HEAD OF HOSPITALITY AND CONFERENCING SERVICES
ABOUT US
The University of London is a federal University which consists of 27 of the world’s leading Colleges and specialist Research Institutes. Together, they make the University of London one of the oldest, largest and most diverse universities in the UK. When studying with the University, a student belongs to a particular member Institution as well as the University of London itself. Between the Member Institutions, the University has over 120,000 students studying over 3,700 courses. Not all students are located in London; some study at the University of London Institute in Paris and over 50,000 students study in over 180 countries on the University of London International Programmes. The University owns a significant property portfolio located primarily in Bloomsbury which is renowned as one the world’s most prestigious academic campuses. The University’s Property and Facilities Management Department works to ensure that the estate is utilised efficiently and effectively.
UNIVERSITY OF LONDON
The building of Senate House
In its first century of existence the University moved between a succession of temporary homes, each of which it quickly outgrew. The decision was finally taken to provide what had become the world’s largest University with a purpose-built, permanent home. A large parcel of land located behind the British Museum in the central London district of Bloomsbury was purchased from the Duke of Bedford’s estate. The architect Charles Holden, who designed many of London’s Underground stations, was appointed in February 1931 and construction work began in 1932. On 26 June 1933, King George V laid the foundation stone and the building was occupied in 1936. At 209 feet, it was the tallest secular building in the capital.
In 2011 Senate House celebrated its 75th anniversary.
UNIVERSITY OF LONDON
From the SecondWorldWar to the present day
By the time war broke out in September 1939, the University had 14,000 registered students. The Colleges and their students were forced into exile in other parts of the UK and Senate House was taken over by the Ministry of Information – the roof becoming a valuable observation point for the Royal Observatory Corp. By 1944, the Colleges began to return to London and exams again took place in the capital. The Principal of the University reported that the exams were carried out ‘without casualties, other than those normally caused by these exacting but essential tests’. In 1948, Lillian Penson was elected as the University’s 31st Vice-Chancellor, the first women to hold this post in a Commonwealth University. During the 1960s and 1970s the number of students going to university in the UK expanded enormously. In line with this, the total number of internal students at the University of London doubled to almost 54,000 by 1981. In 1981 Princess Anne, The Princess Royal succeeded the Queen Mother as the University’s 10th Chancellor. In the 1990s, many of the University’s central responsibilities were devolved to the Colleges. The Funding Council also began to fund the Colleges directly. The University continues to grow and evolve to reflect the changing times. In 2008 it introduced a streamlined, transparent and flexible system of governance headed by a Board of Trustees with a lay majority.
Today – as it has been throughout its long history – the University is a family of world-class institutions, collectively upholding its international reputation of academic distinction in teaching and research.
Our overall strategic vision
To make a unique contribution to learning and research-led scholarship through our unrivalled network of member institutions, our global reach and reputation, and the breadth of our high-quality innovative academic services and infrastructure. Aim 1: deliver academic excellence Invest in our academic excellence to widen student access through flexible learning and to fulfil an ambitious programme of research promotion and facilitation in the humanities Aim 2: provide innovative high-quality academic support and professional services Develop, augment and commercialise our portfolio of services for the University’s members and the education sector, with the aim to be the “go to” provider of student and academic support services Aim 3: property that is valued and relevant Create a vibrant academic hub, through a property portfolio which balances the needs of the University’s members with maximising income opportunities The University owns and manages a large prestigious estate which includes academic and service buildings, student halls of residence, a book depository, gardens and private residences. These host a number of key activities that are fundamental to an effective University, notably academic space, libraries, student accommoda- tion, student services and conference facilities. Our objectives in relation to this aim are: • Greater use of Senate House as an academic hub and development of the public realm • Further modernisation and expansion of student residences • Increase the financial return from the estate • Ensure that there is a good fit between buildings & their function • Act as the custodian of the estate • Ensure that the estate is environmentally sustainable Aim 4: manage a high-performing organisation Increase our investment in staff development, encourage a common purpose across our diverse activities and enhance our capacity where gaps exist, in order to deliver our plans.
