Off to Work - London Operations
Off to Work’s office team is drawn together to bring an expert understanding of the needs of the events industry. The management structure has been brought together not from a recruitment background but all from an event and catering background to ensure that we understand your needs and provide you with the product and service you want.
Lucie Edwards • General Manager
During my second year of studies at Goldsmith’s College London I joined the Off to Work team, working at many exclusive and prestigious events. These included serving Princes William and Harry at the wedding for the Duke and Duchess of Westminster’s daughter. Graduating with a 2:1 BA Honors degree in Textiles I focused my sights on the event industry, enjoying the fast paced atmosphere.
At the beginning of 2004 I won the Off to Work employee of the year award - a trip to St Tropez. Shortly after this, I joined the operations team, first as Operations Assistant, then as Operations Manager, and in 2008 I stepped into the General Manager position here in London.
I have been lucky enough to work with some of the best event managers in the business supporting them with their staffing needs and requirements. This has enabled me to be part of the most exciting events including The Brit Awards for the past 6 years. I also assist with internal recruitment for Off to Work, helping to build upon the high quality team that already exists.
Nicola Edgar • Senior Operations Manager
My career in the hospitality industry spans over 12 years from waitressing as a student at events like Henley Regatta to event management with various leading event caterers to providing staffing for some of London’s largest marquees and venues.
After studying for a BA Honors degree in Hospitality and Business Management at Oxford Brookes University I worked with Alexander Catering as an event manager. During this time I provided support at events and venues such as the NME awards, Reading Football Club, Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures as well as doing freelance work at the Farnborough and Paris Air shows.
Following a year of travelling and a stint working in Sydney at various events and venues I returned to London and have spent the past 6 years supplying all categories of hospitality staff throughout London.
Joining Off to Work in March 2007 I have developed close working relationships with stadiums such as Wembley, Arsenal and Fulham as well as with large contract caterers and high event caterers. My favourite events so far have been the Take That concerts at Wembley and the Bloomberg Summer Party and on occasion you will still see me working as a waitress on the field.
In my free time I am currently indulging my love of fine wine and studying for a Level 2 WSET Qualification.
Claire Houghton • Senior Operations Manager
After studying Hospitality and Business Management at University, and having worked in hotels for many years I took on a role as Acting GM at a boutique hotel on the South Coast. I loved the challenge of overseeing the entire operation, from events organising to Front of House Reception. After a move to London in 2008 I joined the Off to Work Operations Team.
Since joining Off to Work I have built strong relationships with both clients and staff. I have worked on catering contracts and large exhibition events ranging from The World Travel Market, G20 Summit and The JP Morgan Run, along with prestigious concert halls.
The variety of the clients brings new and exciting challenges throughout the year, and also gives me the opportunity to work at some of these amazing events too, including serving President Obama.
This year has brought the prestigious honour of working closely with The Savoy to bring their newly refurbished hotel to life with our wonderful staff. I love the challenge of exceeding the expectations of a 5 Star Hotel.
I am excited about the buzz around the Events Industry at the moment. With the 2012 Olympics fast approaching I think it’s going to be a fantastic couple of years and I am very excited to be a part of putting Off to Work at the heart of it.
Will McCann • Operations Manager
I have been with Off to Work since moving to London from Liverpool in September 2010. After starting as a casual member of staff, I made the move into the head office to begin a role within recruitment.
I read English Literature in Liverpool, so novels, writing and literature still feature heavily in my life. But other dominant passions of mine include football (Liverpool are my team) and fashion. These have all had such positive impacts on my life, and have really influenced me as a person.
If I’m not working, footballing or fashionista-ing, I like to chill out with a classic Connery, Bond film or something Paul Newman or James Dean based; ‘Rebel without a cause’ is one of my all time favourites. The old, stylish heroes.
Eleanor Barnes • Operations Manager
I originally joined Off to Work on a placement year as an operations assistant so following my graduation in Business and Event Management, at the University of Gloucestershire; I did not hesitate in returning to this fast paced environment with such a fantastic team.
As an operations manager I look after a variety of high profile events and venues and enjoy working out at events. Some of my highlights so far have included team leading at The Brit Awards and The Taste of London.
