The Opportunity
We are recruiting an Events Operations Manager to take ownership of one of Essex’s most established and high‑potential events venues. This is a senior, commercially focused leadership role for an experienced operator who has managed events teams at scale, not simply delivered their own events.
The Lion Inn already enjoys a strong reputation for weddings, conferences, and private events. Our ambition now is to accelerate growth whilst maintaining standards and firmly position the venue as a go‑to premier events destination in Essex.
This role sits at the heart of that ambition. You will work alongside the General Manager and Deputy General Manager, leading the operational delivery, driving commercial performance, and playing an active role in marketing, conversion, and repeat business.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
- Full operational and commercial leadership of the weddings and events business
- Management, development, and accountability of the events team, including planners, coordinators, operational staff, and banqueting chefs
- Hands‑on leadership during events — setting standards, supporting delivery, and resolving issues in real time
- Working with the GM and DGM to drive revenue growth, increase enquiry conversion, and maximise yield
- Ownership of events P&L, including forecasting, budgeting, cost control, and performance against targets
- Close collaboration with kitchen and F&B teams to deliver premium food and service at volume
- Ensuring consistency, compliance, and excellence across all events
- Continual review and improvement of systems, processes, and ways of working to improve efficiency and profitability
- Acting as a senior ambassador for the venue, building relationships with suppliers, clients, and partners
What We’re Looking For
- Minimum 5 years’ experience managing a weddings and events operation
- Proven experience leading and developing a team, not operating as a sole planner
- Strong commercial mindset, with demonstrable P&L, budgeting, and forecasting experience
- Solid food and beverage background, ideally within premium hospitality or hotels
- Experience managing or working closely with banqueting kitchen teams
- A visible, credible leader who leads from the front and sets high standards
- Confident operating in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment
- Ambitious, driven, and motivated by growth, reputation, and performance
Why Join Us?
- Senior leadership role with real influence and autonomy
- Clear commercial scope to grow and shape a flagship events business
- Competitive salary of £40,000–£45,000
- 25% off Food & Drink across all of our venues
- 50% off accommodation across our entire estate
- Annual stay for £1 between January – March
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- Opportunity to cement The Lion Inn as a leading events venue in Essex
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