Venue Operations Manager - LIMEKILN

LIMEKILN, an exclusive use event space in Sussex is seeking a Venue Operations Manager to oversee a busy calendar of events, including brand takeovers, corporate away days and weddings. As the leader on-site, you will work with all our HODs– leading by example to ensure an exceptional client experience from initial enquiry to the delivery of the event itself. The right candidate will have an entrepreneurial spirit and be an ambassador for the LIMEKILN brand standards, with keen attention to detail and a passion for service. A successful Venue Operations Manager will work collaboratively with Dearborn Estates to actively seek ways to over deliver on guest experience and lead the team through the operational delivery of the day to day running of the venue and events.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Oversee the smooth running of all departments, leading from the ground to manage the guest experience from point of enquiry to the delivery of the event with a focus on leading the operational running of the site

  • Oversight of guest experience at all touchpoints, ensuring the highest standard of service is proactively considered and delivered

  • Ensuring the brand standards are always met through venue presentation and all client communications

  • Assessing strategic ways to improve and develop the site to deliver efficiency and exceptional client experience at every step of the client journey

  • Proactively implement ways to increase revenue and profitability, particularly from beverage upsells

  • Hosting weekly HOD meetings and overseeing all teams, working with them to deliver exceptional weddings and events, including post-event reporting

  • Genuine and approachable team leadership that will empower and inspire, including training and supporting staff, overseeing team rotas and all internal departments

  • Identifying and escalating maintenance issues and dealing with these where necessary

  • Working closely with the event delivery teams to ensure all staffing, logistics and bars are covered and running efficiently

  • Proactively seeking opportunities to improve the operational functionality of the venue and working closely with Dearborn to implement improvements

  • Creating and updating SOP’s to ensure effective delivery of every product

  • Working closely with the Event Manager and Bar Manager to oversee revenue and hit target GPs

  • Line management of on-site staff including payroll and recruitment as well as building on company culture

  • Working closely with Dearborn to create and implement training and development programmes for team members

  • Managing annual budgets

  • Revenue reporting and forecasting

  • Managing ongoing projects and developments on-site alongside Dearborn head office

  • Oversight on Parkfield Golf’s F&B management, ensuring that the club house is kept to a standard in keeping with LIMEKILN’s brand

  • Oversight of all Health and Safety on site working closely with Dearborn and the Estate Manager to ensure compliance

Requirements:

  • Excellent customer service with a passion for all aspects of hospitality

  • Natural communicator with experience leading a team of like-minded people

  • Confident leader and resourceful problem solver

  • 3 years experience at management level in a 5* hospitality or luxury event environment, with a proven track record for exceptional event delivery

  • Highly organised, efficient and detail oriented

  • Experience in recruitment, training and team development

  • Previous experience managing budgets and driving profitability

  • Experience in rota planning, SOP development and team training

  • Strong operational and strategic thinking with a focus on efficiency and guest satisfaction

  • Intermediate to expert level of knowledge of bar & wine required

  • Barista experience required

  • Proficient in MS Office

  • Driving licence

  • Exceptional written and verbal communication

  • Ability to work flexibly across all aspects of events, sales and planning departments, including weekends and evenings

Package:

  • A generous salary package of £48,000 p/a

  • 23 days annual leave, plus bank holidays

  • Day off for your birthday each year

  • Exciting & rewarding working environment, with opportunity for career development

Hours:

  • 45 hours per week across 5 days with 2 days off per week, inclusive of evenings and weekends

To apply please email careers@dearbornestates.co.uk with a CV and covering letter