Director Workforce jobs in Oxfordshire

The Head of People Operations will lead our People Operations teams across an exciting portfolio of major high profile events, including ATP & WTA Tennis Tournaments, Formula 1 and prestigious golf championships, as well as private and corporate occasions. This position is an opportunity to be fully accountable for the strategic planning, financial control, and on-site deployment of large hospitality and catering contingent workforces at each event.

You will ensure we have the right team in place to deliver operational excellence - a best in class guest and worker experience, aligned with Absolute Taste and client values and proactively identify and implement process improvements to increase operational efficiency and ensure legislation compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Line management of the permanent, part time and freelance People Operations team.
• Develop and implement end to end event resource plans aligned with client expectations and operational demands, establishing robust strategies for recruitment, onboarding, training, rostering, travel, accommodation and staff deployment.
• Produce accurate financial forecasts for variable labour, expenses, travel hire and accommodation for each project.
• Prepare and present detailed fortnightly reports to leadership, offering meaningful updates on event progress, performance, and spend to date.
• Plan and direct all onsite People Operations activities including accreditation, staff check-in, employee welfare, uniform distribution, and general operational support.
• Enforce staff compliance of safety regulations, company policies, and event protocols whilst onsite.
• Deliver live reporting on staffing levels and real time labour spend against event forecasts to keep project leads informed throughout.
• Oversee post event financial administration, including casual staff payroll processing and the verification and processing of agency and freelancer invoices in line with company policy.
• Manage relationship with agency suppliers, negotiating competitive rates and monitoring compliance with agreed SLAs.
• Conduct post event workforce analytics, evaluating timesheet data against sales and other KPIs to measure strategy success and identify opportunities for improvement

About You:

• 
  Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive People Operations leadership experience within complex, fast-paced, high volume environments (e.g major greenfield events, stadiums or large venues and arenas).
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrable experience leading full lifecycle workforce management; from high volume recruitment drives and event deployment, through to post event reporting, payroll and financial wrap up to employee offboarding.
• Commercially astute, with strong financial capability in labour forecasting, together with the ability to translate business objectives into clear, actionable team targets and operational roadmaps.
• A proven ability to inspire, motivate, and mentor diverse, high performing teams, fostering an inclusive culture focused on engagement and accountability.
• Knowledge of scheduling software and confident utilising intuitive cloud based WFM, LMS, ATS and payroll software (E.g. Humanforce, MAPAL 1)

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.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary
• 25 Days holiday + Bank Holiday
• Company Pension Scheme
• 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.