Powderham Castle, Exeter · On-site
Venue Manager
Job Specification
Role Title Venue Manager
Reports To Heritage Manager
Location Powderham, Devon
Terms Full Time / Permanent; fixed-term or part-time (pro rata) considered
Days Variable including evenings, nights and weekends
Annual Leave 30 days per year
Pension Eligible to join the company pension scheme
Salary Band 4 (£30,000 - £35,000)
As Powderham embarks on the “growth” phase of its 5-year strategic plan, we are investing in our future by expanding our management team to help deliver this exciting vision for the future. These roles will play a key part in expanding and supporting our established team, working closely with an experienced and supportive senior leadership group.
Purpose
The Venue Manager will play a central role in supporting Powderham’s mission to welcome as many people as possible to the Estate and ensure it remains a thriving, relevant, and generous place for the community. The role will oversee the day-to-day delivery of Powderham’s venue operations including weddings, functions, corporate hire, festivals, and event hospitality, ensuring each activity is well-planned, safe, commercially effective, and delivered to the highest possible standard.
Managing a team of Venue Coordinators, the Venue Manager will provide management, operational structure, and clear direction across the venue team; supporting colleagues across the Heritage and Attraction departments; and will ensure that events, bookings, and hospitality contribute positively to Powderham’s long-term sustainability, reputation, and visitor experience. This is a hands-on operational role requiring excellent organisational skills, leadership by example, and confidence in managing live events. Acting as the senior Duty Manager on site, the Venue Manager will ensure staff, suppliers, and clients are supported, safety standards are upheld, and events exceed expectations.
Key Responsibilities
Team Management
Line manage the venue coordinators, providing support, supervision, guidance and event delivery
Assist with recruitment, induction, training and performance reviews for the venue and bank teams
Create rotas and schedules to ensure appropriate management cover for all events
Foster a collaborative, positive and supportive working environment
Lead by example in customer service and operational standards and practice
Event and Venue Operations
Oversee day-to-day delivery of weddings, functions, corporate hire, festivals and event hospitality
Act as senior Duty Manager, responsible for cash handling, customer care, key holder responsibilities and first aid response
Working with the Castle Manager, support room set up, furniture moves and logistics between events and public opening
Troubleshoot and resolve operational challenges calmly and effectively
Drive sales performance across weddings, functions, and hospitality by supporting the Venue Coordinators in enquiry handling, showrounds, proposals, upselling opportunities, and achieving targets
Provide regular guidance, feedback and support to ensure revenue goals are met across the department
Sales Leadership and Performance Management
Take overall responsibility for driving venue sales across weddings, ceremonies, corporate hire, functions, hospitality and in time third-party events, ensuring all revenue streams contribute to annual targets
Lead the Venue Coordinators in enquiry handling, proactive outreach, showround delivery, proposal writing, negotiation and upselling, ensuring consistent excellence in communication and client care
Monitor, track and report on KPIs including enquiry response times, conversion rates, pipeline value, revenue forecasts, budget performance and customer satisfaction metrics
Develop and implement sales strategies to grow sales, improve conversion, increase yield and maximise use of venue spaces throughout the year
Ensure accurate sales record-keeping, documentation and performance reporting through our CRM systems to support informed decision making across the department
Identify opportunities for development, package creation, pricing improvements, and promotional activity in collaboration with the Heritage Manager and Marketing Team
Regularly review and coach team members on sale techniques and enquiry management to strengthen performance and achieve departmental goals
Maintain strong working relationships with external partners, corporate clients, and agencies to raise Powderham’s profile and offering to generate new business leads
Christmas at the Castle - Build and Break Management
Lead operational oversight for the build and break of Christmas at the Castle, ensuring all contractors, suppliers, and operational teams work safely, effectively and to schedule onsite
Work externally onsite throughout November (build) and January (break)., coordinating logistics, access, scheduling and Health and Safety across the grounds
Collaborate with freelance Event Managers who oversee the live event period, which allows this role to focus on planning for the following year and ensuring operational continuity
Ensure clear communication with the Heritage Team and Estate operations to minimise disruption and maintain visitor operations
