Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead venue operations, manage events, and ensure exceptional guest experiences.
- Company: Join a vibrant team at Powderham, a historic estate with a community focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, a competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting growth phase and make a real impact in event management.
- Qualifications: Experience in venue operations and team leadership is essential.
- Other info: Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, with opportunities for career development.
Location: Powderham, Devon
Terms: Full Time / Permanent; fixed-term or part-time (pro rata) considered
Days: Variable including evenings, nights and weekends
Annual Leave: 30 days per year
Pension: Eligible to join the company pension scheme
Salary Band: 4 (£30,000 - £35,000)
As Powderham embarks on the growth phase of its 5-year strategic plan, we are investing in our future by expanding our management team to help deliver this exciting vision for the future. These roles will play a key part in expanding and supporting our established team, working closely with an experienced and supportive senior leadership group.
Purpose: The Venue Manager will play a central role in supporting Powderham's mission to welcome as many people as possible to the Estate and ensure it remains a thriving, relevant, and generous place for the community. The role will oversee the day-to-day delivery of Powderham's venue operations including weddings, functions, corporate hire, festivals, and event hospitality, ensuring each activity is well-planned, safe, commercially effective, and delivered to the highest possible standard.
Key Responsibilities:
- Team Management: Line manage the venue coordinators, providing support, supervision, guidance and event delivery. Assist with recruitment, induction, training and performance reviews for the venue and bank teams. Create rotas and schedules to ensure appropriate management cover for all events. Foster a collaborative, positive and supportive working environment. Lead by example in customer service and operational standards and practice.
- Event and Venue Operations: Oversee day-to-day delivery of weddings, functions, corporate hire, festivals and event hospitality. Act as senior Duty Manager, responsible for cash handling, customer care, key holder responsibilities and first aid response. Troubleshoot and resolve operational challenges calmly and effectively. Drive sales performance across weddings, functions, and hospitality by supporting the Venue Coordinators in enquiry handling, showrounds, proposals, upselling opportunities, and achieving targets.
- Sales Leadership and Performance Management: Take overall responsibility for driving venue sales across weddings, ceremonies, corporate hire, functions, hospitality and in time third-party events, ensuring all revenue streams contribute to annual targets. Monitor, track and report on KPIs including enquiry response times, conversion rates, pipeline value, revenue forecasts, budget performance and customer satisfaction metrics.
- Compliance and Safety: Ensure all activities comply with licensing laws, fire safety and health and safety regulations. Act on behalf of the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), carrying out regular bar checks, ensuring all bar operations meet alcohol licensing conditions, and addressing any breaches or risks immediately.
- Client and Supplier Liaison: Serve as the main point of contact for clients during key stages of their event. Build strong relationships with suppliers, contractors, and trusted partners.
- Administration and Communication: Oversee the Venue diary management and change control for accurate scheduling. Chair weekly Venue Team meetings, including agenda, actions, and minutes. Report on event delivery, compliance progress, customer feedback, and KPIs.
Person Specification:
- Essential: Minimum two years experience in venue or event operations. Proven experience leading or supervising teams during live events or operational delivery. Strong administrative experience including schedule management, record keeping and written communication.
- Desirable: Experience within a Heritage, Visitor Attraction, Estate, or similar public facing environment. A personal licence (for the sale of alcohol). First Aid at Work and H&S qualifications (training can be provided).
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy: Powderham is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination.
Application Process: To apply, please submit a CV. All applications should be submitted through our vacancy page by 12th January 2026.
Venue Manager in Exeter employer: Powderham Castle
Contact Detail:
Powderham Castle Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Venue Manager in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their mission and values, especially how they relate to community engagement. This will help you tailor your responses and show you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on showcasing your leadership skills and experience in managing events, as these are key for the Venue Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Powderham and contributing to our exciting vision for the future.
We think you need these skills to ace Venue Manager in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Venue Manager role. Highlight your experience in venue operations and team management, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant skills that align with our mission at Powderham.
Show Your Passion: In your application, let us see your passion for events and hospitality. Share specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond in previous roles to create memorable experiences for clients and guests.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your achievements and qualifications quickly.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our vacancy page! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Powderham Castle
✨Know Your Venue Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you research Powderham thoroughly. Understand its history, mission, and the types of events it hosts. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you answer questions about how you can contribute to its growth and community engagement.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Venue Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams or events. Highlight your ability to foster a positive working environment and how you’ve handled challenges during live events.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Prowess
This role requires excellent organisational skills. Be ready to discuss how you manage multiple events simultaneously, create schedules, and ensure everything runs smoothly. You might even want to bring a sample event plan to illustrate your approach.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-time situations. Think of scenarios where you had to troubleshoot issues during an event or manage client expectations. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
