Building jobs in Pembury

Wedding Co-ordinator and Venue Manager

An exciting opportunity to join a beautiful country estate in East Sussex

Wadhurst Castle is a stunning historic private estate set within beautiful parkland on the East Sussex and Kent borders. With an established weddings and events business and exciting opportunities for further growth, we are looking for an enthusiastic, commercially minded and highly organised Wedding Co-ordinator and Venue Manager to join our team.

This is a varied, hands-on role combining sales, business development, event management and on-the-day wedding coordination.

The Opportunity

We are looking for someone who can bring energy, initiative and a real passion for selling. Winning new business, converting enquiries into bookings and developing relationships with prospective clients will be at the heart of the role.

Alongside this, you will take responsibility for the planning and delivery of weddings and events, including being personally involved in coordinating weddings on the day to ensure everything runs smoothly and our clients receive an exceptional experience.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Managing enquiries, conducting venue show rounds and converting leads into confirmed bookings.
• Driving sales, developing new business and identifying opportunities to grow revenue.
• Building strong relationships with clients, suppliers and industry contacts.
• Planning and coordinating wedding operations and events.
• Providing hands-on, on-the-day wedding coordination.
• Managing the day-to-day operation of the venue, including staff, suppliers and administration.
• Developing marketing and promotional activity, including social media and online presence.
• Monitoring budgets, costs and financial performance.
• Maintaining excellent standards of presentation, service, safety and compliance.

About You

You will ideally have a minimum of three years’ proven experience in wedding management and coordination, together with broader venue or events management experience. We are looking for someone who has the confidence and capability to manage weddings from initial enquiry and booking through to on-the-day delivery, alongside overseeing the wider day-to-day venue management. The successful candidate will have:

• Proven sales ability and confidence in converting enquiries into business.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• A strong commercial instinct and a proactive approach to business development.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Have experience of marketing, social media and business promotion.
• Be highly organised, proactive and attentive to detail.
• Be self-motivated, able to work independently and comfortable taking responsibility.
• Have a positive, flexible, can-do attitude and a genuine commitment to excellent customer service.
• Ideally, have experience using Sonas, our wedding and events management software, or a similar CRM system, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
• A warm, personable approach and a genuine commitment to delivering outstanding customer experiences.

You will need to be flexible, including working weekends and occasional evenings, in line with the events calendar.

The Position

This is a full-time position, although we are open to considering a job-share arrangement for the right combination of candidates, depending on the skills and experience of applicants.

Salary: Negotiable, depending on skills and experience.

Location: Wadhurst Castle, Wadhurst, East Sussex.

If you are a confident salesperson with a passion for weddings and events, enjoy taking responsibility and would love to help develop an exceptional venue, we would be delighted to hear from you.

To apply: Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and why you feel you would be suited to the role.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Wedding Co-ordinator and Venue Manager

The Role

Wadhurst Castle is a beautiful historic private estate with an established and growing weddings and events business. We are looking for an experienced, commercially minded and highly motivated individual to take responsibility for the day-to-day management, sales and development of the wedding side of the business.

The successful candidate will be an accomplished salesperson, an excellent organiser and a natural people person, with the ability to work independently, take initiative and deliver exceptional experiences for our clients and guests.

Key Responsibilities

1. Business & Venue Management

• Oversee the day-to-day running and management of the wedding venue and its facilities.
• Work closely with the estate owner and wider team to develop and grow the business.
• Manage the bookings calendar, business inbox, telephone enquiries and client administration.
• Coordinate venue staff, suppliers and contractors.
• Maintain high standards of presentation, maintenance and customer service.

2. Sales & Business Development

• Proactively manage incoming enquiries, respond promptly and professionally, conduct engaging and persuasive venue show rounds, and convert prospective clients into confirmed bookings.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with prospective and existing clients, wedding suppliers, planners and industry contacts to encourage referrals and generate repeat business.
• Actively identify and pursue new business opportunities, develop sales leads and explore creative ways to maximise bookings and increase revenue.
• Prepare and present tailored proposals, negotiate bookings, packages and pricing, and confidently demonstrate the value of the Castle's offering while working towards agreed sales targets.
• Maintain regular contact with prospective clients, ensuring all leads are followed up effectively and opportunities are progressed through to a successful booking.
• Monitor enquiry levels, conversion rates and booking performance, identifying opportunities to improve sales activity and strengthen the Castle's position in the wedding market.
• Promote the Castle's facilities, accommodation and additional services, identifying opportunities to generate additional income and maximise the value of each booking.

3. Marketing & Promotion

• Oversee and optimise the Castle's digital presence, including social media platforms, website content, online listings and advertising, ensuring all content is engaging, up to date and consistent with the brand.
• Develop and implement a coordinated marketing and social media strategy, creating compelling content and campaigns that increase visibility, grow audience engagement, attract prospective clients and generate quality enquiries.
• Monitor the effectiveness of marketing activity, social media engagement and advertising campaigns, using analytics and performance data to refine the approach and maximise return on marketing investment.
• Identify new promotional opportunities, partnerships and marketing channels to broaden the Castle's reach, attract new audiences and support business growth.
• Plan, organise and represent Wadhurst Castle at wedding fairs, showcases, trade events and networking opportunities, actively promoting the venue and developing valuable industry relationships.

4. Event Planning & Delivery

• Undertake the planning, coordination and delivery of all weddings at the castle.
• Liaise with clients and suppliers to ensure all requirements and arrangements are in place.
• Undertake event preparation, room layouts, equipment, set-up and on-the-day coordination.
• Ensure events run smoothly and meet the expectations of clients and the estate.
• Gather client feedback and identify opportunities for improvement.

5. Financial & Administrative Responsibilities

• Monitor budgets, event costs and expenditure, ensuring effective cost control.
• Maintain accurate financial and booking records and liaise with the castle bookkeeper and business manager as required.
• Ensure appropriate resources are used efficiently and agreed financial targets are achieved.
• Manage routine administration, ordering of supplies and reporting of repairs or replacements.

6. Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with relevant Health & Safety, fire safety, food safety and GDPR requirements.
• Ensure appropriate procedures are followed by staff, suppliers and event organisers at all times.
• Maintain a safe and welcoming environment for clients, guests and staff.

Additional Requirements

• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, as required by the events calendar.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training, including First Aid and Fire Safety.
• Ability to obtain a Personal Licence if not already in place.
• Satisfactory criminal records check (DBS)

The role requires someone who can combine excellent customer service with commercial drive, operational ability and a genuine enthusiasm for developing the Wadhurst Castle business.

Pay: £30,000.00-£40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Free parking
• On-site parking

Experience:

• Wedding and event sales: 3 years (preferred)
• Venue Management: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person