OUR VENUES
University of London Venues is a unique collection event venue, which provides a wide range of spectacular spaces. Senate House Senate House is our flagship venue and an iconic fixture on the London Skyline. one of London’s earliest skyscrap- ers, clad in striking Portland Stone, with imposing grand vistas and green open spaces. Senate House is an art deco building situated in the heart of Bloomsbury, it is home to our world-famous library, as well as administrative offices and meeting rooms. This building was originally commissioned as a purpose-built central headquarters for the University of London, but the building originally opened back in 1936 and during wartime Senate House was used by the Ministry of Information, (inspiring George Orwell’s description of the Minis- try of Truth in his novel Nineteen Eighty-Four). The opulence and flexibility that the space offers makes it the perfect venue for a wide range of events including conferences, film shoots, exhibitions, dinner dances, awards ceremonies, banquets, as well as fashion shows and product launches. Student Central - Our Spacious Event Venue Student Central is the largest student hub in the capital and hosts large events, from concerts to fresher’s fairs. This large venue also has a number of light and spacious meeting rooms available for hire. Garden Halls – Our newest Venue The most recently built development amongst the University complex, Garden Halls is sophisticated and modern, providing a selection of 8 spacious and well-lit meeting rooms. The series of meeting rooms at Garden Halls are suitable for small and medium sized meetings and are comple- mented by informal breakout spaces and meeting preparation.
JOB SPECIFICATION
Job Title: Department:
Head of Hospitality and Conferencing Services Property and Facilities Management Hospitality and Conferencing Services
Section: Level:
09 (AMP)
Job Purpose To be responsible for all aspects of delivering the University of London’s hospitality, conferencing and commercial events functions, including managing a budget of approximately £9m and a team of around 20 people. Job Content 1. Developing and delivering a full high quality conferencing and events function for the University, in order to: • Support the dissemination of knowledge from the University, member institutions, other academic and related bodies as well as others as required • Extract commercial value from the estates through events and conferencing for other 3rd parties 2. Managing Student Central to maximise its use by students and staff of the University and its member institutions for a mix of activities spanning teaching and learning, to conferencing and events as well as operating the sports centre. 3. Developing a highly effective catering and hospitality service to ensure that catering for student halls and hospitality for in house and commercial events is of the highest standards. 4. Proactively managing the University’s catering contract for the University’s academic properties as well as the halls of residence ensuring high quality services are delivered, compliance and health and safety requirements are being carried out and investments are carried out as planned. Monitoring financial performance as well as key performance indicators as outlined in the contract. 5. Ensuring that all services provided meet the clients’ needs and events are run efficiently. 6. Developing and implement a detailed marketing and sales strategy including the launch of University of London Venues and brands setting and achieving stretching revenue targets, effectively managing business mix to maximise room yield and demonstrating an acceptable return on investment against all investments and marketing activities. 7. Proactively developing productive and supportive relationships with key internal and external customers, understanding their requirements and encouraging the use of the UoL estates for all events and conferences. 8. Proactively seeking external business through attending networking events and other exhibitions and activities, hosting open days, advertising and promoting various venues within the UoL estate. 9. Communicating with the management and operational teams, overseeing planned activity schedules and ensuring client requirements are being met. 10. Ensuring appropriate staffing levels for all events and show rounds, in or out of normal operating hours. Overseeing and sign off of rostering to ensure clients satisfaction. The post holder will be expected to personally attend high profile and critical events. 11. Introducing and managing effective systems and processes for enquiry handling, customer contact, on the day management, customer feedback and management procedures. 12. Negotiating, appointing and managing contracts with direct external service providers including PR, photographers, design and web agencies. To source and negotiate with providers of third party services as required on an ad hoc basis for events such as florists, entertainments etc. 13. Ensuring compliance with health and safety and other legal regulations. Ensuring that risk assessments and permits to work are issued as necessary, particularly for filming activities and activities involving under 18s. 14. Managing all licensing issues including all matters relating to the sale and service of alcohol. 15. With the Director of PFM, developing a strategy for the future of student central and implementing the strategy in every aspect. From developing the proposal, business case fund raising, putting in place the right team, engaging with users through to monitoring performance against set targets and amending strategy to ensure success. 16. Any other duties reasonably required of the post holder by the Director of Property and Facilities Management. 17. To actively follow and promote the University of London policies, including the University’s Dignity at Work and Equal Opportunities Policy and actively promote these wherever possible.
