At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and execute unforgettable events while driving sales and building client relationships.
- Company: Join the award-winning Imperial War Museum North, a unique venue in Manchester.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, free meals, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and a culture that values your creativity.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team creating memorable experiences in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in sales or event planning with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Imperial War Museum North
Salary: Up to £30,000 per annum
Contract: Full Time, 40 hours, Permanent, 5 days over 7
Working at the award‑winning IWM North, you will showcase the museum's unique event spaces, helping to create memorable experiences for a diverse range of clients. As a Sales & Event Planner, you will be at the heart of the venue's commercial operation, driving enquiries, securing bookings and delivering exceptional customer service from initial enquiry through to event delivery. We are looking for an enthusiastic and organised individual who shares our passion for creating outstanding events and growing revenue opportunities. Working as part of a dedicated team, you will build strong client relationships, coordinate event requirements, conduct venue show‑rounds and ensure every event exceeds expectations. This is an exciting opportunity to combine sales and event planning in a role where no two days are the same, while contributing to the success of one of Manchester's most distinctive venues.
What can we offer you:
- Competitive salary with bonus and a comprehensive company benefits package
- 20 days annual leave, plus bank and public holiday and your birthday off
- Free parking
- Free meals whilst on duty
- Holiday purchase scheme
- Contributory pension scheme
- Aviva Digicare healthcare and wellbeing support
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential mental health and wellbeing support
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- 2 additional days' leave following your return from maternity leave
- A day off to celebrate your baby's first birthday
- Enhanced family‑friendly policies and support
- Shopping, entertainment and travel discounts
- Ongoing training, mentoring and development opportunities
- Structured career pathways to support your long‑term progression
- A collaborative and inclusive culture where your ideas are valued and creativity is encouraged
Responsibilities:
- Undertaking reactive sales activities including handling voice and email enquiries.
- Producing professional and accurate proposals, providing best options first time to customers, within agreed response times.
- Following up on all enquiries within agreed timescales with the aim to convert to confirmed bookings and ensuring conversion rates of incoming sales enquiries and bookings are optimised.
- Managing venue diaries and coordinating internal client bookings.
- Conducting customer show‑rounds and showcasing the venue for current and future event opportunities.
- Issuing contracts and invoices in line with agreed sales processes and timelines.
- Planning and coordinating all event details from confirmation through to delivery.
- Maintaining accurate, up‑to‑date customer booking information and event records.
- Producing detailed event orders and supporting event documentation.
- Ensuring invoices are issued accurately and on time, with payments received in line with company terms and conditions.
- Liaising closely with operational teams to ensure successful event delivery and leading weekly BEO meetings.
- Achieving agreed sales, conversion and upselling targets.
- Building and maintaining strong client relationships to maximise repeat business opportunities.
- Conducting post‑event follow‑up calls to secure future bookings and gather customer feedback.
- Supporting proactive sales activity targeting past bookers, lapsed accounts and lost opportunities.
- Participating in venue showcase events, FAM trips, sales campaigns and marketing initiatives.
- Monitoring competitor activity, promotions and market trends to support venue sales performance and market share.
- Maintaining Delphi compliance benchmarks and achieving mystery shopper standards.
- Attending and contributing to sales meetings, forecasting calls and business reviews.
- Performing ad hoc tasks as required.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Minimum 2 years' experience in a sales and/or event planning role, preferably within a conference, events, hospitality or venue environment.
- Proven track record of achieving sales, conversion and customer service targets.
- Experience working to KPIs including sales targets, conversion rates, response times and customer satisfaction measures.
- Experience managing events from enquiry through to delivery.
- Demonstrate a positive, flexible and customer‑focused "can do" approach.
- Strong commercial awareness with an understanding of sales, revenue and profitability.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organisational and time management abilities, with excellent attention to detail.
- Experience preparing proposals, contracts and event documentation.
- Confident conducting venue show‑rounds and building client relationships.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Enthusiastic, proactive and customer focused.
- Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Experience using CRM and event management systems, ideally Salesforce Delphi, is advantageous.
Restaurant Associates is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. As a business, we are committed to sustainability‑led practices and are proud to have achieved 3 stars with the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s Food Made Good Programme.
Sales & Event Planner in Manchester employer: Chartwells Independent
At the Imperial War Museum North, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values creativity and collaboration. Our competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including free meals, enhanced family-friendly policies, and ongoing training opportunities, ensure that our Sales & Event Planners thrive in a supportive environment. Join us in delivering memorable experiences at one of Manchester's most distinctive venues, where your ideas are valued and your career can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales & Event Planner in Manchester
✨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 Chartwells Independent. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Chartwells Independent
Don't be shy about reaching out to Chartwells Independent 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 Sales & Event Planner in Manchester
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 Chartwells Independent 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 Chartwells Independent
✨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!
