At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage conferences, weddings, and events to create unforgettable guest experiences.
- Company: The Bedford Swan Hotel, a landmark hotel with a commitment to employee wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, staff discounts, wellbeing support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant work culture with opportunities for growth and recognition.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make every event a memorable success.
- Qualifications: Previous management experience in hospitality and a passion for exceptional service.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 33000 £ per year.
- Conference & Banqueting Manager, The Bedford Swan Hotel
- Up to £33,000 per annum + TRONC up to £50 per week
The Bedford Swan Hotel, located right on the Great Ouse River, is one of Bedford's landmark hotels.
A busy 137-bedroom hotel with a thermal spa, high-end brasserie, afternoon tea room, and a thriving Conference & Banqueting department, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional guest experiences.
We are proud members of the Hoteliers' Charter, committed to fairness, inclusion, and employee wellbeing.
We are looking for an experienced Conference & Banqueting Manager who is passionate about hospitality, thrives in a fast-paced operational environment, and enjoys leading high-performing teams.
This is a hands-on management role responsible for the overall leadership, organisation, and delivery of our conferences, meetings, weddings, private events, and banqueting operation, ensuring every event exceeds our guests' expectations.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Conference & Banqueting Manager, Events Operations Manager, or an ambitious Assistant Conference & Banqueting Manager ready to take the next step within a prestigious hotel.
You will lead the day-to-day operation of the hotel's Conference & Banqueting department, ensuring exceptional guest service and flawless operational delivery across conferences, meetings, weddings, private dining, and special events.
You will take responsibility for planning staffing levels, managing rotas and labour costs, overseeing event set-up and service delivery, and ensuring every function room is presented to the highest possible standard.
You will lead the Conference & Banqueting team by example, creating a positive, engaged, and high-performing culture.
Working closely with the Food & Beverage Operations Manager, Head Chef, Sales & Events Team, and wider hotel management team, you will ensure every event runs seamlessly from handover through to completion.
You will proactively resolve guest issues, drive service standards, monitor financial performance, manage stock and equipment, and ensure all food safety, licensing, and health & safety requirements are fully complied with.
You will also recruit, coach, train and develop your team, conduct regular performance reviews, identify future talent, and continually look for opportunities to improve service standards, guest satisfaction, and departmental profitability.
You will have previous management experience within Conference & Banqueting, Events Operations, or Food & Beverage in a busy hotel environment.
You will be a confident leader with proven experience managing weddings, conferences, and large-scale events whilst motivating teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
Experience managing budgets, rotas, stock control, and departmental KPIs would be highly advantageous.
42.5-hour contract.
~ Genuine career development within a growing hotel group.
~ Staff discounts on accommodation, food, and beverage.
~ Access to retail, leisure, and lifestyle discount platform.
~ Wellbeing support, including 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP.
~ Cycle to Work and pension schemes.
~ Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year rewards.
