Project Lead

Description:

Who Are Absolute Taste and What Do We Do?

We are an innovative culinary and customer service provider, dedicated to delivering inspirational food and experiences that redefine customer satisfaction. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for pushing boundaries, we continue to grow from strength to strength.

As a small, dynamic team of event professionals, we specialize in creating exciting, well-managed, and sustainable events, while fostering strong working relationships. We're looking for individuals who share our fun, resilient, and hardworking values to join our supportive, high-performing team.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a highly regarded organisation dedicated to success and a positive, empowering culture.

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced Project Lead to join our dynamic team, leading the delivery of exceptional live events.

The role is fully accountable for the strategic planning, financial control, and on-site delivery of Cadillac Trackside Hospitality catering across the F1 season. Acting as the senior client lead, the role ensures world-class guest experience, operational excellence, and full alignment with Cadillac and Absolute Taste brand values.

Your key responsibilities will be:

Leadership & Client Management 

Overall project lead for Cadillac Trackside Hospitality catering, accountable for end-to-end delivery
Primary senior contact for Cadillac stakeholders, building trusted and long-term client relationships
Line manage a core team and lead wider team across planning and live delivery
Always Act as an ambassador for Absolute Taste and the “face of the Cadillac brand”
Maintain team morale and actively support the mental wellbeing of staff

Project & Operational Delivery 

Own and manage project timelines, milestones, and planning documentation
Ensure catering delivery consistently meets required service, quality, and brand standards
Lead on-site hospitality operations across pre-event build, live race delivery, and pack-down
Adapt leadership style to manage fast-moving teams in high-pressure environments
Identify operational efficiencies across food cost of sales, supplier networks, and resourcing
Ensure compliance with WF1 standards, H&S, quality, and company codes of conduct

Budget & Financial Control 

Full accountability for Trackside Hospitality budgets, forecasting, and re-forecasting
Track and control all hospitality spend (F&B, labour, logistics, travel, equipment, flowers, etc.)
Work closely with Finance, Operations Director, and Head Chef to ensure budget adherence
Raise POs, manage invoices, reconcile race-by-race spend, and support accurate invoicing
Prepare budget reports and financial updates for senior management
Monitor food costs and seasonal price pressures, adapting plans to mitigate risk

Strategy & Brand Experience 

Partner with Cadillac to define and deliver the Trackside Hospitality strategy
Uphold and evolve the hospitality identity: look & feel, food, beverage, and service style
Support guest ranking systems and hosting protocols in collaboration with Marketing
Support filming, content capture, and brand storytelling opportunities where required
Collaborate with the Head Chef on innovative yet practical menu development, aligned to local availability

On-Site Delivery

Attend approximately 12 F1 races and test events per season
Ensure exceptional hospitality for race team personnel, senior management, drivers, and guests
Lead or support supplier management, freight, set-up, and pack-down alongside logistics
 Maintain calm, decisive leadership in high-pressure, live-event environments
Continuously identify opportunities to enhance guest experience
Ensure all reports, records, and post-event documentation are completed
Attend post-event client debriefs

People, Process & Standards

Develop, implement, and communicate standard operating procedures
Oversee recruitment, training, probation, and appraisals in line with WF1 standards
Ensure adequate staffing, equipment, and supplies in collaboration with Head Chef and Events leadership
Supervise teams with a strong focus on customer satisfaction and service excellence
Refresh kit and complete all required training during the off-season
Continuously improve operational processes

What We Are Looking For:

Proven leader with full ownership of large-scale, high-profile event delivery
Client-facing expert able to build strong relationships with senior stakeholders
Operationally exceptional, thriving in fast-paced, high-pressure environments
Commercially astute, confident managing budgets, costs, and financial performance
Strategic thinker who can shape and elevate a premium hospitality experience
Calm under pressure, decisive and solutions-focused on-site
People-focused, with the ability to inspire, lead, and develop high-performing teams
Detail-driven, committed to delivering world-class service and guest experience

Why Join Us at Absolute Taste?

Join a fast-growing and innovative company that is redefining customer experiences in the culinary and event space. We offer an empowering team culture, the opportunity to work on exciting, well-managed events, and a supportive, resilient team environment.

We are committed to supporting your career growth with thorough training and ongoing development.

You can also enjoy benefits such as:

25 Days holiday + Bank Holiday
3% Pension
Life Assurance
Employee Wellbeing Program

If you're ready to make an impact in a fast-paced environment and contribute to the success of Absolute Taste, apply today and join our team!

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer.

REF-(Apply online only)