Assistant Conference and Banquetting Manager

Assistant Conference & Banqueting Manager

New Forest Hotels | Burley Manor

Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive, depending on experience

Make every occasion unforgettable.

Are you passionate about creating exceptional guest experiences and bringing unforgettable events to life? Do you thrive on the buzz of a beautifully executed wedding, a flawlessly delivered celebration or a successful corporate event?

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, organised and hands‑on Assistant Conference & Banqueting Manager to join the team at New Forest Hotels.

Working closely with, and acting as the right hand to, our Food & Beverage Manager, you will play a key role in the planning, coordination and delivery of weddings, conferences, banquets and special events. From the first welcome to the final farewell, you will help ensure every detail is taken care of and every guest enjoys an exceptional experience.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced hospitality professional who is ready to take the next step in their career, develop their leadership skills and make a real impact within a unique collection of hotels.

The role: Bringing weddings and events to life

As Assistant Conference & Banqueting Manager, you will be at the heart of our events operation, helping to turn plans into outstanding experiences. You will support the Food & Beverage Manager in leading the team, maintaining high standards and ensuring every event runs smoothly from start to finish.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the F&B Manager: Acting as their right hand in the day‑to‑day running of the conference and banqueting operation, providing leadership, support and hands‑on assistance wherever needed.
• Delivering exceptional weddings: Taking an active role in the operational delivery of weddings, ensuring the couple’s vision is brought to life and their special day runs seamlessly.
• Managing events from start to finish: Overseeing the set‑up, service and breakdown of weddings, conferences, banquets and private functions, ensuring every detail meets our standards.
• Leading and motivating the team: Briefing, supporting and developing colleagues to deliver warm, professional and attentive service.
• Maintaining exceptional standards: Ensuring event spaces, table settings, food and beverage service and presentation are consistently of the highest quality.
• Coordinating with other departments: Working collaboratively with the kitchen, reception, housekeeping, sales and events teams to ensure clear communication and a seamless guest journey.
• Taking ownership: Anticipating challenges, resolving issues confidently and adapting quickly when plans change.
• Protecting profitability: Supporting effective staffing, stock control, cost awareness and the efficient use of resources.
• Creating memorable experiences: Building positive relationships with guests, couples and clients, helping to exceed expectations and create lasting memories.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for someone who combines a genuine passion for hospitality with the confidence and ability to lead from the front.

Ideally, you will bring:

• Previous experience in conference and banqueting, weddings or event operations within a hotel or hospitality environment.
• A strong understanding of the operational requirements involved in delivering weddings and events to a high standard.
• Experience supervising, motivating or leading a team, with the confidence to take responsibility during busy services.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Clear, professional communication skills, both face‑to‑face and in writing.
• A proactive, practical approach to problem‑solving and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• A strong understanding of guest service and a commitment to delivering consistently high standards.
• Commercial awareness, with an appreciation of the importance of cost control and operational efficiency.
• A flexible, hands‑on attitude and a genuine willingness to learn and develop.

Most importantly, you will be someone who takes pride in their work, supports their colleagues and understands that the little details can make a big difference.

The person behind the role

• A natural leader who inspires confidence, leads by example and brings out the best in the team.
• Passionate about weddings and events, with the energy and enthusiasm to make every occasion special.
• Organised and detail‑focused, able to keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
• Calm and solutions‑focused, even when the pressure is on.
• A team player, happy to roll up your sleeves and get involved wherever needed.
• Professional and personable, building positive relationships with colleagues, guests and clients.
• Ambitious and motivated, keen to grow your skills and progress your career within hospitality.

This is a hands‑on operational role, and flexibility is essential. You will need to be available to work a variety of shifts, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays, with working hours of up to 48 hours per week.

Due to the location of our venues and limited public transport links, reliable access to your own transport is essential.

What’s in it for you?

At New Forest Hotels, we believe in looking after our people and creating opportunities for them to thrive.

As part of our team, you will enjoy:

• 28 days’ holiday per year, plus a duvet day on your birthday for eligible contracted roles.
• Fantastic training, development and career progression opportunities.
• Free staff parking.
• Perkbox benefits.
• Discounts at our sister resort in Cyprus.
• The opportunity to work within a distinctive collection of hotels, gaining valuable experience and developing your hospitality career.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to respond to every applicant individually. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of submitting your application, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

We thank you for your interest in joining New Forest Hotels.

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