Project Lead

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-229 301