The Kingfisher is an established riverside gastro pub with rooms, located along the picturesque River Great Ouse in an historic setting. Known for its simple and relaxed approach to service, The Kingfisher offers a welcoming atmosphere, delicious cuisine, fine wines, and cask ales. We pride ourselves on creating a warm and inclusive environment where everyone feels like a local. As a team, we are dedicated to providing a memorable dining and hospitality experience.
Role Description
This is a full-time, on-site role based in Bedford for an Assistant Sales Manager.
The Assistant Sales Manager will work closely with the Sales Manager to drive revenue across weddings and events by building strong client relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and delivering an exceptional customer experience from enquiry through to booking.
This is a hands‑on role where you will take an active lead in managing enquiries, conducting client consultations and site visits, and supporting the conversion of leads into confirmed bookings. You will also play a key role in overseeing the day‑to‑day running of the sales office, supporting and guiding the Coordinator Team, and ensuring all enquiries and administrative processes are handled efficiently and to a high standard.
Alongside sales delivery, you will contribute to the smooth planning and coordination of events by working closely with the Operations Team, ensuring all event details are accurate, up to date, and communicated effectively. You will also support general sales performance tracking and planning, with a focus on improving results rather than heavy reporting.
This role is ideal for someone who is commercially driven, highly organised, and enjoys a balance of sales, team leadership, and operational involvement within a fast‑paced hospitality environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the Sales Manager in driving revenue and achieving targets
* Lead and support the Coordinator Team, setting clear direction and standards
* Manage enquiries, client consultations, and site visits to maximise bookings
* Oversee sales administration, including contracts and event documentation
* Monitor performance and identify opportunities to improve sales
* Coordinate team rotas and support day‑to‑day sales office operations
* Work closely with Operations to ensure seamless event delivery
* Identify new business opportunities and represent the brand at events
* Build strong relationships with clients and suppliers
* Ensure compliance with company procedures and maintain flexibility for evenings/weekends
Qualifications/Skills
* Strong customer service, communication, and relationship‑building skills
* Organisational skills, including experience in event coordination and sales planning
* Experience using booking or enquiry management systems and MS Office
* Experience in the hospitality or food and beverage industry is highly desirable
* Ability to work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
* Flexibility and adaptability, with a proactive and solution‑oriented mindset
Reports to: Sales Manager
Location: The Kingfisher / The Tithe Barn, On‑Site
Hours of Work: Full‑time, 40 hours, Mon‑Sun, including weekends and evenings
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