JOB SPECIFICATION
18. To maintain an awareness and observation of fire and health and safety regulations. 19. Any other duties consistent with both the grade and scope of the post. 20. Any other duties reasonably required of the post holder by the reporting manager. Reports to: Director of Property and Facilities Management Responsible for The post holder will have the freedom to establish their structure within the available budget. Current structure has 3 direct reports and approx. 20 members of permanent staff, supported by some temporary staff. Additional demands of the role The nature of the post is such that the post holder will be expected to work some very early shifts, some evenings and weekends working hours as necessary to ensure the service is delivered.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
EXPERIENCE Essential:
• Strategic leadership and operational management of a commercial conference facility/activity or equivalent • Proven track record of developing and delivering effective marketing campaigns to build brand and deliver agreed return on investment. • Ability to demonstrate successful new business development experience including achievement of sales targets. • Proven contact and key account management skills. • Customer service excellence standards. • Proven experience of managing a commercial conference team, sales targeting and team development. •Preparing and delivering reports for consideration by senior management teams, including budget and finance reports as well as performance and quality standard reports. PERSONAL QUALITIES Essential: • A hospitable and customer focussed individual who strives to deliver an excellent service to clients and thrives on developing effective working relationships with internal and external contacts and stakeholders. • Ability to lead, manage, motivate and develop staff to meet all organisational requirements and revenue targets. • A pro-active, self-reliant and self-motivated individual who continuously seeks improvement. • A keen attention for detail and a high level of expectations of every aspect of their service. TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Essential: • Significant professional experience in conference and venue sales development and operational management. • Professional experience in the development and launch of a brand and in the development of marketing and sales strategies. • Demonstrable understanding of Customer Service Excellence and how to create a customer service culture in a team. • Ability to lead and direct operational teams across a range of functions in complex matrix environment. (i.e. not all direct reports). • First class interpersonal and communication skills, including proven ability in :- - Managing relationships with staff and with internal and external customers - Negotiation - Conflict resolution - Effective communication both in person and in writing - Effective networking - Achievement of results through influence with peers or those in Senior positions. • Well-developed planning and organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise own workload and lead and direct others to meet deadlines, targets and objectives. • Evidence of managing teams through target setting. • Confidence to establish and then use a key reporting suite on a weekly and monthly basis. • Excellent knowledge of conference systems and excellent skills in MS Office (Outlook, word Excel). • Management reporting of achievement against Key Performance Indicators. • Strong business sense ad commercial acuity. • Goal focussed individual with energy and drive.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
EDUCATION / PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION Essential: A degree or HND in one of the following subjects or similar: • business/management; • hotel and catering management; • sales and marketing; • travel and tourism. Desirable: • Certificate from / Membership of the Institute of Hospitality.
Competency Requirements
Essential
Desirable
Adapting to Change
C
Commercial Awareness
D
Creativity & Innovation
C
D
Customer Focus
D
Interpersonal Understanding
C
D
Leadership
D
Managing Resources
D
Organisational Commitment
C
D
Performance Management
D
Proactivity & Planning
D
Problem Solving and Decision Making
D
Resilience
D
Striving for Excellence
D
Self-development and commitment to learning
C
D
Striving for Excellence
D
Working with Others D Competencies are scored on an A-D scale, with D representing the highest demonstration of the competency. For further information on each of the competencies and relevant levels, please email us at ulrecruit@london.ac.uk.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND HOW TO APPLY
Pension – The University operates the Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited (USS) final salary pension scheme. The University will contribute a sum equal to 18% of your salary with employee contributions of 8% on the career revalued benefits scheme. Holiday – 30 days paid leave per annum plus statutory public holidays. In addition, the University is normally closed for six days a year over Easter and Christmas/New Year.
For a confidential discussion please contact our retained advisor Hayley Mintern of The Management Recruitment Group on; Hayley Mintern - hayley.mintern@mrgpeople.co.uk or on 020 8892 0115 Applications should consist of a comprehensive CV and covering letter outlining key matching experience. Closing date for applications is Sunday 8th April 2018. MRG will be holding preliminary interviews w/c 9th April 2018. Interviews with the University of London including campus tours will be w/c Monday 16th April 2018.
Other benefits include: • Travel season ticket loan • Childcare voucher scheme • Life Cover
• Enhanced maternity/paternity and adoption pay • Health – free bi-annual eye tests and discounted private medical insurance
CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
Regal House 70 London Road Twickenham TW1 3QS Tel 020 8892 0115
68 King William Street London EC4N 7DZ Tel 020 7959 2368
111 Piccadilly Manchester M1 2HY Tel 0161 638 0936
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker