Eden Scott is delighted to be working in partnership with The R&A who promote professional championships including The Open, The Senior Open and the AIG Women’s Open, elite amateur events, international matches, and rankings.

The R&A, through R&A Rules Ltd, governs the sport worldwide, outside of the United States and Mexico, on behalf of over 36 million golfers in 144 countries and with the consent of 158 organisations from amateur and professional golf.

An exciting opportunity has now arisen for a dynamic and experienced professional to join the R&A in a newly created role, that of Catering Manager.

This role will report into the Head of Catering Operations and lead on the annual planning and implementation of catering operations for The R&A’s professional championships (The Open and AIG Women’s Open), working with internal and a wide variety of external stakeholders.

Key responsibilities:

You will lead on the planning, scoping and management of catering operational delivery of the championships, over a 12 month period, in liaison with a variety of internal and external stakeholders so as to deliver catering operations to industry-leading standards.
Responsibility for operational planning, catering contractor appointments and management and escalating any decisions.
Support the Head of Catering Operations and work within the delivery team on the creation and design of internal operational layouts for the various structures and catering facilities onsite. Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, making recommendations and site layout decisions as required.
Lead on the appointment of caterers, when required, including the management of tender processes and associated legal/contractual agreements, in line with R&A policies and ensuring adherence to relevant budgets.
Work with the appointed caterers and internal HR team, when required, to ensure that catering staffing requirements are gathered and oversee staff appointments, induction and training, to ensure the appropriate delivery of catering operations during the championships.
Work with the appointed caterers and relevant internal and external stakeholders to oversee all catering requirements and menu design, ensuring the catering provision meets the requirements for the wide variety of championships consumers (e.g. players, spectators, hospitality guests, VIPs etc.), in line with departmental expectations and industry standards.
Manage the appointment of external contractors to deliver the catering infrastructure and interiors build and de-rigging phases, in line with R&A policies and, with approval, scope new contractors, negotiating terms and scope of works when necessary.
Work with the delivery team onsite at host venues to direct, oversee and supervise the extended catering infrastructure build and de-rigging phases, and through effective collaboration and detailed planning ensure all contracted work is completed to the agreed schedule, on budget and in line with relevant Health and Safety and other legislation. Act as an escalation point for contractors when operational issues arise and for any operational issues during the championships.
Build and maintain close working relationships with stakeholders across the business, primarily the Commercial Hospitality, Partnerships and Staging teams, external multi agency partners and host venues to ensure the coordinated delivery of the championships’ strategy. Lead planning meetings with external suppliers/contractors/partners and internal stakeholders.
Support line and senior management in the review and evaluation of catering operational delivery, proactively identifying opportunities for continuous improvement, in liaison with internal and external stakeholders as appropriate. Provide relevant recommendations to contribute to the development of the long-term Championship strategy, associated goals and operational plans

Applying candidates must have the following experience:

Significant experience working in a back of house major event catering environment ideally for an established event caterer and preferably with greenfield site experience.
Experience of contract negotiations and implementation.
Proven track record of managing budgets.
Strong project management skills

This role can be based remotely with occasional travel to St Andrews, however, this role will involve occasional travel within GB&I and will involve being away from home for short periods of time throughout the year.

Salary indicative of the calibre of candidate they seek with generous company benefits.

Eden Scott is working exclusively with The R&A, so to be considered for this exciting opportunity with a truly iconic employer, please submit your CV online and for an informal chat or to receive the full role information pack and job description please call Sally on 07776 662506.