
• Free meals on duty
• Pension scheme and Life Assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• 23 days annual leave plus BH's and an additional day off for your birthday!
• Competitive and supportive family benefits
• Holiday purchase scheme
• On-going training, development and career pathways
• Professional subscriptions paid
• Financial wellbeing programme and preferred rates on salary finance products

Who we are:

Levy UK + Ireland is the vibrant and exciting sector of Compass Group, the world's largest catering company. We work at some of the greatest venues in the world, delivering legendary experiences in food, drink, and hospitality.

In the UK, we are proud to have a wealth of long-standing partnerships with venues across sports, entertainment, and events. Our partnerships include venues such as Wimbledon, Twickenham, Edgbaston, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Principality Stadium, Scottish Event Campus (SEC) and ExCel London.

We are culinary champions - it's what we do and it's what we are passionate about. At the core of our work is the belief that sustainably sourced great food and drink, coupled with exceptional service is key to creating legendary experiences.

Focussed on 'doing the right thing' for our people and the planet, sustainability, wellbeing, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of what we do.

We have a commitment to being Net Zero by 2027, are official partners of the British Paralympic Association, and are proud to pay all our team members at least the Real Living Wage or London Living Wage.

About you:

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in event management, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience in managing and planning large-scale events with diverse audiences.
• Strong management skills with the ability to multitask and manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in event management software and tools.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management and financial reporting.

At Levy UK + Ireland, we take pride in fostering a workplace culture that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusion. We believe that our differences are our greatest strengths, and we are committed to creating an environment where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered.

Join us in our journey towards a more diverse and inclusive world, where every person has the chance to thrive and contribute their unique talents. Together, we can achieve greatness.