Event Operations Manager

Job Description

Are you passionate about creating memorable events and leading a team to deliver exceptional guest experiences?

We are looking for an experienced and organised Event Operations Manager to lead our Event Operations team at Fairmont St Andrews.

From intimate private dinners and corporate conferences to spectacular celebrations and large-scale events, no two days are quite the same. You will take ownership of bringing each event to life, ensuring everything is beautifully prepared, professionally delivered and exceeds our guests’ expectations.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a confident, hands-on leader to shape the operation, develop a strong team and deliver outstanding events within a luxury five-star environment.

What you’ll be doing

• Manage the day-to-day operation of conferences, banquets, private dining and events across the resort, taking responsibility for their successful delivery.
• Lead, motivate and develop the Event Operations team, including the Assistant Manager and Supervisors, creating a positive and engaging working environment.
• Oversee event planning from an operational perspective, ensuring staffing, equipment, room layouts and service arrangements meet each event’s requirements.
• Ensure event spaces are prepared accurately and on time in accordance with Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), client requirements and Fairmont standards.
• Take a visible leadership role during events, overseeing service, anticipating challenges and making decisions to keep everything running smoothly.
• Act as a key operational contact for clients, organisers and guests, building strong relationships and resolving any concerns promptly and professionally.
• Work closely with our Events Planning, Culinary, Food & Beverage and Technical Services teams to ensure clear communication and seamless event delivery.
• Manage departmental rotas, staffing levels and payroll, balancing business needs with efficient cost control.
• Monitor departmental expenditure, stock levels and monthly inventories, ensuring equipment and operational supplies are available and well maintained.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety, food hygiene and licensing requirements across all event operations.
• Review client feedback and operational performance, identifying opportunities to improve service, efficiency and the overall guest experience.

Qualifications

Who we’re looking for

You will be a confident and approachable hospitality leader who enjoys being at the heart of the action. You’ll combine strong organisation with a genuine passion for service, inspiring your team and remaining calm and solutions-focused in a busy events environment.

Ideally, you’ll have:

• Previous management experience within Events, Banqueting or Food & Beverage operations, ideally within a luxury hotel or large events venue.

• Experience delivering a varied events programme, including conferences, banquets, weddings and private functions.

• A proven ability to lead, develop and motivate a team.

• Strong operational planning skills, with the ability to manage several events and competing priorities.

• Experience managing rotas, payroll, stock and departmental costs.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with confidence in building relationships with clients, guests and colleagues.

• A keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering consistently high standards.

• The confidence to take ownership, make decisions and resolve challenges during live events.

• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including evenings and weekends, in line with our events calendar.

Additional Information

What’s in it for you?

• Convenient staff shuttle service to and from St Andrews

• Join a team where your hard work is recognised, your development is supported, and you can enjoy fantastic perks while working in one of Scotland’s most beautiful resort destinations.

• Additional gratuities on top of your salary and TRONC earnings

• Global career opportunities across the Accor network of hotels and resorts
• Complimentary meals in our staff canteen while on shift
• 50% discount in our Food & Beverage outlets
• Discounted spa treatments and green fees at the resort
• Access to our gym and pool facilities
• Real opportunities for growth and progression within the business
• On-the-job training and development to help you build your skills
• Regular staff social events and team celebrations