Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
The Conference & Events Operations Manager is the operational number two within the Events team at Sofitel London St James, working closely with the Head of Event Operations to deliver every conference, banquet, and private event to the Sofitel standard. Acting as the on-floor Orchestrator, you will ensure each moving part of a complex occasion is coordinated, prepared, and performing—from the first room inspection through to post-event close. You will have direct supervisory responsibility for the Conference & Events team, which may include supervisors, team leaders, permanent staff, casual and agency colleagues, and be 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, you will apply, enforce, and deliver that standard in practice. You are 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. This senior operator role requires leadership readiness to manage the department when called upon and to bring the sensibility of an Architect of Occasions to every function, attending not only to whether an event functions but also to how it feels.

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

At Sofitel London St James, we redefine luxury by treating a stay as more than a temporary pause—it's an opportunity for guests to experience a unique blend of refined luxury and playful indulgence. We pride ourselves on creating a playfully elegant and meaningful experience for guests and team members alike, fostering a workplace culture that values diversity, encourages professional growth, and recognises individual contributions.

Experience
Proven operational background in conference and events or broader Food & Beverage management within a luxury or five-star hotel, private members club, or comparable premium venue. Demonstrable experience supervising and leading teams across live event environments, comfortable managing multiple simultaneous functions without loss of standard or composure. Proven track record working closely with event planning or coordination teams, with a clear understanding of the Banquet Event Order (BEO) process and sales-to-execution handover. Experience stepping into more senior roles when required and delivering successfully. Working knowledge of Food & Beverage operations beyond the events floor, credible and capable across the wider F&B environment.

About you
Strong operational organiser able to manage the details 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 briefing rooms and in front of clients. Financially aware, understanding POS procedures, charge reconciliation, payroll management, and commercial implications of every function. Technically competent across event Audio Visual and meeting room systems. Familiarity with Hotel Property Management Systems such as Micros Symphony, Opera Cloud, and event management platforms like Delphi is advantageous. Knowledge of LQA and/or Forbes standards is also beneficial.

Calm and authoritative under pressure, acting as the on-floor Orchestrator who directs each part of a complex event seamlessly. Naturally client-facing with the presence and interpersonal intelligence to represent Sofitel to a discerning audience and build genuine connections with event clients. An Architect of Occasions who attends to how an event feels and flows, taking pride in the design of the experience as much as its execution. A developer of people who invests in the Conference & Events team, sets standards by example, and takes pride in the growth of those around them. Ready to lead daily as though the Head of Event Operations may not be present.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications are advantageous but not explicitly required. Professional experience and demonstrated leadership in luxury hospitality event operations are essential.