Why Ian Coley Sporting?
Ian Coley Sporting & Shooting offers the opportunity to work in a unique, welcoming and highly respected countryside business, where no two days are quite the same. Based in a beautiful rural setting, our team takes pride in delivering exceptional experiences for clients, whether they are complete beginners, experienced shots, corporate guests or visitors enjoying a special day out.
We are a close-knit, hands-on team where professionalism, safety, attention to detail and great customer service sit at the heart of everything we do. Working at Coley’s means being part of a friendly and supportive environment where your contribution is valued, your ideas are listened to, and you can develop your skills while helping to create memorable experiences for every guest.
Event Management in a nutshell
Event management at Coley’s is about bringing together all the moving parts that create a seamless, enjoyable and memorable experience for every guest. From initial enquiry and planning through to on-the-day coordination and follow-up, the role requires excellent organisation, calm problem-solving, attention to detail and confident communication with clients, colleagues and suppliers. Whether supporting a corporate event, charity day, private booking, competition or special occasion, no two days are the same. You will be central to making sure each event runs smoothly, safely and professionally, while ensuring clients feel genuinely well looked after from start to finish. Done well, this creates the kind of experience that encourages repeat business, leaves people wanting to come back, and inspires them to recommend Coley’s to others through positive word of mouth.
Positive, can-do attitude to life & work
Event management is all about people, teamwork and a positive, can-do approach. We are looking for someone who takes pride in doing things to the best of their ability, works collaboratively with colleagues, supports others when needed and helps find practical solutions when plans change or challenges arise. The tasks involved are not necessarily ‘difficult’, but completing them with care, energy and a genuine desire to over-deliver is what creates the challenge, the opportunity for growth and the consistently high standards our clients expect from Coley’s.
More than a role…
Working in a close-knit countryside business means your contribution can make a visible difference quickly. At Coley’s, fresh ideas, practical improvements and a proactive approach are welcomed, and you will feel valued for the energy and input you bring to the team. Event management is varied, hands-on and fast-paced, with the satisfaction of seeing each event come together successfully and knowing that guests leave having had a memorable experience. Coley’s is keen to make the best use of people’s skills, support development where possible and encourage flexibility when needed, so that the role remains rewarding, enjoyable and balanced.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage the full event journey from initial enquiry through to proposal, booking, planning, delivery and post-event follow-up.
- Actively develop event sales by building relationships with corporate clients, private groups, charity organisers and repeat customers.
- Understand each client’s requirements and shape bespoke event packages that are realistic, commercially sound and deliverable by the team.
- Prepare clear, accurate and professional proposals, quotations, schedules and event documentation.
- Plan and coordinate all event logistics, including timings, instructors, stands, catering, hospitality, prizes, goodie bags, safety equipment, refreshments and any additional client requirements.
- Work closely with the shooting school, reception, operations, catering, marketing and management teams to ensure everyone is fully briefed and each event runs smoothly.
- Liaise with self-employed instructors and maintain an up-to-date instructor bank, ensuring appropriate cover, availability and communication for each event.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with external suppliers, negotiating best value while protecting service quality and the Coley’s client experience.
- Host events confidently and professionally, acting as a key point of contact for clients and guests and resolving issues calmly as they arise.
- Ensure all events are delivered safely and professionally, with health and safety, safeguarding, licensing, firearms-related controls, risk assessments and legal obligations clearly communicated and followed.
- Monitor event costs, client expectations and operational requirements to help protect margin, service quality and repeat business.
- Conduct post-event follow-up, capturing feedback, identifying improvements and encouraging repeat bookings, referrals and positive word of mouth.
- Support marketing activity by providing event stories, photographs, client feedback, website updates and social media content where appropriate.
- Support reception and front-of-house activity when required, helping to maintain a welcoming, professional experience for all visitors.
- Manage time effectively, remain punctual and organised, and maintain accurate records in line with the requirements of the role.
The Company may vary your duties and responsibilities from time to time to reflect the needs of the business, whether on a temporary or permanent basis. Any changes will be reasonable and within the scope of your role, skills and experience. Where additional duties require new knowledge or skills, appropriate training and support will be provided.
Essential Selection Criteria
Education
- Educated to GCSE and/or A-level standard, or able to demonstrate equivalent experience in events, hospitality, customer service, business administration or a similar client-facing environment.
Knowledge & Skills
- Excellent organisation, planning and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple events, enquiries and priorities at the same time.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to deal professionally with clients, guests, colleagues, instructors and suppliers.
- High attention to detail and accuracy when preparing proposals, quotations, schedules, briefs and event documentation.
- Calm, practical problem-solving skills, with the ability to respond quickly and professionally when plans change or issues arise.
- Good IT and administrative skills, with the ability to maintain accurate records and use systems effectively.
Behaviours
- Proactive team player who takes ownership and follows tasks through to completion.
- Collaborative and supportive, with a willingness to help colleagues, instructors and suppliers deliver the best possible client experience.
- Calm, professional and solution-focused under pressure, particularly during live events.
- Positive, practical and hands-on, with a genuine desire to over-deliver for clients and guests.
- Discreet, trustworthy and professional when handling client information, bookings and business-sensitive details.
Desirable Selection Criteria
Education
- A qualification in event management, hospitality, business, marketing, customer service or another relevant subject would be advantageous but is not essential.
Knowledge & Skills
- Previous experience of organising corporate events, private events, charity events, competitions, hospitality days or countryside sporting events.
- Awareness of shooting ground operations, countryside pursuits or firearms-related safety controls would be helpful, although full training will be provided where required.
- Experience supporting sales activity, preparing proposals and converting enquiries into bookings.
- Experience working with suppliers, instructors, catering providers or operational teams to deliver a seamless guest experience.
- Commercial awareness, including an understanding of how to protect margin, encourage repeat bookings and support sales growth.
- Experience using booking systems, CRM systems, Microsoft Office or event management tools to manage enquiries, client information, schedules and follow-up activity.
- Ability to identify improvements to working practices, client communication, event processes and team coordination.
- Confidence supporting marketing activity through event stories, photographs, feedback, website updates or social media content where appropriate.
Behaviours
- Naturally builds rapport with clients, guests, colleagues, instructors and suppliers.
- Demonstrates resilience and persistence in overcoming challenges and finding practical solutions.
- Sets the standard for exceptional client service and takes pride in creating memorable guest experiences.
- Commercially minded, with the confidence to identify opportunities for repeat business, referrals and service improvements.
What’s in it for me…
- Annual Volunteering Day
- Discounts on Company Holiday Products & Services
- Career Development
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee Loan Agreements
- Enhanced Sick Pay
- Funded Training & Development
- Hybrid /Flexible Working
- Life Assurance
- Paid Time off for Emergencies (Up to 4 Days PA)
- Pension Scheme
- Personal Annual Travel Insurance
- Private Medical Insurance
- Professional Membership Renewal Scheme
- Sabbaticals
- Smart Health App
- Up to 27 Days Holiday + bank holidays
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Referral programme
- Sabbatical
- Sick pay
- Store discount
Experience:
- Events management: 1 year (preferred)
- Sales: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
