At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the opening of a cutting-edge events venue in London, shaping culture and guest experiences.
- Company: Exciting new venue in London's West End, focused on immersive events and exceptional hospitality.
- Benefits: Generous leave, health perks, professional development, and a bonus scheme.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to community impact and personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team creating unforgettable experiences in a vibrant new venue.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in event management or hospitality with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
- General Manager, Convene Rathbone, London
- About Convene Rathbone
Located in the heart of London’s iconic West End, Convene Rathbone is set to open in Spring 2027 as one of the city’s most anticipated new Meetings & Events destinations.
The 54,000-square-foot venue at One Rathbone Square will combine Convene’s signature hospitality with industry-leading production capabilities to create a new standard for experiential events.
Purpose-built for immersive experiences, the venue will support everything from high-profile conferences and brand showcases to luxury receptions and bespoke gatherings, bringing together advanced production technology with exceptional event delivery and meaningful human connection.
As a member of our opening team, you will play a key role in shaping the culture, guest experience, and long-term success of one of London’s most exciting new event venues!
About the Role
As we prepare to open Convene Rathbone, we are seeking a seasoned and passionate General Manager to lead the venue from pre-opening through to long-term success.
This is a unique opportunity to establish the operational foundations, build a high-performing team, and shape the culture, reputation, and client experience standards at one of London’s most anticipated new Meetings & Events venues.
With end-to-end responsibility for the venue, you will translate vision into execution, bringing together people, operations, and commercial performance to create a venue recognised for exceptional hospitality, flawless event delivery, and lasting client relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Team Management
- Provide executive direction to multidisciplinary teams including Hospitality Operations, Culinary, Event Planning, Sales, AV Production, Workplace Experience, and Reception ensuring alignment with business objectives and delivery of exceptional guest experiences.
- Recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing teams, ensuring ongoing training, professional growth, and adherence to HR policies, systems, and best practices.
- Oversee property payroll processes ensuring accuracy, compliance, and effective workforce planning in line with operational needs and business performance.
- Act as the cultural steward for the venue, fostering a high-performing team environment built on collaboration, accountability, and hospitality while investing in employee development, engagement, and wellbeing.
- Venue Operations & Client Experience
- Establish and execute the venue’s strategic operating plan in partnership with regional leadership driving financial performance, operational excellence, quality standards, and exceptional client satisfaction.
- Champion a service philosophy that transforms every interaction from intimate gatherings to large-scale, high-production events into a bespoke, world-class experience.
- Oversee seamless event delivery across front-of-house operations, back-of-house logistics, AV/Technology, Culinary, and Service teams ensuring the venue is consistently operationally ready and aligned with client expectations.
- Build trusted relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders acting as a strategic partner to understand their objectives and deliver exceptional event experiences that bring the brand promise to life.
- Maintain rigorous operational standards through effective policies, safety protocols, compliance practices, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance venue performance and client experience.
- Oversee building operations, maintenance, and resource allocation to ensure the venue remains safe, efficient, and aligned with brand standards.
- Commercial Performance
- Partner with CHG’s centralised commercial team, including Brand Marketing & Sales, to develop and execute an integrated commercial strategy that drives revenue growth, strengthens market positioning, and maximises demand across premium Meetings & Events, immersive experiences, and production-forward events.
- Drive a high-performance commercial culture focused on business development, client relationships, strategic partnerships, and post-contract growth initiatives that maximise venue performance and long-term success.
- Develop and deliver the annual business plan in partnership with regional leadership, managing income and expenditure targets while ensuring strong financial performance.
- Optimise revenue and profitability through strategic pricing, occupancy management, data-led decision making, effective cost control, and disciplined P&L management.
- Ensure accurate financial reporting and operational reviews across monthly, quarterly, and year-end performance cycles while implementing efficient purchasing practices aligned with company standards.
- Strategic Planning & Growth
- Partner with leadership to develop and execute long-term growth strategies that strengthen the venue’s market position and support commercial success.
- Implement industry-leading best practices to ensure the venue remains a benchmark for innovation, service excellence, and exceptional event experiences.
- Maintain a strong understanding of market trends and industry shifts, proactively evolving the venue’s offering to remain dynamic, competitive, and aligned with client expectations.
- Continuously enhance the operational framework to improve efficiency and effectiveness, optimising workflows, resource allocation, and collaboration across departments.
- What We Look For
- 7+ years of senior leadership experience in event venue management, client/membership experience , hospitality, or a related field.
- Proven track record of achieving financial targets and driving revenue growth.
- Strong operational expertise in event logistics, food & beverage programs, and technical production.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, membership and event-driven environment.
- Proficiency with budgeting, financial reporting, and KPI analysis.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays to support event operations.
We’re Here For You
- Health and Wellness
- Private medical insurance
- Subsidised eye care
- Subsidised fitness membership
- Employee Assistance Program: well-being support and personal advice programme
- Time Off and Work-Life Balance
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and company sick pay
- Financial Support and Benefits
- Bonus scheme
- Interest-free loan for rail season tickets & further education
- Subsidised bicycle purchase through Cycle to Work scheme
- Professional Development and Recognition
- Continuous professional and personal development support
- Employee recognition and reward programs to mark achievements and milestones
- Community and Impact
- Opportunities to volunteer, donate, and participate in community give-back initiatives
- The opportunity to have a significant impact on your team and the business in the work that you do
Convene is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome people from all backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives.
#LI-CD1
General Manager- Live Events Venue in London employer: Convene
Convene in Manchester is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where flexibility and customer satisfaction are at the forefront. With a strong emphasis on employee growth through training and development opportunities, staff can enhance their skills while enjoying a supportive culture that values teamwork and excellence in service delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager- Live Events Venue 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 Convene. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Convene
Don't be shy about reaching out to Convene 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 General Manager- Live Events Venue 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 Convene 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 Convene
✨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!
