At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive venue hire and bookings for a vibrant arts theatre in Esher.
- Company: Esher Theatre, a stylish venue for live music, theatre, and comedy.
- Benefits: Fixed salary, attractive commission, flexible hours, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and connect exciting artists with a beautiful venue.
- Qualifications: Experience in sales or bookings management, excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 40000 £ per year.
Job Title: Sales & Bookings Manager
Location: Esher Theatre, Community Walk, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9RA
Contract Type: Part-Time (3 days per week)
Compensation: Fixed Salary + Commission Structure
Website:
About Esher Theatre
Esher Theatre is a vibrant, multi-faceted entertainment venue for the arts, located just off Esher High Street in Surrey. We are a performing arts venue featuring one of the largest workable stages in the borough of Elmbridge. Since opening in September 2021, we have hosted a diverse programme including live music, theatre, and comedy, with seating capacity up to 204 fully seated or 320 standing. Our venue boasts a stylish, 1930s-themed bar stocked with locally sourced products.
The Role
We are seeking a proactive, highly organised, and motivated Sales & Bookings Manager to drive venue hire and split-deal bookings for our diverse space. This is a critical, target-driven role for someone passionate about the arts and dedicated to maximising the theatre\’s commercial potential.
Working three days a week, you will be responsible for proactively filling our calendar, managing the end-to-end booking process, and ensuring all contracts meet our operating standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Sales Generation: Proactively identify and secure new business for venue hire (private events, corporate bookings, classes) and split-deal arrangements (touring productions, promoters, comedians, musicians).
- Booking Management: Manage all incoming booking enquiries, provide quotations, and execute the full booking process from initial contact to contract finalisation.
- Contractual Compliance: Issue and track signed Booking Forms/Agreements, ensuring all producers/hirers adhere to our Terms and Conditions, including payment schedules, insurance requirements (public and employer\’s liability), and compliance with all licensing, royalty (PRS/PPL), and safeguarding obligations.
- Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with production companies, promoters, local businesses, and community groups to foster repeat business.
- Administration: Ensure all client documentation, including required Risk Assessments, is submitted prior to the event date.
- Financial Tracking: Monitor sales targets and work with the accounts team to ensure timely collection of deposits and final payments.
- Marketing Collaboration: Work closely with the marketing team to ensure new bookings and events are effectively promoted, providing all necessary imagery and copy by agreed-upon deadlines.
What We Offer
- A Fixed Salary for your 3-day work week.
- An attractive Commission Structure based on achieved booking targets.
- The opportunity to work in a beautifully renovated, professional arts venue in the heart of Esher.
Candidate Requirements
- Proven experience in sales, business development, or bookings management, preferably within the live events, theatre, or hospitality sectors.
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
- High attention to detail and a strong understanding of contractual terms and financial administration.
- The ability to work independently, manage a busy pipeline, and achieve targets.
If you are a driven professional ready to connect exciting artists and events with our beautiful venue, we want to hear from you
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £23,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Expected hours: 24 – 40 per week
Benefits:
- Company events
- Employee discount
- Flexitime
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 01/11/2025
Venue/Theatre Sales and Bookings Manager employer: Esher Theatre
Contact Detail:
Esher Theatre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Venue/Theatre Sales and Bookings Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend local events, workshops, or theatre shows to meet people in the industry. Building relationships can lead to opportunities that aren’t advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the arts! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm shine through. Share your ideas on how to boost venue bookings and engage with the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to venues or companies you admire and express your interest in working with them. You never know what might come of it!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Venue/Theatre Sales and Bookings Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Arts: When writing your application, let your love for the arts shine through! We want to see how your enthusiasm aligns with our vibrant venue and its mission. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your passion.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the Sales & Bookings Manager role. Highlight your experience in sales and bookings management, especially within the live events or theatre sectors. We appreciate a personal touch!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We’re looking for someone who can manage a busy pipeline, so clarity in your writing will show us you can communicate effectively. Avoid jargon and keep it professional yet friendly.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Esher Theatre!
How to prepare for a job interview at Esher Theatre
✨Know Your Venue Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with Esher Theatre's history, its unique features, and the types of events it hosts. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Sales Skills
Prepare specific examples of your past sales successes, especially in the arts or events sector. Be ready to discuss how you’ve proactively generated leads and closed deals, as this role is all about driving bookings and maximising revenue.
✨Understand Contractual Nuances
Brush up on key contractual terms and compliance issues relevant to venue hire. Being able to discuss how you ensure adherence to terms and conditions will demonstrate your attention to detail and understanding of the role’s responsibilities.
✨Build Relationships, Even in the Interview
Think about how you can connect with the interviewers. Show enthusiasm for building relationships with local businesses and community groups, as this is crucial for the role. A friendly, engaging attitude can go a long way in making a positive impression.