At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the future of unforgettable weddings and social events across luxury hotels.
- Company: Join Hand Picked Hotels, a family-owned group with unique luxury properties.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, generous holiday, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on creativity and exceptional guest experiences.
- Why this job: Shape extraordinary celebrations and influence the UK's luxury hospitality landscape.
- Qualifications: Experience in premium weddings/events and strong commercial mindset required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Hand Picked Hotels
Head of Weddings & Social Events – Hand Picked Hotels – Lead the future of unforgettable celebrations
Hand Picked Hotels was founded in 2001 by owner and Chairman, Julia Hands MBE, and today still remains a family‑owned group which has 21 unique luxury country houses and coastal retreats, each hand‑picked for their individuality.
Architecturally distinctive and quintessentially British, every hotel boasts an extraordinary location from Scotland to the Channel Islands, offering breathtaking views from vast countryside to expansive beaches, to lush woodlands.
Dedicated to creating unique and enchanting stays, curated personalised service runs through the heart of every hotel.
Whilst each hotel is individual, each property fulfils the company values of family, individuality, community and care, with a team commitment to aiming higher and delight their guests with magical experiences that offer a true escape from the everyday.
Hand Picked Hotels is committed to protecting the environment for a sustainable future, and all of our hotels have received the ‘Green Tourism’ accreditation.
A Recognition of our progress in reducing energy use and waste, supporting biodiversity, and sourcing responsibly from local and ethical partners.
We’re now looking for an exceptional Head of Weddings & Social Events to lead the commercial growth and evolution of one of our most important business segments.
This is a new role based from our commercial office in Central London.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of Weddings & Social Events across our collection of luxury hotels, developing market‑leading propositions, driving commercial performance and ensuring every guest experience reflects the quality and individuality of the Hand Picked Hotels brand.
About the role
Reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer, you’ll work across Sales, Marketing, Revenue, Digital, Food & Beverage and Hotel Operations to strengthen our Weddings & Social Events proposition from enquiry through to delivery.
You’ll combine commercial thinking with operational credibility, helping our hotels attract more guests, convert more enquiries and deliver exceptional celebrations that generate lasting memories and outstanding business performance.
Working closely with General Managers, Sales & Events teams and central support functions, you’ll identify opportunities for growth, improve customer journeys and ensure our hotels remain among the UK's most sought‑after wedding and event destinations.
- Shape an industry‑leading proposition
- Develop and enhance the Weddings & Social Events proposition across the Hand Picked Hotels portfolio.
- Create distinctive experiences that reflect changing customer expectations and luxury hospitality trends.
- Identify opportunities to grow premium wedding business, including high‑value celebrations.
- Review customer journeys to ensure every touch‑point inspires confidence, excitement and exceptional service.
- Drive commercial performance
- Lead initiatives that increase enquiries, conversion, revenue and profitability.
- Work with Marketing and Digital teams to improve brand visibility and demand generation across digital channels.
- Develop compelling customer‑facing content, packages and commercial offers.
- Analyse market trends, guest behaviour and competitor activity to identify new opportunities for growth.
- Support hotels in delivering ambitious Weddings & Social Events revenue targets.
- Improve sales performance and conversion
- Establish best practice across enquiry handling, proposals and follow‑up processes.
- Introduce clear performance reporting and KPI management across the estate.
- Share successful approaches between hotels to improve consistency and commercial results.
- Drive improvements in enquiry conversion and average event value.
- Lead through collaboration
- Act as the central commercial lead for Weddings & Social Events across the Group.
- Bring together Sales, Marketing, Revenue, Operations and Food & Beverage teams to deliver a consistent, market‑leading guest experience.
- Support capability development and coaching across hotel teams.
- Ensure new initiatives are successfully implemented across multiple properties.
About you
You’ll be an experienced Weddings or Events senior sales professional with a strong commercial mindset and a passion for creating exceptional guest experiences, driving sales and converting business.
You will have solid connections within the industry including key relationships with exclusive wedding planners.
- You’ll also bring
- Significant experience leading premium Weddings and Social Events within hospitality or luxury venues.
- A strong understanding of the complete customer journey—from inspiration and enquiry through to flawless event delivery.
- Experience developing propositions that increase demand, conversion and revenue.
- Commercial awareness with strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret performance data.
- Knowledge of digital marketing, customer acquisition and conversion strategies.
- Outstanding stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across multiple teams.
- A collaborative leadership style and a hands‑on approach to delivery.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Willingness to travel regularly to our hotels.
Why join Hand Picked Hotels?
At Hand Picked Hotels, you’ll have the opportunity to shape one of the UK's most exciting luxury hospitality brands.
You’ll work alongside passionate colleagues, influence strategy at Group level and help create extraordinary celebrations that guests will remember forever.
This is a rare opportunity to combine commercial leadership with creativity, innovation and exceptional hospitality.
If you’re passionate about luxury events, love driving commercial success and want to shape the future of Weddings & Social Events across an award‑winning hotel collection, we’d love to hear from you.
- Our Benefits
- Competitive salary package plus performance bonus (discussed at interview).
- Company pension scheme, life insurance, single private medical.
- 33 days holiday (including bank holidays) and enhanced sick pay.
- Access to wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme.
- Ongoing career development with in‑house and external training, including apprenticeships and industry‑recognised courses.
- Colleague discounts on hotel stays, food & drink, and annual loyalty rewards.
- Access to retail and wellness discounts via our online benefits platform.
- A welcoming, inclusive culture where long‑term friendships and diversity are celebrated.
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Head of Weddings and Social Events in London employer: Hand Picked Hotels Ltd
Hand Picked Hotels is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead spa operations across stunning luxury hotels in the UK. With a strong commitment to employee growth through extensive training programmes and a supportive work culture that values individuality and community, you will thrive in an environment that encourages creativity and excellence. Enjoy competitive benefits, including a generous holiday allowance and a focus on well-being, all while being part of a family-owned group dedicated to delivering magical experiences for guests.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Weddings and Social Events 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 Hand Picked Hotels Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Hand Picked Hotels Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Hand Picked Hotels Ltd 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 Head of Weddings and Social Events 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 Hand Picked Hotels Ltd 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 Hand Picked Hotels Ltd
✨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!
