Job opportunities

Event Manager

This is an excellent opportunity for a smart, organised, forward-thinking and enthusiastic individual to join the Big Cat Sanctuary team. As our Event Manager, you’ll be promoting, planning and delivering high-quality internal and external events, coordinating business activities to ensure their success and smooth running.

Position Overview
BCS delivers a number of public and private events throughout the year, including Open Days, Members’ Days and Conservation Talks, as well as private events such as team builds, corporate days, family celebrations and off-site fundraisers. The Event Manager’s role is key to planning, coordinating and delivering these events to a high standard, helping raise awareness of BCS, its work and of big cat conservation.
The role holder will be expected to attend these events to represent BCS and help build strong, reciprocal relationships with our guests, sponsors and supporters, encouraging repeat business where possible.

Main Responsibilities include:
    Plan, organise and manage internal and external events, overseeing delivery on the day
    Manage and supervise the Events Team (1 full-time member of staff and a varied bank of volunteers), delegating tasks effectively and supporting their development to ensure a high standard of service and delivery
    Liaise with internal departments and external clients on requirements, pricing and logistics (this will include Corporate Events, Adopter Days, Fundraisers, and Members’ Days)
    Work alongside the Marketing Team to help promote BCS events and propose new offerings to maximise income, enhance reputation, increase awareness of BCS and promote its conservation aims
    Maintain an online Events Diary and liaise with other departments to ensure all systems are kept up to date
    Book, plan and run events: providing timely and accurate pre-event support to customers, ensuring supplier deliveries and collections are booked within suitable timescales, taking responsibility for and assisting with set-up and set-down, and working with the Guest Services Team and volunteers to ensure adequate event staffing
    Ensure facilities are operated safely and in line with organisational policies and relevant legislation, particularly during events
    Manage donations of artwork and other items for fundraising; build strong supporter relationships in this area, keeping accurate records of donated items and associated income generated (e.g. through auctions)
    Work within allocated budgets for the benefit of BCS, keeping accurate financial records (including in relation to marketing budgets, overheads and expenditure)
    Represent BCS at relevant events, meetings and conferences; give public talks where appropriate, promoting the work of BCS and acting as an ambassador at all times

Job Requirements (Essential)
    Proven experience in planning, organising and delivering events
    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage positively with staff, guests, clients and volunteers
    Strong customer service skills
    Good knowledge and experience of Microsoft Office & Outlook
    Full, clean driving licence and access to own vehicle (as the Big Cat Sanctuary is not accessible by public transport)
    In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK or must obtain permits prior to application (documented evidence of eligibility will be required as part of the recruitment process)

Job Requirements (Desirable)
    Prior leadership or managerial experience, with the ability to supervise, delegate and develop a small team

What to Expect in the Role
    40 hours per week, 5 over 7 days; generally worked between 08.00–17.00, although some evening work will be required to cover events and deadlines
    Starting salary £32,000 per annum
    Includes regular weekend/Bank Holiday work (with the opportunity for overtime or TOIL)
    28 days paid holiday, plus Christmas Day off as standard
    Full uniform provided
    Access to Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme
    Staff discounts and other benefits, including free access to UK and European zoos and collections, regular team gatherings and celebrations, and a company Conservation Award (giving team members the chance to travel together to one of our supported global conservation project partners)
    As a growing organisation, there will be lots of opportunities for you to learn, develop and take on new challenges