Purpose of the Role:
Responsible for leading the operational planning and delivery of owned Shows and third-party events across the Bath & West Showground. Acting as the operational lead following the successful sale of an event, the Event Delivery Manager manages the client journey from contract handover through to event completion, ensuring exceptional customer service and consistent operational standards.
The role leads the Event Delivery Team and is responsible for coordinating operational planning, chairing Function Sheet Meetings, managing client relationships, committee expectations, ensuring compliance, and delivering events safely and successfully. As deputy to the Head of Events, the Event Delivery Manager provides day-to-day leadership across the department and supports the continuous improvement of event delivery processes.
The Organisation:
The Royal Bath & West of England Society, a charity established in 1777, promotes agriculture, manufacture, arts, and rural crafts. Core activities include:
- Hosting financially viable agricultural and rural shows.
- Maximising commercial value from the Showground.
- Delivering educational and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
The Society’s Showground hosts a range of events, including the Royal Bath & West Show, specialist shows, and third-party events generating ~£1m revenue annually, with strong growth potential supported by facilities such as the Wessex Pavilion and Rural Enterprise Centre.
Key Responsibilities:
Team Leadership
- Line manage, support and mentor event coordination and delivery team
- Allocate workload across the team
- Support recruitment, induction and training
- Deputise for the Head of Events
Event Delivery Leadership
- Lead the operational planning and delivery of owned Shows and third-party events
- Assume responsibility for operational delivery, following handover from Sales Team
- Act as the principal coordination and operations contact for clients
- Build strong relationships with organisers to understand event objectives and requirements
- Ensure consistent standards of customer service throughout the planning process
Operational Planning
- Produce, maintain and approve Function Sheets, and operational documentation
- Chair Function Sheet Meetings and ensure all departments and contractors understand requirements
- Coordinate with internal departments, external suppliers and contractors to ensure successful delivery
Compliance and Risk
- Oversee collection and review of relevant client and contractor documentation
- Ensure all compliance documentation is complete before events
- Identify operational risks and implement appropriate controls
- Liaise with internal and external compliance teams where required
Event Delivery
- Lead the operational delivery of allocated events
- Deliver smaller and medium-sized events independently
- Support major Society events including Royal Bath & West Show, Dairy Show, and Food & Drink Festival
- Act as Duty Event Manager when required
- Resolve client and operational issues
- Conduct post-event debriefs
Continuous Improvement
- Develop and improve event planning procedures
- Review customer feedback with Sales Team, implementing improvements as required
- Introduce efficiencies across event delivery
- Support departmental projects and business improvements
- Contribute to strategic planning alongside the Head of Events
Person Specification:
Essential
- Significant experience in venue, conference, hospitality or event environments
- Experience leading, mentoring and developing teams
- Proven ability to coordinate multiple events and competing priorities simultaneously
- Excellent client relationship and stakeholder engagement skills
- Confident chairing planning meetings and coordinating cross-functional teams
- Sound knowledge of event health & safety legislation and compliance requirements
- Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to identify opportunities to increase revenue and improve operational efficiency
- Excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills
- Resilient, adaptable and able to make sound decisions under pressure
- Full UK Driving Licence
Desirable
- Experience managing exhibitions, festivals or agricultural events
- Experience using Events500 or similar venue management software
- IOSH or NEBOSH qualification
- Event Management qualification
Working Arrangements:
36.25 hours per week, five days out of seven - flexible to support event and show delivery.
Benefits:
- Salary from £32,000 to £36,000 per annum dependent on experience
- 45p/mile car travel expenses
- Salary sacrifice scheme (after three months)
- Pension and healthcare schemes (after three months)
- 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
- Option to “buy” an additional two weeks holiday per year (after three months service)
- Volunteering Days
- Complimentary tickets to owned Shows
- Discounted / Complimentary tickets to other events on the Showground
- Free onsite parking
Location:
Ideally within reasonable distance of the Showground, BA4 6QN
Note:
Details are provided as guidance only; full employment terms are confirmed in offers, the Staff Handbook, and Society policies.
Pay: £32,000.00-£36,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Paid volunteer time
Work Location: In person
