Events Manager
Permanent
Based in Piccadilly, London
We are looking for a highly competent and driven Events Manager to lead the Piccadilly events programme. The Events Manager will be responsible for curating and promoting a vibrant programme and for managing the administrative and operational processes required to deliver this. This role will suit someone with keen attention to detail, who understands the high standards to which events must be executed and the work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure their smooth running.
Based at our Piccadilly Flagship, which is host to our flagship events programme, which ranges from book groups to book signings, prize ceremonies to midnight launches, instore talks and theatre events with the biggest names writing today. This is an exciting opportunity to help take our events programme to the next level.
What you will be doing
Identify the operational and administrative needs of each event and ensure that these are completed.
Monitor and maintain events communication with customers, ensuring all enquiries are promptly replied to.
Be confident in maintaining and nurturing relationships with external partners including publishers and PR professionals and authors.
Be an integrated part of the bookselling team to create an events programme that is an extension of the shops bookselling focus.
Promote events by ensuring booksellers are equipped to speak with customers about the events programme; use the shops space to display promotional materials; utilise social media; explore links with local press and radio.
Project manage events that are hosted out of the shop, working closely with our venue partners on all aspects of this activity.
Set up and run bookstalls at events run by other producers.
Work effectively with publishers and other external teams.
Carry out evaluation to continually improve the customer proposition.
Event management: to run events where necessary.
Work as a bookseller on the shop floor as required during peak season.
Flexibility: the role will involve working evenings and weekends where required.
What we need from you
Experience of devising and implementing projects, from planning to delivery, ideally in an events environment.
Has been involved with the running of customer facing events.
Working in a team with defined roles to deliver successful projects to tight deadlines.
A familiarity with, or interest in learning about, different social media platforms, particularly Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and how these can be used to reach an events audience.
Proficient in use of Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
Person Profile
Excellent organisational skills, the ability to manage multiple projects at one time and work to tight deadlines, often in a fast-paced environment.
The ability to think logically, to implement plans and timelines and follow them through.
Outstanding communication skills to enable effective communication with customers and colleagues at different levels internally and externally.
An ability to work well alone, as well as being able to lead a group of booksellers.
An adaptable style and the ability to work with a variety of different characters.
Passionate about delivering excellent customer service and creating exceptional events.
Why work for Waterstones
Waterstones is the cornerstone of bookselling across the UK and Ireland. Joining Waterstones means being an active part in a success story that began in 1982, and books are as popular now as the day we started.
Trading across the UK, Ireland and Europe, we are present in over 300 shopping locations, where Waterstones continues to thrive, each year actively pursuing a programme of new bookshop openings. Online we meanwhile mirror the essence of our bookshops, further showcasing the unique enthusiasm and knowledge of our booksellers.
If you have the relevant essential experience and you are interested, we would love to hear from you.
REF-226 562
TPBN1_UKTJ