Commercial Hospitality & Events Manager

a caring and supportive environment where students are encouraged to achieve their best and try something new.About this roleWe're looking for a Commercial Hospitality & Events Manager to lead and grow our hospitality and events operation across Abingdon School. This is a senior, client-facing leadership role with responsibility for developing a commercially focused hospitality offer, delivering exceptional guest experiences and supporting the School's ambitious plans for growth.You'll lead a talented hospitality team, including two Hospitality Supervisors and a flexible bank of casual team members, while working closely with the Commercial Director, Events & Courses Manager, Executive Chef and wider Sodexo leadership team.This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced hospitality or events leader who can combine premium service standards with strong commercial acumen, operational excellence and a passion for creating memorable experiences.Why You'll Love It HereFree on-site
parkingQuality meals provided whilst on dutyBeautiful campus location just outside OxfordExciting developments including co-education from 2026 and summer camps launching in 2027Opportunity to shape and grow a developing commercial hospitality operationSenior, visible role within a supportive and ambitious teamBe part of a thriving Foundation during a period of growth and investmentWhat You'll Be DoingLeading the commercial hospitality and events operation across a 52-week trading environmentDeveloping and delivering a hospitality strategy that supports revenue growth, guest experience and long-term commercial successDriving new business opportunities, repeat bookings and strong external partnershipsOverseeing internal and external events, including school functions, fine dining, casual dining, sports hospitality, conferences, commercial events and future summer programmesManaging hospitality budgets, pricing, forecasting, revenue performance and margin deliveryWorking closely with
the Executive Chef on menus, product development, cost control and service innovationLeading, coaching and developing the hospitality team, including supervisors and casual colleaguesEnsuring every event is delivered to a consistently high standard, from enquiry through to post-event reviewBuilding strong relationships with senior school stakeholders, governors, commercial partners and external clientsEnsuring full compliance with food safety, allergen management, licensing, health and safety, safeguarding and Sodexo standardsManaging wine and beverage stock, supplier relationships, tastings and product development to support a premium guest offerUsing systems, data and reporting to improve planning, performance and the overall customer journeyWhat You'll BringSignificant experience in hospitality, events, catering, commercial venues or premium service environmentsA strong track record of leading teams and delivering high-quality events or hospitality servicesCommercial
experience, including revenue growth, pricing, forecasting, cost control and margin managementConfidence managing client relationships and engaging with senior stakeholdersExcellent organisation, communication and problem-solving skillsA proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to work in a busy and varied environmentExperience managing teams across permanent, supervisory and casual staffing structuresA strong understanding of food safety, allergens, health and safety and service complianceExperience in licensed hospitality environments, including responsible alcohol service and stock controlA Personal Licence Holder qualification, or willingness to obtain oneA full UK driving licence and access to a car, as the role will support activity across more than one Abingdon School siteSafeguardingThis role is based within an educational environment and is subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and any additional pre-employment screening
required for the role.Join Sodexo at Abingdon School Foundation and play a key role in shaping a premium hospitality and events operation during an exciting period of growth, investment and transformation.