Events Manager

We are looking for an enterprising Events and Openings Manager to join a very special team of people who look after and run a public opening for an historic house in Northamptonshire.

Offering a unique combination of duties, the varied nature of this wonderful opportunity promises that no two days will be the same. You will ultimately be responsible for the planning, administration and delivery of the public open days as the business prepares for a prosperous 2022.

The successful candidate will be a positive and proactive events or hospitality professional with a passion for developing innovative new revenue streams for the business, as well as maximizing the success of existing popular attractions such as the Garden and Falconry Opening, Tea Room, Shop, and an award-winning education programme.

The reward is working in a lovely environment, contributing to the upkeep of an important part of British history and bringing it alive to visitors.

Applications are welcomed from both full-time and part-time candidates, as the role could either be a 3-day a week position (with other staff working alongside) or a full-time, 5-day a week position working autonomously in the office and alongside the other departments as and when necessary. The exact structure of the job is open to discussion with interested applicants.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Planning, promoting, staffing and delivering the venue’s garden & falconry opening business.
• Supervising, with the experienced educational team, the delivery of an award-winning educational programme.
• Administrating the garden & falconry opening and the educational programme will be the early priorities in the coming season, but the successful applicant will have responsibility for overseeing other events that arise during the year.
• Producing costed marketing of all operations, with traditional media as well as social marketing, alongside the Social Media Manager.
• Co-ordinating the delivery of all event bookings, including contracts, deposits, health & safety, insurances, staffing and customer liaison, and preparation of the venue.
• Liaising with the owners and agents, as well as producing budgets and a monthly progress report.
• Managing the operational administration of the tearoom with the external tearoom contractor.
• Overseeing the management and stocking of the shop.
• Leading a small but skilled, dedicated and enthusiastic team to deliver an excellent experience for customers and clients with efficient business practices.
• Coordinating all office systems, maintaining records and managing the customer database.
• Representing the venue to the public and other stakeholders in a way that represents the integrity and values of the business.
• Identifying and implementing new sources of revenue to meet financial targets.
• Maintaining the confidentiality of the venue, owners and business.

Skills and experience required:

• Preferable prior experience in a similar role within an events, venue, hospitality or conferencing environment.
• Evidence of having previously identified and successfully pursued income diversification opportunities.
• Proficiency in producing budgets and P&L reporting.
• Good working knowledge of a digital accounting package (Xero preferred), as well as experience of using an online ticketing system.
• Committed to providing an outstanding service to clients, with examples of having provided solutions which delighted the customer.
• Confidence in networking and forming relationships with local and regional businesses.
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong administration skills.
• IT proficient and confident in the use of MS Office and social media channels.
• Friendly and helpful communication style, with a can-do attitude to problem solving.
• Demonstrates initiative and self-motivation to work alone, but also enjoys managing and being part of a collaborative team, sharing ideas and working together to achieve the best outcome for the customer at all times.

Hours of work:

• Normally 9am to 6pm Monday – Friday with occasional additional/outside office hours (particularly in the April-September general public open season) for which time off in lieu will be given.
• For any Bank Holidays worked a day off in lieu will be given.
• For agreed events worked you will be paid additionally for those hours at normal rates (calculated on a pro rata basis)

Salary and benefits:

• £28,000 – £32,000
• Free parking