Pennard House Wedding and Event Director

Pennard House is a thriving, family run wedding and events venue based near Shepton Mallet in Somerset. We are looking to recruit a confident and capable Wedding and Event Director to join our small team.

We are looking for an energetic candidate who cares about exceptional client service and delivering outstanding and memorable events. You should have established experience in the hospitality and events industry ideally within the wedding business and be looking to build upon these skills within a growing and exciting environment.

The role will mainly comprise of working in a small team managing the wedding side of the business from dealing with first point of contact with bridal couples through to building the itinerary and managing the wedding day. There will also be some involvement in other events such as retreats, private parties and corporate events, as well as pitching in to help out other areas when needed.

The successful applicant will need excellent interpersonal and relationship skills as well as highly developed organisational skills and good IT skills. Furthermore, the ability to be flexible in working hours is essential, particularly at weekends. The job can be demanding with long hours so living locally will be of benefit.

Please send a cover letter and CV. Unfortunately, we are only able to contact people we wish to take to the next stage. All applicants must have a valid work permit.

General role

• To manage and deliver a high calibre of weddings and other events and to promote Pennard House as a niche venue for a range of outstanding events.
• To be a representative of Pennard House weddings and events.
• Crucial to be able to work weekends and be flexible about working including working increased hours over summer months with decrease in winter months.
• Happy to go the extra mile for our customers who will mostly be couples preparing for their wedding, which of course is one of the most important days of their lives.

Wedding and event responsibilities

• Administrate event bookings, including weddings and private event hires in line with existing procedures and organizational values.
• Answer new enquiries from potential bridal couples or other event clients and engage potential and existing clients via email and telephone.
• Liaise with wedding parties at the pre-booking stage to answer questions and facilitate viewings of the venue. This will involve some evening and weekend work.
• Carry out viewings and secure bookings.
• Assist with Open days and other showcase events.
• Manage and co-ordinate the in-house operations and relevant pre-event logistics (for example, venue preparation and management of guest expectations).
• Manage online and paper folders for each bridal couple with up to date information on contacts and decisions.
• Carry out meetings with bridal couples and other event clients.
• Liaise with catering team and clients to finalise itineraries.
• Manage wedding and event diaries.
• Manage bookings - invoicing, booking agreements and general admin.
• Client meetings - discussing how day will work, deciding on menus, helping with suggestions, advising on timings.
• Manage weddings on the day including being main point of contact for client during the day, overseeing running of the whole day, liaising with catering team, supporting outside suppliers attendance, ensuring that from start to finish the day runs smoothly.
• Represent Pennard House as point of contact for registrars on wedding days.
• Produce post-event evaluation to inform future events.
• Work with and support other catering and event personnel on site during running of events.

Skills and Experience

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent time-management skills and the ability to work under pressure to ensure the efficient running of an event
• Problem-solving skills and diplomacy
• Be flexible and have a proactive approach
• Good administrative and IT skills, including the ability to use Microsoft word, excel and outlook email systems
• Have self-motivation and enthusiasm
• Resilience and the ability to manage stress and uncertainty
• Able to use initiative
• Innovation and creative practice
• Demonstrate an ability to prioritise and manage own time, with the ability to work independently and manage the stresses and pressures this presents.
• Skills in conflict resolution and managing difficult situations

Marketing:

• Help to promote Pennard House as a venue of choice locally, regionally and nationally
• Sourcing imagery from past events, liaising with photographers / videographers and promoting Pennard House to wedding and event blogs online.

Other:

• Potential to be involved in other event sales such as retreats and corporate events midweek
• Provide general office help - ordering supplies, popping to post office, ad hoc duties as and when needed.
• Be proactive to seek new events
• Attend weekly team meetings
• Ability to manage close working relationships.
• Flexibility

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Role is based on a 35-hour working week, but will be flexible with some weekends and evening work required.
• 28 Days Holiday per year for full-time staff
• Staff Pension
• Onsite parking

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £24,000.00-£27,500.00 per year

Additional pay:

• Performance bonus

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Flexitime
• Sick pay

Schedule:

• Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Shepton Mallet, BA4 6TP: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

• Event Management: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person