Job Title

Job Description Venue ManagerReports To Heritage ManagerLocation Powderham, DevonTerms Full Time / Permanent; fixed-term or part-time (pro rata) consideredDays Variable including evenings, nights and weekendsAnnual Leave 30 days per yearPension Eligible to join the company pension schemeSalary Band 4 (30,000 - 35,000)As Powderham embarks on the growth phase of its 5-year strategic plan, we are investing in our future by expanding our management team to help deliver this exciting vision for the future. These roles will play a key part in expanding and supporting our established team, working closely with an experienced and supportive senior leadership group.PurposeThe Venue Manager will play a central role in supporting Powderhams mission to welcome as many people as possible to the Estate and ensure it remains a thriving, relevant, and generous place for the community. The role will oversee the day-to-day delivery of Powderhams venue operations including weddings, functions, corporate hire, festivals, and event hospitality, ensuring each activity is well-planned, safe, commercially effective, and delivered to the highest possible standard.Managing a team of Venue Coordinators, the Venue Manager will provide management, operational structure, and clear direction across the venue team; supporting colleagues across the Heritage and Attraction departments; and will ensure that events, bookings, and hospitality contribute positively to Powderhams long-term sustainability, reputation, and visitor experience. This is a hands-on operational role requiring excellent organisational skills, leadership by example, and confidence in managing live events. Acting as the senior Duty Manager on site, the Venue Manager will ensure staff, suppliers, and clients are supported, safety standards are upheld, and events exceed expectations.Key ResponsibilitiesTeam ManagementLine manage the venue coordinators, providing support, supervision, guidance and event deliveryAssist with recruitment, induction, training and performance reviews for the venue and bank teamsCreate rotas and schedules to ensure appropriate management cover for all eventsFoster a collaborative, positive and supportive working environmentLead by example in customer service and operational standards and practiceEvent and Venue OperationsOversee day-to-day delivery of weddings, functions, corporate hire, festivals and event hospitalityAct as senior Duty Manager, responsible for cash handling, customer care, key holder responsibilities and first aid responseWorking with the Castle Manager, support room set up, furniture moves and logistics between events and public openingTroubleshoot and resolve operational challenges calmly and effectivelyDrive sales performance across weddings, functions, and hospitality by supporting the Venue Coordinators in enquiry handling, showrounds, proposals, upselling opportunities, and achieving targetsProvide regular guidance, feedback and support to ensure revenue goals are met across the departmentSales Leadership and Performance ManagementTake overall responsibility for driving venue sales across weddings, ceremonies, corporate hire, functions, hospitality and in time third-party events, ensuring all revenue streams contribute to annual targetsLead the Venue Coordinators in enquiry handling, proactive outreach, showround delivery, proposal writing, negotiation and upselling, ensuring consistent excellence in communication and client careMonitor, track and report on KPIs including enquiry response times, conversion rates, pipeline value, revenue forecasts, budget performance and customer satisfaction metricsDevelop and implement sales strategies to grow sales, improve conversion, increase yield and maximise use of venue spaces throughout the yearEnsure accurate sales record-keeping, documentation and performance reporting through our CRM systems to support informed decision making across the departmentIdentify opportunities for development, package creation, pricing improvements, and promotional activity in collaboration with the Heritage Manager and Marketing TeamRegularly review and coach team members on sale techniques and enquiry management to strengthen performance and achieve departmental goalsMaintain strong working relationships with external partners, corporate clients, and agencies to raise Powderhams profile and offering to generate new business leadsChristmas at the Castle - Build and Break ManagementLead operational oversight for the build and break of Christmas at the Castle, ensuring all contractors, suppliers, and operational teams work safely, effectively and to schedule onsiteWork externally onsite throughout November (build) and January (break)., coordinating logistics, access, scheduling and Health and Safety across the groundsCollaborate with freelance Event Managers who oversee the live event period, which allows this role to focus on planning for the following year and ensuring operational continuityEnsure clear communication with the Heritage Team and Estate operations to minimise disruption and maintain visitor