The Opportunity
We are recruiting a 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