Events Manager

We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Events & Venue Manager to lead the planning, coordination and delivery of a diverse programme of internal, University and external events.

This is a varied and highly collaborative role, offering the opportunity to take ownership of events from the initial enquiry through to successful delivery, post-event review and development of repeat business. You will be the key point of accountability for event delivery, coordinating a wide range of internal teams, suppliers and stakeholders to ensure every event runs smoothly and delivers an excellent client experience.

You will manage a busy forward pipeline of enquiries and bookings, balancing commercial opportunities with the University's academic priorities. You will oversee complex and sometimes simultaneous events, ensuring that all operational, logistical and customer requirements are clearly understood and delivered.

Working closely with colleagues across the University, you will coordinate catering, AV, facilities, reception, security, cleaning and other event requirements. You will establish clear processes, service standards and documentation to support consistent, high-quality event delivery.

The role also has an important commercial dimension. You will contribute to venue promotion, pricing, space utilisation, enquiry conversion and repeat-business development, while producing regular operational and commercial reports to identify trends, opportunities and areas for improvement.

You will also coordinate and supervise supporting events staff, including temporary and part-time colleagues, ensuring clear responsibilities and effective delivery across the event programme.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the planning and delivery of internal, University and external events, including complex and simultaneous activity.
• Manage client relationships from initial enquiry through to event delivery, post-event review and repeat business.
• Own the forward enquiry and booking pipeline, monitoring response standards, conversion, declined opportunities and space utilisation.
• Coordinate catering, AV, facilities, reception, security, cleaning and other operational requirements.
• Act as the single point of accountability for event delivery, ensuring effective communication between stakeholders and suppliers.
• Work closely with BaxterStorey and other suppliers to manage requirements, deadlines, changes and service delivery.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, event documentation, escalation processes and service standards.
• Coordinate and supervise supporting events staff, including temporary and part-time colleagues.
• Produce regular operational and commercial reports covering event volumes, pipeline, utilisation, client feedback, incidents and performance.
• Identify appropriate external markets and support venue promotion, pricing and repeat-business development.
• Maintain accurate financial administration relating to venue hire, event charges, purchase orders, invoicing and internal recharges.
• Ensure all events comply with University policies, health and safety requirements, accessibility obligations and building procedures.

About you

You will have substantial professional experience in events, conferences, venues, hospitality or another complex customer-facing service environment, with a proven ability to take ownership of events involving multiple stakeholders and suppliers.

You will bring strong organisational and commercial skills, with experience of managing enquiries, developing a pipeline, supporting income generation, pricing or converting opportunities. You will be confident coordinating others and ensuring that everyone understands their responsibilities and deadlines.

You will also be comfortable using standard office systems and digital event, booking or CRM-style tools, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records and produce meaningful reports.

Above all, you will be a proactive and customer-focused professional who can remain calm under pressure, solve problems effectively and build positive relationships with clients, colleagues and suppliers.

Essential experience and skills

• Substantial professional experience in conferences, events, venues, hospitality or a comparable customer-facing service.
• Proven experience independently planning and delivering complex events involving multiple stakeholders and suppliers.
• Experience supervising, coordinating or directing the work of others.
• Good IT skills and experience using office systems and event, booking or CRM-style digital tools.
• A flexible approach and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends in line with event requirements.