Conference & Events Duty Manager - The Kia Oval

£32,500

Who We Are

The Oval, currently known for sponsorship reasons as the Kia Oval, is an international cricket ground in Kennington, in the London Borough of Lambeth, South London. The Oval has been the home ground of Surrey County Cricket Club since it was opened in 1845. 

OEL manages and operates all match day catering, hospitality, and bar services as well as non-match day catering, conferences and event management services at The Oval. The secret of the success of OEL is the combined ambition and professionalism of all parties to work as a truly ‘powerful partnership’ to deliver world class experiences at The Oval.

Focus Areas

Operations & Event Delivery

• Oversee the smooth running of all C&E operations, ensuring exceptional service and attention to detail across every event.
• Work closely with the Sales team to review client requirements, attend site visits, and confirm operational details.
• Partner with the Culinary team to maintain outstanding food presentation and service standards.
• Lead weekly function sheet meetings to align internal teams on event plans.
• Produce staff rotas in collaboration with the Head of C&E, ensuring labour costs are monitored and controlled.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of in-built AV systems; train Event Managers/Supervisors and liaise with suppliers to order additional equipment when required.
• Coordinate with the reception team to ensure event signage, paperwork, and administrative materials are prepared and distributed in advance.
• Monitor till operations, oversee bar closures, and ensure the secure handling of cash and stock.
• Oversee all catering setups, working closely with the logistics team to ensure events are set according to function sheets and SOPs.
• Maintain stock levels and ensure all catering equipment is in good working order, arranging repairs or replacements as needed.

Team Leadership

• Manage and support a team of Managers and Supervisors, providing clear pre-event briefings and post-event feedback.
• Assist with the induction, training, and development of team members, ensuring high levels of service and operational efficiency.
• Promote a positive, collaborative working culture across all departments.

Client & Guest Experience

• Welcome event organisers and clients, ensuring their needs are met from initial planning to delivery.
• Provide cover or oversight for the OEL reception, ensuring guests and clients are greeted professionally, queries are handled efficiently, and reception operations run smoothly.
• Act as the main operational point of contact on event days, quickly resolving any issues or last-minute requests.
• Build strong, lasting relationships with clients, encouraging repeat business and positive feedback.

Health, Safety & The Environment

• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and legal regulations.
• Contribute to regular health and safety meetings and maintain accurate training records,
• Lead by example in promoting a safe working environment for staff, clients, and guests.
• Promote the Levy culture of sustainability first, ensuring a proactive approach to wastage, electricity usage and our 2027 net zero promise

Financial & Administrative Management

• Identify operational improvements and cost-saving opportunities without compromising service standards.
• Monitor and manage labour scheduling, addressing variances between forecast and actual spend.
• Take ownership of all operational costs under your management, ensuring profitability targets are met.
• Support business improvement initiatives as part of the senior management team.

Person Specification

• Proven experience in conference, events, or hospitality management.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and client relationship abilities, with experience developing meaningful client relationships
• Organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and match days.

Additional Information

Work Enhancements

• Competitive salary
• Private health cover (Medicash, Aviva)
• Enhanced holiday allowance and birthday off annually
• Free staff meals
• Job enhancement training and courses available
• Company pension scheme
• Exclusive benefits and wellbeing (Perks at Work)

Who are Levy?
Levy, part of Compass Group, known for delivering exceptional food, drink, and hospitality experiences at world-renowned venues such as Wimbledon, Twickenham, and Tottenham Hotspur. Focused on sustainability, diversity, and inclusion, Levy prides itself on using sustainably sourced ingredients and providing outstanding service. The company is committed to achieving Net Zero by 2027, partnering with the British Paralympic Association, and ensuring all team members earn at least the Real Living Wage or London Living Wage.
Why Join Us? 
At Levy UK & Ireland, we celebrate diversity and foster inclusion, valuing every individual’s unique strengths. Our diverse team fuels creativity, innovation, and success. We promote fairness, ensure all voices are heard, and provide equal opportunities for all.
We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, equitable workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute. Together, we achieve greatness.