Compliance and Safety
As a member of the Facilities Committee and working with the Castle Manager, ensure all activities comply with licensing laws, fire safety and health and safety regulations
Act on behalf of the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), carrying out regular bar checks, ensuring all bar operations meet alcohol licensing conditions, and addressing any breaches or risks immediately
Monitor bar staffing, Challenge 25 compliance, sale and supply of alcohol procedures, and maintain accurate, auditable licensing records
Lead Safety Advisory Group (SAG) engagement including documentation, meeting attendance, and implementation of agreed actions
Oversee event management plans, risk assessments, incident reporting, crowd and traffic management plans for large events
Client and Supplier Liaison
Serve as the main point of contact for clients during key stages of their event
Support coordinators with showrounds, client meetings, and handovers
Build strong relationships with suppliers, contractors, and trusted partners
Ensure smooth arrival, delivery, and departure procedures for all events
Administration and Communication
Oversee the Venue diary management and change control for accurate scheduling
Work closely with the Public Opening Team to avoid scheduling clashes and manage shared spaces
Chair weekly Venue Team meetings, including agenda, actions, and minutes
Attend Senior Management meetings as required
Support proposals, contracts, invoicing, and maintenance of event documentation
Report on event delivery, compliance progress, customer feedback, and KPIs
Team Structure and Management Responsibilities
Wedding and Functions Coordinator (to be recruited by the Venue Manager)
This role is responsible for the sale, planning and delivery of weddings, civil ceremonies, functions and venue hospitality. The Venue Manager will:
Provide oversight on the planning, bespoke requests and operational decisions
Ensure documentation, itineraries and records are accurate and up to date
Review showround performance, enquiry conversion and client feedback
Support the delivery of weddings and functions when needed
Maintain standards of service, communication and client care throughout the wedding lifestyle
Hospitality and Functions Coordinator (to be recruited by the Venue Manager)
This role is responsible for corporate events, dinners, charity functions and management of in-house bars, with support to weddings throughout the year. The Venue Manager will:
Oversee the delivery of functions and hospitality, ensuring efficient logistics
Ensure bar operations meet licensing conditions and service standards
Support enquiry handling, proposals and conversions
Maintain strong internal communication to manage diary coordination and space allocation
Third Party Event Managers, Contractors and Production Partners
The Venue Manager will:
Act as primary operational contact for third-party Event Managers, promoters, and production companies working on Powderham events
Maintain clear and consistent communication to ensure alignment between Powderham teams and external event partners, supporting safe, efficient, and high-quality event delivery
Seasonal and Bank Event Team
The Venue Manager will:
Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and training where required
Support their team in creating rotas and to ensure appropriate staffing levels for all event types
Maintain consistent customer service, safety, and operational standards across the bank workforce
Ensure all staff understand event plans, responsibilities, and expectations
Person Specification
Essential
Minimum two years experience in venue or event operations
Proven experience leading or supervising teams during live events or operational delivery
Experience working directly with clients, suppliers, contractors or event partners
Demonstrable experience managing multiple event types (weddings, functions, hospitality, corporate)
Working knowledge of licensing, event safety management, and incident procedures; SAG experience desirable.
Strong administrative experience including schedule management, record keeping and written communication
Ability to work variable hours, including evenings and weekends
Due to the nature of the role, a driving licence and car is recommended
Desirable
Experience within a Heritage, Visitor Attraction, Estate, or similar public facing environment
Experience working on large scale public events, festivals or seasonal productions
A personal licence (for the sale of alcohol)
First Aid at Work and H&S qualifications (training can be provided)
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
Powderham is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. Powderham – in providing goods and/or services and/or facilities – is also committed against unlawful discrimination of customers or the public. Our full EDI policy is available on request.
Application Process
To apply, please submit a CV.
All applications should be submitted through our vacancy page by 30th January 2026.
Powderham Castle
Venue Manager
Full-time
Powderham Castle, Exeter · On-site
Negotiable
30th Jan 2026
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