Event Manager in Harrogate

Hours: Full Time, 37 Hours per week

Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Are you an experienced events professional who thrives in a fast-paced venue environment? Do you enjoy bringing people, plans and operations together to create safe, successful and memorable events? Harrogate Convention Centre is looking for an Event Manager to join its Operations team on a fixed-term contract until 31 March 2026.

Set in the heart of the Victorian spa town of Harrogate, Harrogate Convention Centre is one of the UK’s most recognisable event venues. With over 13,700 sqm of flexible event space, a 2,000-seat auditorium and a varied programme spanning conferences, exhibitions, trade shows and entertainment, this is a venue where no two days are the same.

This is a hands-on, visible and varied role at the centre of event delivery. You will help turn client requirements into clear operational plans, coordinate the people and resources needed to deliver them, and play a key role in ensuring every event runs safely, professionally and to a high standard.

About the role

As Event Manager, you will be part of the team that makes events happen from initial planning through to live delivery. Acting as Duty Manager for a variety of events, you will take responsibility for operational delivery, safety, client liaison and real-time decision making, working closely with clients, contractors, suppliers and internal teams.

You will be confident balancing client expectations with operational, commercial and safety requirements, often in a live event environment where priorities can change quickly. Your friendly, personable and approachable can-do attitude, combined with calm, methodical and proportionate decision-making, will be key to delivering excellent outcomes for clients, visitors and the venue.

Key responsibilities

• Bring events to life by planning, coordinating and delivering all event types across Harrogate Convention Centre.
• Act as Duty Manager for events, leading operational delivery in a large venue environment and ensuring activity is safe, efficient and professionally managed.
• Coordinate staff, suppliers and contractors so each event has the right resources in place at the right time.
• Turn client requirements into clear operational orders, schedules, costings and event documentation, maintaining excellent organisation and presentation throughout.
• Work closely with internal teams, suppliers, contractors, emergency services and partner organisations to deliver joined-up, high-quality events.
• Ensure health and safety, licensing, safeguarding, security, first aid, contractual and wider legislative requirements are embedded throughout event planning and delivery.
• Maintain accurate event information using relevant event management systems such as Momentus and contribute to continuous improvement within the Event Planning and Delivery function.

About you

We are looking for someone who understands the pace, pressure and reward of live events. You will bring demonstrated experience of working in a fast-paced events environment at a similar level, ideally from a large venue, conference, exhibition, entertainment or complex operational setting, together with the confidence to work with a wide range of clients, colleagues and stakeholders.

You will be a clear communicator, a practical problem solver and someone who can keep control when plans change. You will be calm under pressure, able to make decisions rationally and proportionately, and confident prioritising your own workload while also working as part of a team, following instruction and leading others when required.

Strong IT skills are essential, including a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and venue or event management systems such as Momentus. You will also bring a sound working knowledge of relevant requirements including health and safety, licensing, security and first aid, using this knowledge to support safe, compliant and professional event delivery.

You will hold the following qualifications / certifications alongside a commitment to ongoing professional development:

• First Aid at Work or ideally FREC 3
• SIA Door Supervisor
• Personal License
• Action Counters Terrorism.

Working pattern

This is an operational role, and the events industry does not always work to standard office hours. You will need to be available for early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays, and you should be comfortable spending regular time on the event floor during build-up, live event and breakdown periods.

This is an annualised hours contract working an average of 37 hours per week. During busy periods you will work more than 37 hours per week and during quieter periods you will work less than this.

Why join our team?

• Professional Development: Tailored training and career progression opportunities to help you grow and reach your full potential.
• Supportive Work Environment: A culture that values teamwork, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Attractive Benefits: Our employees are our greatest asset, enjoy 28 days of annual leave (rising to 34 days with continued service) plus public holidays, and a generous local government pension scheme.

Please note this is a fixed term contract until 31/03/2027.

Contact

For further information about this role please contact Rhys Siddons via email at Rhys.Siddons@harrogateconventioncentre.co.uk.

We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

North Yorkshire Councils’ purpose is to deliver services and facilities to the diverse residents and visitors of North Yorkshire. To ensure we deliver inclusive services we strive to have a diverse workforce where everybody can be themselves by respecting differences and embedding equality of opportunity. We celebrate diversity and recognise each other’s contributions; we therefore welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.