At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive hospitality sales and create unforgettable experiences at AFC Wimbledon matches and events.
- Company: Join the dynamic team at AFC Wimbledon, a club with a strong community spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, 25 days holiday, and exciting staff events.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for professional growth await you.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant environment where your efforts directly impact revenue and guest satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Proven sales experience and strong leadership skills are essential for this role.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 35200 £ per year.
AFC Wimbledon are looking to recruit a commercially driven, dynamic and personable Hospitality & Events Manager to turbo-charge crucial revenue generating areas for AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
The Hospitality & Events Manager will be responsible for all premium hospitality match day sales, and will work closely with our Catering partner to deliver outstanding experiences.
In addition, the selected candidate will be responsible for selling stadium hires including filming opportunities and pitch hires – by promptly responding to inbound enquiries and proactively targeting new opportunities, and working closely with the Operations and Catering teams on successful event delivery.
Collectively, these areas generate in excess of £1m for the club.
The role reports into the Head of Commercial, and the selected candidate will line manage the Hospitality & Events Executive.
We are seeking a versatile individual with a positive ‘can do’ attitude, a multi-tasker, someone who has a track record of delivering sales growth and someone with commercial and financial acumen.
Key Responsibilities
- Grow revenue across premium match day hospitality sales (https://www. afcwimbledon. co. uk/tickets-hospitality/hospitality) and refine the proposition each season.
- Act as the principal point of contact for up to 700 covers on a match day, inclusive of 1889 Lounge, Captains’ Lounge, Legends’ Lounge, Boardroom and 9 Hospitality Boxes.
- Drive non-match day sales for events such as filming, pitch hires, in-house club events, dinners, awards.
- To work closely with our operations team and catering partner to deliver an exceptional experience for all hospitality and events guests.
- To innovate and constantly improve our offering
- To line manage our Hospitality & Events Executive.
- To work closely with the Head of Commercial to cross sell packages and deliver contractual requirements for commercial partners.
- To work closely with the Head of Commercial to explore new packages and opportunities both from an events and hospitality perspective.
- Support the planning, coordination and delivery of hospitality and event operations for London Broncos and Chelsea Women fixtures held at the stadium, as required, ensuring a consistently high standard of service and experience for all guests, partners and stakeholders.
- Act as the point of contact for the club’s Vice Presidents and Patrons, delivering rights associated with their title.
- Oversee post-match/event feedback from guests and liaise with other internal departments to recommend changes to the product and experience.
- Sell, oversee and deliver pitch hire bookings at the end of the season, including the management of commercial partner slots.
- To build positive working relationships internally and externally with a variety of colleagues and partners.
- To proactively source new leads while ensuring enquiries are thoroughly followed up in a professional manner.
- Research and attend events / matches to understand industry trends and to improve the club’s hospitality experience
Essential / Desired Requirements
- Desired - A minimum of three years’ experience in a sales or account management position ideally in the sports, commercial, venue sales / hospitality sector
- Desired – experience working with a sports ticketing platform
- Essential – proven sales experience with clear examples of growth
- Essential – commercial and financial acumen
- Essential – strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Essential – strong leadership skills
- Essential - to have a solid understanding of the sports hospitality industry
Personal Skills
• Someone who will align with our core values
- o Togetherness o Resilience o Constant Improvement
- A polite and professional manner, well presented with a clean and smart appearance
- Strong communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills, ability to build strong and long-lasting relationships
- Strong organisational skills
- Diligent & conscientious, attention to detail
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Ability to use own initiative as a self-starter, but a team player at heart
- Calm under pressure
- Problem solver, who is proactive in foreseeing issues and adept at finding solutions
- Supporter/customer-first mindset
- A self-motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to work flexibly with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
Other requirements
Upholding and promoting the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures
The role will be offered on a permanent basis working 35 hours per week.
Package
- Competitive salary and bonus
- 25 days holiday, plus days in lieu for matchdays
- 3% employer pension
- A summer and winter staff event
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme
- Other benefits being established.
How to apply: email your CV and one page cover note to
Please state your salary expectations within your cover letter
Hospitality & Events Manager in London employer: AFC Wimbledon
AFC Wimbledon is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values community engagement and teamwork. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth within the sports industry, alongside a commitment to health and safety that ensures a supportive environment. Working at the Cherry Red Records Stadium provides a unique chance to be part of a club that is not only dedicated to sporting excellence but also to making a positive impact in the local area.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hospitality & Events Manager in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like AFC Wimbledon. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to AFC Wimbledon
Don't be shy about reaching out to AFC Wimbledon directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Hospitality & Events Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about AFC Wimbledon and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at AFC Wimbledon
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!