ROLE OVERVIEW
The Event Manager (Ascot) is accountable for overseeing the delivery of the entire show and ensuring that all departments work cohesively together onsite. The role will report directly into the Event Director and will involve managing each of the three Area Managers. This multi-faceted role requires a strong balancing of the demands of people management and protecting the guest experience, whilst also delivering an efficient and safe operation across all elements of the event.
The role consists of delivering the operational processes across the site which are aligned with the SOP’s and overall Event Management Plan, communicating any feedback with procedures from guests and staff to stakeholders for approval.
We are most famous for our award-winning event, buried deep in the Crown Estate near Ascot. 17 years ago, Mike & Alison Battle created the event out of their own desire to take their children somewhere that would celebrate the pure, commercially unsullied, magic of Christmas. Now, with the help of Hollywood set-designers, West-End actors and more than a sprinkling of magic, the event is keeping the magic of Christmas alive for thousands of children every year.
LaplandUK celebrates and honours the values, imagination and wonderment of childhood through our magical world, rich storytelling and immersive memory making experiences.
This is an exciting period of growth for us, as we look for new ways to bring the Lapland experience to a global audience through media, publishing, live shows and eCommerce channels.
RESPONSIBILITIES
* On a rostered basis, work as the Event Manager for the live period of the event, taking ownership of all aspects to ensure a safe and world-class experience.
* Delegate responsibilities (but never overall accountability) as necessary to achieve the show’s KPI’s.
* To exceed the NPS target and guest satisfaction scores as set by the Event Director.
* Challenge and maintain strict budgetary and ad-hoc purchasing control.
* Authentically lead the various teams onsite by positive example and outstanding energy.
* Proactively and systematically monitor, measure and report on show readiness and operations.
* Ensure a consistent and accurate daily report at the end of each day to the Event Director.
* Full responsibility for swift and considered decision making to maintain momentum.
* Ensure that suppliers are adhering to Service Level Agreements and are following LUK Standard Operating Procedures.
* Coordinate site teams and champion a collaborative culture.
* Ensure that all communications are cascaded promptly and effectively across site.
* Senior escalation point for any complaints or issues on site.
* Act as a champion for the ‘Lapland Accessibility and Inclusion’ policies, working with colleagues and direct reports to ensure all are trained and working in accordance with the relevant processes.
* Attend to (and follow up) guest feedback, working closely with the various Area Managers within each Act (and other relevant stakeholders) to proactively address recurring problems.
* Deliver daily briefings to teams, communicating key safety, operational, experiential and departmental information in a timely manner.
TEAM MANAGEMENT
* Work closely alongside all direct reports to ensure that any reoccurring issues are pro-actively addressed and dealt with.
* Establish, lead and maintain a professional and positive working culture, acting as a role model.
* Provide support and guidance for direct and indirect reports at all times.
* Establish, lead and maintain a professional and positive working culture, acting as a role model.
* Ensure a high level of morale across all teams.
* Work across departments to highlight staff achievements & implement reward scheme.
* Share key data insights and LaplandUK values via screens across site.
* Ensure that team attendance is high, managing absence in a timely and effective manner in accordance with company policy.
* Manage poor performance in a timely and effective manner, in accordance with company policy.
* Recognise and promote good performance and attendance.
* Work closely with People Operations on any recruitment requirements during the live event.
TRAINING
* Successfully complete all E-Learning modules provided ahead of onsite training.
* Attend the Table Top Exercise and Management training ahead of onsite training.
GOLDEN & PR GUESTS
* Ensure the successful operational running for Golden Experience and PR guests is delivered to an exceptional standard.
KPIS
* Consistent daily NPS score 70+
Guest Satisfaction score 90-95+ per department
Queue times
* Frozen pond
* F&B outlets
* FC land
Staff Satisfaction score
* Results from survey in our weekly e-grapevine
Successful BOH kitchen operation
HODs weekly meeting
Reporting
* Daily check lists complete by each department
* Daily report complete by each department
* Gathering useful insight and suggested improvements for Head Office sign off
Guest Operations
* Efficient reporting to offsite Guest Relation team
* Golden experience operations; delivery, staffing & schedules
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Essential Experience:
* Minimum five year’s experience working in Event Management.
* Strong people management experience, with experience coordinating large teams within a guest-facing operation.
* Strong understanding of reporting procedures to ensure safe operational practices and maintain high front of house standards.
* Working knowledge of best Health and Safety practices.
Skills / Knowledge
* Excellent communication, interpersonal and diplomacy skills.
* Able to manage your own workload and enjoy working to pressurised deadlines, whilst maintaining effective prioritisation skills.
* Bright with a strong sense of initiative.
* Confident with technology.
* Ability to think both creatively and pragmatically to solve issues and establish improved systems.
* Composed mindset able to reframe and focus in a crisis.
* Desire to drive continuous improvement across the event management.
* Flexibility of approach to working environment needs.
* Ability to work well in a team environment.
* Diligent and tenacious with a strong desire to succeed and help others to do so.
* Positive attitude throughout to ensure a good morale is sustained onsite.
* Organisational skills and attention to detail.
Location: Whitmoor Forest, Ascot, SL5 8BG
Shifts: 10 hour shift (early & late shift patterns)
Key Dates: Induction Date 18th October, as well various table-top & management training sessions
Training period on-site: 31st October - 5th November
Live Event Period: 6th November - 24th December
Pay Rate: £385 per day
Accommodation provided if required
One meal per day to be provided
Life at LaplandUK:
At LaplandUK, we believe in the magic of collaboration, a steadfast commitment to excellence, and a team that's always willing to roll up their sleeves and get involved. Working with us means being part of a dynamic environment where collaboration brings out the best in everyone, diverse talents converge, and innovation thrives. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every team member is dedicated to achieving the highest standards, contributing to a workplace culture that values continuous improvement and outstanding results.
We're not just looking for employees; we want people who are excited to get involved, embrace challenges, and bring a hands-on approach to their work, creating a workplace full of positivity and collective success. Overall, working at LaplandUK offers a chance to be part of something truly special, where the wonder of childhood is celebrated by a team dedicated to making memories for over 40,000 families each year.
Passion for the Mission.
We are in service to belief. We understand the importance of what we do and its legacy.
One Collaborative Company
We only succeed together. We are a positive and caring group of people who embrace developing Lapland and ourselves.
Driven To Deliver Excellence
Belief is in the detail. Powered by our purpose we challenge and innovate to exceed expectations in everything we do.
Applicants must be authorised to work in the United Kingdom without the need for visa sponsorship.
LaplandUK reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any time. Due to the high number of applications being received, we may not be able to respond to every applicant.
LaplandUK is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We therefore encourage applications from all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, as well as parents, veterans, people living with disabilities, and any other groups that could bring diverse perspectives to our business.