Event Manager in City of Westminster

We are looking for people to join our fantastic team at Somerset House Trust. As the home of cultural innovators, the Trust connects creativity and the arts with the broader society. Somerset House pursues a ‘Step Inside, Think Outside’ spirit and is born from the creative community we nurture - the experience and perspectives we host across background, age, race, and stage, and the intersections and crossovers we encourage.

This is an opportunity for an experienced Event Manager to join the Commercial team at Somerset House. This role has specific responsibility for the professional management of all aspects of commercial hires – from points of contract through to execution - supporting the team with the delivery and operations for all bookings.

Somerset House offers 12 blank canvas event spaces, including indoor and outdoor spaces suitable for staging events of all styles and sizes – ranging in capacity from 10 to 3,000. The Commercial Venue Hire Team (comprising of two teams - Sales & Operations), are responsible for managing all bespoke commercial hires at Somerset House, ranging from drinks receptions and Christmas parties to fashion shows, film shoots and brand activations.

We are looking for a self-motivated individual who is a quick learner with the ability to hit the ground running. You will possess the ability to work on your own, using your initiative, as well as in a team environment. You will have a passion for the creative industries and will thrive working in a fast-paced environment.

What we are looking for:

• Deliver exceptional event operations: Lead the end-to-end operational and logistical delivery of a diverse portfolio of events, ensuring seamless execution from planning through to post-event review.
• Build and manage trusted relationships: Develop strong relationships with clients, suppliers and internal teams, delivering outstanding customer service and clear communication to drive successful outcomes and repeat business.
• Drive financial performance and growth: Manage event budgets and profitability through accurate forecasting, cost control and proactive identification of upsell and revenue-generating opportunities.
• Ensure safe, compliant and efficient delivery: Oversee all operational administration, including staffing, risk assessments and health & safety compliance, ensuring events meet venue policies and operational standards.
• Collaborate across teams and partners: Work closely with other Trust departments and contractors to resolve challenges effectively and support smooth site-wide operations.

Skills, knowledge & expertise required for the role:

• Experience: Experienced in a similar role, within a unique venue with public spaces. Experienced in delivering complex events. