Food & Beverage Events Assistant Manager

Job description

Events Assistant ManagerWe are looking for an experienced and driven Events Assistant Manager to join our Food and Beverage team in a truly unique environment at one of the UK's leading zoos.This is an exciting opportunity to take a key operational role in delivering exceptional weddings, conferences and bespoke events across our award‐winning venues - including our stunning wedding and events space, The Square, and our renowned gastro‐pub, The Oakfield. From corporate functions to unforgettable experiences such as Breakfast with Lions, no two days are the same.The Role Reporting into the senior management team, you will take responsibility for the day‐to‐day management of event operations across multiple venues within the zoo. You will lead from the front, ensuring world‐class standards of service while maintaining strong commercial performance.You will:Manage the daily operation of a busy events venue, delivering weddings, conferences and unique experiences across The Square, The Oakfield and wider zoo locationsRecruit, lead, motivate and develop a front‐of‐house team to consistently deliver exceptional guest experiencesWork collaboratively with the Chef and Venue Sales teams to ensure seamless event executionDrive sales and profitability, monitoring payroll, food and beverage spend, stock control and cash handling to meet financial targetsUse management information and trading data to inform decisions, react quickly to performance trends and set clear daily objectives for the teamEnsure all Food and Beverage systems are effectively managed, including EPOS, time and attendance, stock management and cash securityMaintain rigorous compliance with Health and Safety, food safety, licensing and all relevant legislationDevelop and implement standard operating procedures and safe working practicesSupport restaurant service and event delivery within The Oakfield as requiredThis role requires a hands‐on leader who thrives in a fast‐paced, high‐volume environment and takes pride in delivering excellence at every touchpointThe Package This is a full‐time, permanent position working 40 hours per week, 5 days out of 7 on a rota basis, including weekends, evenings and bank holidays in line with event schedules.Salary: £30,000 per annumYou will also receive:33 days annual leaveAnnual holiday buy/sell schemeZoo staff pass for complimentary visits, plus additional tickets for friends and familyCycle to Work schemeHealthcare cash plan and Employee Assistance ProgrammeDiscounted gym membershipDiscounts on cinema tickets, restaurants and high street shopsPension scheme with employer contributions of up to 9%Our Requirements You will have:Proven event operations experience within a high‐volume hospitality environment at a supervisory or mid‐management levelDemonstrable experience leading and inspiring multi‐disciplinary teamsStrong commercial awareness, with experience managing budgets, forecasting and achieving financial targetsExcellent understanding of Food and Beverage operations and current industry trendsIn‐depth knowledge of Health and Safety and food hygiene legislationA track record of balancing guest expectations with operational capability and profitabilityStrong performance management skills and experience using reporting systems to drive resultsExcellent communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships at all levelsConfident IT skills, including working knowledge of Excel and Microsoft OfficeDesirable:Experience within a leisure, visitor attraction or destination venue environmentA relevant vocational qualification in Food and Beverage or Hospitality ManagementAbout Chester Zoo At Chester Zoo, we are a team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal care specialists, marketers and visitor experience professionals united by a shared mission: to prevent extinction and create a future where nature can thrive. As the UK's largest zoo and a leading conservation charity, we have ambitious plans and an exciting future ahead. We are proud to be an inclusive and diverse organisation, employing over 600 permanent and 500 temporary colleagues. We invest in our people, support career development and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can succeed. Our workplace is anything but ordinary - where else could your day include delivering a wedding reception and then walking past giraffes or orangutans on your lunch break?Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received. We encourage early applications, as shortlisting and interviews may take place while the advert remains live.

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Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Chester

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

02-04-2026

Profession type

Management

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English