operationsCompliance and SafetyAs a member of the Facilities Committee and working with the Castle Manager, ensure all activities comply with licensing laws, fire safety and health and safety regulationsAct on behalf of the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), carrying out regular bar checks, ensuring all bar operations meet alcohol licensing conditions, and addressing any breaches or risks immediatelyMonitor bar staffing, Challenge 25 compliance, sale and supply of alcohol procedures, and maintain accurate, auditable licensing recordsLead Safety Advisory Group (SAG) engagement including documentation, meeting attendance, and implementation of agreed actionsOversee event management plans, risk assessments, incident reporting, crowd and traffic management plans for large eventsClient and Supplier LiaisonServe as the main point of contact for clients during key stages of their eventSupport coordinators with showrounds, client meetings, and handoversBuild strong relationships with suppliers, contractors, and trusted partnersEnsure smooth arrival, delivery, and departure procedures for all eventsAdministration and CommunicationOversee the Venue diary management and change control for accurate schedulingWork closely with the Public Opening Team to avoid scheduling clashes and manage shared spacesChair weekly Venue Team meetings, including agenda, actions, and minutesAttend Senior Management meetings as requiredSupport proposals, contracts, invoicing, and maintenance of event documentationReport on event delivery, compliance progress, customer feedback, and KPIsTeam Structure and Management ResponsibilitiesWedding and Functions Coordinator (to be recruited by the Venue Manager)This role is responsible for the sale, planning and delivery of weddings, civil ceremonies, functions and venue hospitality. The Venue Manager will:Provide oversight on the planning, bespoke requests and operational decisionsEnsure documentation, itineraries and records are accurate and up to dateReview showround performance, enquiry conversion and client feedbackSupport the delivery of weddings and functions when neededMaintain standards of service, communication and client care throughout the wedding lifestyleHospitality and Functions Coordinator (to be recruited by the Venue Manager)This role is responsible for corporate events, dinners, charity functions and management of in-house bars, with support to weddings throughout the year. The Venue Manager will:Oversee the delivery of functions and hospitality, ensuring efficient logisticsEnsure bar operations meet licensing conditions and service standardsSupport enquiry handling, proposals and conversionsMaintain strong internal communication to manage diary coordination and space allocationThird Party Event Managers, Contractors and Production PartnersThe Venue Manager will:Act as primary operational contact for third-party Event Managers, promoters, and production companies working on Powderham eventsMaintain clear and consistent communication to ensure alignment between Powderham teams and external event partners, supporting safe, efficient, and high-quality event deliverySeasonal and Bank Event TeamThe Venue Manager will:Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and training where requiredSupport their team in creating rotas and to ensure appropriate staffing levels for all event typesMaintain consistent customer service, safety, and operational standards across the bank workforceEnsure all staff understand event plans, responsibilities, and expectationsPerson SpecificationEssential Minimum two years experience in venue or event operationsProven experience leading or supervising teams during live events or operational deliveryExperience working directly with clients, suppliers, contractors or event partnersDemonstrable experience managing multiple event types (weddings, functions, hospitality, corporate)Working knowledge of licensing, event safety management, and incident procedures; SAG experience desirable.Strong administrative experience including schedule management, record keeping and written communicationAbility to work variable hours, including evenings and weekendsDue to the nature of the role, a driving licence and car is recommendedDesirable Experience within a Heritage, Visitor Attraction, Estate, or similar public facing environmentExperience working on large scale public events, festivals or seasonal productionsA personal licence (for the sale of alcohol)First Aid at Work and H&S qualifications (training can be provided)Equality, Diversity and Inclusion PolicyPowderham is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. Powderham in providing goods and/or services and/or facilities is also committed against unlawful discrimination of customers or the public. Our full EDI policy is available on request.Application ProcessTo apply, please submit a CV.All applications should be submitted through our vacancy page by 16th February 2026.You may have experience in the following: Events Venue Manager, Hospitality Venue Manager, Venue Operations Manager, etc.REF-226 479JBRP1_UKTJ