At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage exciting events from corporate conferences to weddings.
- Company: Join the Royal Agricultural University, a top specialist university in a stunning location.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, a pension scheme, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a beautiful campus in the Cotswolds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while shaping the future of university events.
- Qualifications: Experience in events management and strong leadership skills required.
Location: Cirencester
Salary: £38,784 – £46,049 per annum
Contract: Permanent, full time (35 hours per week, flexibility required for evenings and weekends)
Be part of something special. The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) is one of the UK’s leading specialist universities, set in a stunning Cotswold campus. With a large and growing Conference & events portfolio, we are now looking for an experienced and commercially driven Conferencing & Events Manager to help shape the next stage of our development.
About the role
This is a key leadership role within the Campus Experience team, responsible for driving the commercial performance and operational delivery of our events and conferencing business. From corporate conferences and weddings to summer schools and high-profile University events, you will lead a small team and work across departments to deliver exceptional experiences and sustainable commercial growth.
You will:
- Take ownership of the full events lifecycle, from enquiry through to delivery
- Lead and develop a high-performing events team
- Drive revenue growth and identify new commercial opportunities
- Improve processes, planning and ways of working to increase efficiency and consistency
- Build strong relationships across the University to ensure events are well-planned and delivered
You will play a central role in shaping how the University approaches commercial activity — balancing ambition with operational reality.
About you
You will bring:
- Proven experience in events, conferencing, hospitality or venue management
- A strong track record of delivering commercial targets and growing business
- Excellent leadership and organisational skills
- The ability to plan and deliver complex events with professionalism and calm
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach and strong stakeholder skills
- Commercial awareness combined with a commitment to high-quality customer experience
Knowledge of the higher education sector is desirable but not essential — what matters most is your drive and ability to make things happen.
Why join us?
This is an opportunity to make a real impact in a University that is ambitious about its future. You’ll benefit from:
- A supportive and collaborative working environment
- A beautiful campus location in the heart of the Cotswolds
- Generous holiday entitlement and pension scheme
- Opportunities for development and progression
- The chance to shape and grow a key area of the University’s activity
If you are looking for a role where you can lead, influence and build something sustainable, we would love to hear from you. Apply now and be part of delivering exceptional events and experiences at RAU.
For further information and how to apply, please click apply.
Date: 17 June 2026
Interview dates: 1st July 2026
Conference and Events Business Manager employer: Royal Agricultural University
The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) offers an exceptional working environment for the Conference and Events Business Manager, set against the stunning backdrop of the Cotswolds. With a strong focus on collaboration and professional development, employees enjoy generous benefits, including a competitive salary, holiday entitlement, and a pension scheme. This role provides a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic team and shape the future of the University's events portfolio, making a meaningful impact in a supportive and ambitious institution.
Contact Details:
Royal Agricultural University Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Conference and Events Business Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to those already in the field. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their recent events and think about how you can contribute to their success. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to talk about your experience and how it aligns with the role of Conference and Events Business Manager. Highlight your leadership skills and past successes in driving revenue growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Conference and Events Business Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Conference and Events Business Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any commercial successes you've had in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about events and how you can contribute to our team. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Event Management Skills:In your application, provide examples of complex events you've managed. We want to see your ability to plan, execute, and deliver exceptional experiences, so don’t hold back on the details!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Agricultural University
✨Know Your Events Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the types of events the university hosts. Research their past conferences, weddings, and other events to understand their style and audience. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how you can contribute to their success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in previous roles. Highlight specific instances where you’ve driven revenue growth or improved processes. This will illustrate your ability to lead a high-performing events team effectively.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Commercial Strategies
Think about innovative ideas for driving revenue and identifying new commercial opportunities. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach these challenges at the university, showcasing your proactive and solutions-focused mindset.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Since building strong relationships is key, think of ways to demonstrate your stakeholder management skills. Prepare to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated with different departments in the past to deliver exceptional events.
