Senior Event Manager Job Pack
Job Title
Senior Event Manager
Line Manager
Commercial Director
Location
Primarily based in Andover, with regular travel across the UK for events; international events currently form a small part of our business
Job Type / Hours
Full-time, annualised hours
Salary
Starting salary of £37,000 p.a.
To Note
Full UK Driver's License essential – must be confident driving manual vehicles up to 3.5t (LWB and Luton/Low Loader type vehicles).
About Marston Events
Marston Events was founded in 2005 and has grown into a prestigious and expanding company specialising in graduation ceremony services. We work in partnership with universities, colleges, schools, and professional bodies across the UK and internationally. Our core services include expert event management, the design and supply of high-quality gowns, professional graduation photography, event video/streaming services, and event ticketing.
We are dedicated to celebrating the power of aspiration and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Our culture is built on trust, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. With sites in Andover, Salford’s (Surrey), and Belfast, we are proud of our diverse workforce and our supportive, inclusive environment.
About the Role
The Senior Event Manager plays a pivotal leadership role within the Events Team, overseeing the successful planning, coordination, logistics, and delivery of graduation and ceremonial events across the UK. This role combines operational excellence with team leadership, strategic development, and continuous improvement.
You will lead a team of Event Managers and event staff, ensuring high standards of professionalism, customer service, and operational delivery. You will also contribute to shaping the future of the Events Team, driving innovation and supporting organisational growth.
This is a dynamic and rewarding role for an experienced events professional who thrives in fast-paced environments and enjoys leading people, solving problems, and delivering memorable experiences.
Key Responsibilities
Event Leadership & Delivery
- Lead and deliver graduation and ceremonial event services at various venues.
- Oversee all aspects of on-site event operations, including staff coordination and live problem-solving.
- Ensure event spaces are set up to a professional standard aligned with client expectations and company brand.
- Attend site visits and liaise with venue contacts, academic institutions, and internal departments.
- Ensure floor plans, schedules, and briefing documents to support planning and live delivery are created in line with company standards.
Team Leadership & Management
- Lead, motivate, and manage the events team day to day.
- Set up and conduct regular formal 1:1s and team meetings.
- Assign roles and responsibilities to team members as required.
- Oversee completion of tasks and meeting actions allocated on the planner.
- Work with wider teams to support planner oversight, accountability checks, and deadlines.
- Provide training, coaching, and development opportunities for team members.
- Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and excellence.
- Maintain high standards of customer service and professionalism across the team.
- Ensure all Event Manager–led meetings are carried out professionally, with actions recorded and completed.
- Work with the team to troubleshoot on live days and provide constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
Strategic Development & Innovation
- Identify potential risks and implement contingency plans ahead of live days, communicating with all relevant areas.
- Encourage innovations that enhance the attendee experience at live events.
- Work with Senior Leadership on shaping the Events Team for the future, driving this project and arranging meetings as required.
- Evolve and develop strategies and tasks to deliver against company goals/targets.
Logistics & Equipment
- Work with the warehouse team to prepare, maintain, and manage event kit.
- Ensure correct stock levels of academic dress and ceremonial items.
- Oversee transport, loading, and unloading of goods and equipment.
- Maintain stock, report damages, and ensure proper care of assets.
Customer Service
- Serve as a key point of contact for clients, graduates, and guests.
- Handle inquiries, resolve issues proactively, and ensure a high-quality customer experience.
- Be an available point of contact/escalation for the team.
- Escalate issues to relevant teams and oversee implementation of improvements.
Essential Qualifications & Requirements
- Previous experience in event management, including leading teams.
- Ability to take full ownership of event execution and client relations.
- Strong communication skills and confidence in managing expectations.
- Full, clean UK driving licence (manual vehicles).
- Must live within a 20-mile radius of Andover.
- Comfortable with flexible hours, including evenings and weekends during peak seasons.
- Competent with Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Strong interpersonal skills with a confident, customer-focused approach.
- Comfortable with physical tasks, including manual handling and long event days.
Working Conditions
- Based in the Andover office when not on-site.
- Regular travel across the UK, including overnight stays.
- Occasional work from other company offices.
- Use of company and hire vehicles for travel.
Physical Requirements
- Comfortable lifting and handling event equipment.
- Comfortable working long days during peak event periods.
- Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
Company Values & Behaviours
1. We Are Proud
- High standards and technical excellence.
- Brand advocacy and ownership.
2. We Are Ambitious
- Proactive goal-setting and growth mindset.
- Initiative and continuous improvement.
3. We Are Resilient
- Perseverance under pressure.
- Problem-solving and adaptability.
4. We Act with Integrity
- Honesty, transparency, and ethical decision-making.
- Trustworthiness and accountability.
5. We Care
- Empathy, compassion, and respect.
- Team spirit and community focus.
Company Benefits
- Supportive company culture focused on creating memorable experiences.
- Employee Assistance Programme (Peninsula).
- Access to pension scheme.
- 28 days holiday including bank holidays.
- On-site parking.
- Enhanced holiday allowance for long service.
- Volunteering days.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements (role dependent).
- Death in service cover.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £37,000.00 per year
Application question(s):
- Are you located in and within 20 miles of Andover?
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (manual vehicles) (required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
