General Manager, Convene Rathbone, London
Located in the heart of London's iconic West End, Convene Rathbone is set to open in Spring 2027 as one of the city's most anticipated new Meetings & Events destinations. The 54,000-square-foot venue at One Rathbone Square will combine Convene's signature hospitality with industry-leading production capabilities to create a new standard for experiential events. Purpose-built for immersive experiences, the venue will support everything from high-profile conferences and brand showcases to luxury receptions and bespoke gatherings, bringing together advanced production technology with exceptional event delivery and meaningful human connection.
As a member of our opening team, you will play a key role in shaping the culture, guest experience, and long-term success of one of London's most exciting new event venues!
About the Role
As we prepare to open Convene Rathbone, we are seeking a seasoned and passionate General Manager to lead the venue from pre-opening through to long-term success. This is a unique opportunity to establish the operational foundations, build a high-performing team, and shape the culture, reputation, and client experience standards at one of London's most anticipated new Meetings & Events venues.
With end-to-end responsibility for the venue, you will translate vision into execution, bringing together people, operations, and commercial performance to create a venue recognised for exceptional hospitality, flawless event delivery, and lasting client relationships.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Team Management
- Provide executive direction to multidisciplinary teams including Hospitality Operations, Culinary, Event Planning, Sales, AV Production, Workplace Experience, and Reception ensuring alignment with business objectives and delivery of exceptional guest experiences.
- Recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing teams, ensuring ongoing training, professional growth, and adherence to HR policies, systems, and best practices.
- Oversee property payroll processes ensuring accuracy, compliance, and effective workforce planning in line with operational needs and business performance.
- Act as the cultural steward for the venue, fostering a high-performing team environment built on collaboration, accountability, and hospitality while investing in employee development, engagement, and wellbeing.
Venue Operations & Client Experience
- Establish and execute the venue's strategic operating plan in partnership with regional leadership driving financial performance, operational excellence, quality standards, and exceptional client satisfaction.
- Champion a service philosophy that transforms every interaction from intimate gatherings to large-scale, high-production events into a bespoke, world-class experience.
- Oversee seamless event delivery across front-of-house operations, back-of-house logistics, AV/Technology, Culinary, and Service teams ensuring the venue is consistently operationally ready and aligned with client expectations.
- Build trusted relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders acting as a strategic partner to understand their objectives and deliver exceptional event experiences that bring the brand promise to life.
- Maintain rigorous operational standards through effective policies, safety protocols, compliance practices, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance venue performance and client experience.
- Oversee building operations, maintenance, and resource allocation to ensure the venue remains safe, efficient, and aligned with brand standards.
Commercial Performance
- Partner with CHG's centralised commercial team, including Brand Marketing & Sales, to develop and execute an integrated commercial strategy that drives revenue growth, strengthens market positioning, and maximises demand across premium Meetings & Events, immersive experiences, and production-forward events.
- Drive a high-performance commercial culture focused on business development, client relationships, strategic partnerships, and post-contract growth initiatives that maximise venue performance and long-term success.
- Develop and deliver the annual business plan in partnership with regional leadership, managing income and expenditure targets while ensuring strong financial performance.
- Optimise revenue and profitability through strategic pricing, occupancy management, data-led decision making, effective cost control, and disciplined P&L management.
- Ensure accurate financial reporting and operational reviews across monthly, quarterly, and year-end performance cycles while implementing efficient purchasing practices aligned with company standards.
- Partner with leadership to develop and execute long-term growth strategies that strengthen the venue's market position and support commercial success.
- Implement industry-leading best practices to ensure the venue remains a benchmark for innovation, service excellence, and exceptional event experiences.
- Maintain a strong understanding of market trends and industry shifts, proactively evolving the venue's offering to remain dynamic, competitive, and aligned with client expectations.
- Continuously enhance the operational framework to improve efficiency and effectiveness, optimising workflows, resource allocation, and collaboration across departments.
What We Look For
- 7+ years of senior leadership experience in event venue management, client/membership experience , hospitality, or a related field.
- Proven track record of achieving financial targets and driving revenue growth.
- Strong operational expertise in event logistics, food & beverage programs, and technical production.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, membership and event-driven environment.
- Proficiency with budgeting, financial reporting, and KPI analysis.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays to support event operations.
We're Here For You:
Health and Wellness
- Private medical insurance
- Subsidised eye care
- Subsidised fitness membership
- Employee Assistance Program: well-being support and personal advice programme
Time Off and Work-Life Balance
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and company sick pay
- Financial Support and Benefits
- Bonus scheme
- Interest-free loan for rail season tickets & further education
- Subsidised bicycle purchase through Cycle to Work scheme
Professional Development and Recognition
- Continuous professional and personal development support
- Employee recognition and reward programs to mark achievements and milestones
Community and Impact
- Opportunities to volunteer, donate, and participate in community give-back initiatives
- The opportunity to have a significant impact on your team and the business in the work that you do
Convene is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome people from all backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives.
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