Senior Weddings & Events Manager
Guildford Manor Hotel & Spa
Guildford, Surrey
£50,000 basic salary + 1.5% commission on total event booking revenue (excluding bedroom bookings)
Realistic on-target earnings of c. £60,000
Guildford Manor Hotel & Spa is a 4-star hotel, spa and events venue in Surrey, offering weddings, private events, corporate functions and leisure stays in a distinctive setting with strong growth potential.
With two function rooms, licensed outdoor ceremony space and attractive grounds, the venue is already a popular wedding destination and is well placed to grow further across weddings and wider events including corporates, birthdays, anniversaries, wakes and private functions.
We are looking for an outstanding Senior Weddings & Events Manager to take ownership of weddings and events sales, drive conversion, build revenue and deliver a highly professional client journey from initial enquiry through to event handover.
This is a senior, hands-on role for someone who is commercially strong, organised, positive, resilient and confident working independently. The successful candidate must be able to sell the venue proactively, manage their own pipeline, book show rounds on most weekends, be present at all events, and work closely with operations to ensure a smooth transition from sales into delivery.
This role will suit someone who is hardy, hardworking, motivated and not afraid of responsibility. Office conditions are not perfect, so we are looking for someone resilient and practical, with the right attitude to thrive in an independent hospitality environment and help raise standards over time.
The Role
You will be responsible for driving weddings and events business for Guildford Manor Hotel & Spa, with a strong focus on growing wedding revenue alongside additional event revenue from corporate and private functions.
You will take full ownership of the sales process, from first enquiry and follow-up through to show round, quotation, conversion, contracting and pre-event administration. On event days, you will be expected to be present, work alongside operational staff, and hand over clearly to the Operational Manager when your shift comes to an end.
This is not a passive or purely administrative events role. We are looking for someone with strong sales instinct, real commercial drive and the ability to work confidently on their own.
Key Responsibilities
- Proactively generate, manage and convert wedding and events enquiries
- Drive sales across weddings, corporate events, birthdays, anniversaries, wakes and other private functions
- Take ownership of the sales process from initial enquiry through to signed contract
- Book and conduct professional and persuasive show rounds, particularly on weekends
- Follow up leads consistently and tenaciously to maximise conversion
- Prepare proposals, quotations, contracts and event paperwork accurately and efficiently
- Build excellent relationships with prospective and confirmed clients
- Upsell where appropriate to maximise event value and revenue
- Ensure the best commercial use of all conference, banqueting and event space
- Maintain accurate booking information, function sheets and financial records
- Produce timely and accurate function information and communicate it clearly to operational teams
- Be present at all weddings and key event days
- Work alongside operational staff on event days in a coordinating and client-facing capacity
- Handover professionally to the Operational Manager when your shift finishes on event days
- Liaise with brides, grooms and key clients on the day to maintain confidence and satisfaction
- Complete all necessary administration to ensure events run successfully from both a customer service and financial perspective
- Recommend ideas and initiatives to increase sales, improve conversion and grow meetings and events revenue
- Support marketing activity including email marketing, Instagram/social media content and venue promotion, particularly where it drives direct enquiries
- Maintain a positive, solutions-focused attitude in a busy and sometimes imperfect working environment
About You
You will be commercially driven, organised and confident managing both the sales process and the client journey.
You will likely bring:
- strong weddings and events sales experience within a hotel, venue or hospitality business
- a proven track record of converting enquiries into confirmed bookings
- confidence working independently and owning your own sales pipeline
- strong communication, relationship-building and closing skills
- excellent organisational ability and attention to detail
- confidence handling event administration accurately and on time
- experience of working on wedding days or key events in coordination with operations
- the ability to remain calm, professional and solutions-focused under pressure
- a hardworking, positive and resilient attitude
- willingness to be fully present and accountable on Saturdays and major event days
- confidence working in an independent venue where flexibility, resilience and initiative matter
- a genuine desire to add value, grow revenue and help strengthen the business
Essential Requirements
- strong weddings and events sales experience within a hotel, venue or hospitality setting
- ability to work independently in a sales-led role
- strong past sales experience with a successful track record
- weekend availability is essential
- availability to book and conduct show rounds on most weekends
- availability on Saturdays and other key event days
- willingness to be present at all events
- confidence liaising with clients and operations on the morning and throughout the course of a wedding or event
- strong attention to detail, organisation and follow-through
- a positive, resilient and hardworking approach
Package
- £50,000 basic salary
- 1.5% commission on the total value of event booking revenue excluding bedroom bookings
- Realistic on-target earnings of c. £60,000
- Monthly commission paid in arrears
- Opportunity to make a real impact in a growing independent 4-star hotel and venue business
Why Join Us
This is an opportunity to take real ownership of weddings and events sales within a well-known independent hotel and venue business with strong potential.
For the right person, this role offers the chance to make a visible contribution, drive meaningful revenue, and be directly rewarded for strong performance in a business that values resilience, positivity, hard work and results.
To apply, please send your CV and a short note outlining your relevant experience and why this role appeals to you.
Pay: £50,000.00-£65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Do you have at least 5 years’ experience in wedding or events sales within a hotel or venue?
- Have you personally managed enquiries, show rounds and conversions through to confirmed booking/contract?
- Are you available to work weekends regularly, including Saturdays and key event dates?
Work Location: In person
