Sales Executive – Old Royal Naval College in London

We are Company of Cooks, and we believe brilliant food and drink starts with brilliant people. For over 25 years, we’ve been part of some of the UK’s most loved cultural destinations, from historic palaces and botanical gardens to buzzing galleries and performance spaces, running the cafés, restaurants, bars and events that bring these incredible places to life. Our values – Craft, Creativity and Community – guide everything we do. They shape how we work together, how we support our partners, and how we make each guest feel welcome. If you care about food, people and doing things properly, you’ll feel right at home here.

About the Old Royal Naval College: The venue is made up of a number of buildings, several of which can be hired for events including weddings and Gala dinners. The Painted Hall can host a grand banquet, whilst the Admiral’s House is a grand venue for an intimate wedding or celebration.

Location: SE10 9NN

Salary: £32,000 – £35,000 per annum, depending on experience, plus 10% incentive bonus

Working Pattern: Based on site 5 days a week, 5 over 7 days contract, 40 hours per week although predominantly Monday – Friday 9am to 5.30pm but flexibility is required over weekends

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Operations & Financial: Ensure that all events are delivered to the highest possible quality producing the maximum profit and delivering excellent experiences for clients. Maintain relationships with suppliers in order to optimize price and quality. Manage the venues recommended supplier list, encouraging supplier lead new business. Oversee all venue project timelines and budget to achieve objectives. Comply with all health and safety requirements within the office and at events. Check all deposit and sales invoices, before and directly after each event. Financial responsibility for managing debt, supported by accounts team.
• Sales & Marketing: Achieve and/or exceed the monthly sales target. Proactively identify new opportunities for the business. Proactive sales through new and existing activities. Key Account management. Managing personal sales target. Identify new business opportunities via industry research and networking. Be the client contact for all event categories, from enquiry stage, planning, through to handover of the event to the operations team.
• Other Key Responsibilities: Organising and carry out ‘show rounds’ of Old Royal Naval College to potential clients wherever possible. Follow bookings from enquiry to confirmation ensuring all relevant information, including catering and AV, has been collected and that the event sheets are complete in good time.
• Administration: Ensure all correspondence relating to an event is filed accurately and passed on to the appropriate Operations / Administrator. Follow the deposit process at all times and ensure the deposit is paid before the event and terms and conditions have been signed without exception.

Ideal Candidate:

• Previous experience of wedding, corporate and private events market.
• Background in contract catering, hotels or venue is highly desirable.
• Experience of working in a unique venue or similar.
• Previous experience of working within an events, sales and marketing role for an events company/caterer/venue is desirable.
• Excellent communication skills – both verbal and written.
• Able to adapt their approach and style dependent on who they are liaising with.
• Natural flair for networking, self-driven and enthusiastic about success in their role.

What’s in it for you?

Working with Company Of Cooks has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we’ve developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.

• Personal Development and Training opportunities.
• Life assurance scheme.
• Pension scheme.
• Holiday allowance.
• Access to Healthcare Support App which includes Annual health check, Digital GP, Mental Health Consultations, Nutritional Consultations, Second Medical Opinion, Eye care.
• A great wellbeing strategy – including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance.
• Family friendly support.
• Regular social events and communication with our leaders.
• A holiday purchase scheme.
• Volunteering days.
• Professional subscriptions.
• Recognition schemes and people awards.
• Long service awards.
• Access to some great high street discount vouchers.