Paulo Rodrigues • Assistant Operations Manager
I come from the north east of Brazil and I have been living in London since 2003. My background was in retail and television production but my passion for hospitality was ignited by my parent’s successful restaurant business. They owned a number of beautiful venues overlooking the sea so it was a great environment in which to be raised.
Since living in London my reputation and experience in high end bars and events has led me to Off to Work and since joining I have had the privilege of working for royalty. I have been part of the operations team since November 2010 and it has been a wonderful experience to work with such talented people.
Dennis Maulbetsch • Assistant Operations Manager
Originally from Germany, I arrived in London following an apprenticeship as a Business and Sales Manager in the printing and packaging industry. I started with OTW as a casual staff member in June 2009 to support my internship with Big Wednesday PR. During this time I have have had the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients including private member clubs, restaurants and 5* hotels.
I recently joined the operations team as an Operations Assistant to gain more experience in the events industry. I love living in London and look forward to enjoying more of it’s day and night life.
Jessica Britten • Operations Assistant
I have recently graduated from The University of Nottingham during which I continually worked part-time in varied customer service and hospitality roles. My degree included a study year spent at Texas A&M University, and alongside numerous summer jobs- I have spent over two years working and studying abroad. Various experiences have highlighted a passion to become involved in events.
After spending the past summer working at a well-established restaurant and event space in Warwickshire, I join Off to Work as an Operations Assistant, a position which will enable me to learn and grow internally. Off to Work brings new energy to the hospitality and events scene and I look forward to a prosperous future with the company.
Cat Andrade • Operations Assistant
I joined Off to Work as a casual staff member in October 2010 and joined the office team shortly after as an Operations Assistant. Prior to Off to Work, I studied Journalism and Criminology at Roehampton University. After graduating in the summer of 2009 I embarked on a 2 month conservation expedition to Borneo.
On returning to the UK I completed a 6 month events and marketing internship with a conservation group where she was responsible for co-ordinating higher education events and travelling to universities and colleges conducting talks to young people on the benefits of overseas community development.
I enjoy the fast paced nature of working in a busy office and being part of high profile events.
Jessica Lines • Operations Assistant
I have worked for Off to Work for more than three years as a casual member of staff whilst studying for my degree in Business Management with Communications at the University of Birmingham. I worked at some incredible events such as the Scottish Golf open, Silverstone race circuit and a particular favourite of mine was the Take That concert at Villa Park. I was offered the chance to join the London Office team in November 2011 and jumped at the chance to kick start a career in events with a company I loved working for and knew was held in such high esteem within the industry.
I love being outdoors and enjoy surfing and snowboarding so when I’m not in the office I love to spend time in Devon and Cornwall catching some waves.
Helen Coxhead • Operations Intern
I recently joined Off to Work on a placement year as an operations assistant. I am currently working towards an Events Management degree which I am studying at Plymouth University. I have so far really enjoyed my time at Off to Work, and hope to gain as much experience as possible to help towards a career within the Events Industry.
To date, I have been involved in some high profile events which I never thought I'd get the opportunity to do. This has been a great privilege, and I look forward to what's in store for the rest of the year; especially the London Olympics in 2012.
Outside of work I enjoy socialising with friends and hitting the gym to keep me in shape. Travelling the world and experiencing different cultures is something I am keen to continue throughout my life, all of which will enrich my life experience further.
Diego Gutierrez • Night Operations Manager
I have been in the UK for nearly 10 years now and 8 days after arriving to the country I started working in Hospitality for Compass Group at the Royal Albert Hall during my studies and have not looked back since. With Compass Group I worked in many amazing places and experienced some fantastic events.
I came across Off to Work over 8 years ago and I have seen how it has grown and how extremely professional the management and staff have been. I used to manage Off to Work staff on a daily basis whilst at the Royal Horticultural Halls. After leaving Compass to join The Royal Society of Arts as an Operations Manager, I took 1 year off Hospitality management to concentrate on my psychology and criminology degree.
After that time I saw the opportunity to join Off to Work, I jumped to the chance and I am blessed to join such a professional and successful team.
I love working with people and I enjoy training them.
