The 3 Stories is a large, multi-floor entertainment venue with significant potential across live music, comedy, ticketed shows, private functions, daytime events and recurring entertainment.
We are looking for a hands-on Entertainment, Events & Venue Growth Manager to take ownership of this side of the business and drive the venue forward.
This is not simply an act-booking or diary-management role.
We need someone with flair, commercial judgement and the energy to develop original events, source quality entertainment, negotiate with acts and agents, sell functions and take responsibility for bringing customers through the doors.
The successful candidate will report directly to the owner and work closely with the General Manager, venue team and content creator.
The Opportunity
The venue can accommodate approximately 300 customers for major single-floor events and, where appropriate, around 450 customers across two floors.
Current and planned events may include:
- Mackem Exchange Wednesdays
- Mackem Bingo
- Memory Lane Monday Club
- Irish Fridays
- Day Clubbing
- Queer Thursdays in The Library
- Bottomless brunches
- Comedy and live entertainment
- Touring shows and music events
- Dating and social events
- Football and major sporting events
- Private functions and Christmas parties
- Seasonal and themed events
Some concepts are already operating, while others are still in development. You will be expected to improve existing events, launch new ones and bring forward your own commercially viable ideas.
Main Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain the venue’s events and functions calendar.
- Build a detailed programme at least six to eight weeks ahead, supported by a broader twelve-month plan.
- Source quality music, comedy, touring shows, performers and interactive entertainment from across the UK and Ireland.
- Build relationships with artists, managers, agents, producers, promoters and comedy bookers.
- Create complete event concepts rather than simply booking performers.
- Negotiate fees, ticket splits, profit shares and performance-related agreements.
- Prepare event budgets, ticket targets, break-even figures and profitability forecasts.
- Monitor ticket sales and take action when events are underperforming.
- Attend and manage key events, including evenings and weekends.
- Actively sell private functions, birthdays, group bookings, company events and Christmas parties.
- Develop VIP tables, customer packages and repeat-booking activity.
- Use the courtesy minibus to support suitable events and group bookings.
- Develop food and drink promotions linked to events.
- Contact breweries and drinks companies for promotional materials, prizes, branded merchandise and sponsorship support.
- Order party decorations, event materials, signage and themed items within agreed budgets.
- Gather photographs, videos, performer clips and customer atmosphere for the venue’s content creator.
- Report directly to the owner on results, costs, opportunities and decisions required.
Commercial Approach
You must be commercially confident and willing to negotiate rather than automatically accepting the price requested by an act, agent or supplier.
You should be comfortable assessing whether an event is commercially viable and taking responsibility for ticket sales, costs and delivery.
The Person We Need
We are not insisting on a particular qualification, job title or traditional venue-management background.
You may come from live entertainment, hospitality, music, comedy, event promotion, marketing, sales, private functions or another relevant commercial background.
What matters is that you can demonstrate:
- Flair and original thinking
- Relevant experience
- Strong commercial judgement
- Confidence negotiating and selling
- Initiative and personal ownership
- Excellent organisation
- Knowledge of customers and entertainment
- The ability to take an idea from concept through to delivery
- Willingness to work evenings, weekends and major event dates
- The energy to work hands-on within a busy venue
This is not a remote, part-time or purely administrative role.
We need someone who will identify what needs done, take responsibility and deliver results.
Salary and Benefits
- £34,000–£36,000 per annum, depending on demonstrated experience and ability
- Performance-related bonus of up to £15,000 per annum
- 45 hours per week over five days
- 28 days’ paid holiday, including bank holidays
- Workplace pension
- Six-month probationary period
- Permanent, full-time position
- Based at The 3 Stories in Sunderland
- Start date: As soon as possible
The bonus will be linked to event profitability, ticket sales, private functions, Christmas parties, VIP and group bookings, recurring event growth and successful delivery.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV with a covering note explaining:
- Your relevant entertainment, events, hospitality, promotion or commercial experience.
- Three acts, shows or event concepts you would bring to The 3 Stories.
- How you would approach selling 300 tickets for a major event.
- An example of a commercial agreement or promotion you have successfully negotiated.
- Why you are suited to taking ownership of this role.
Pay: £34,000.00-£36,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
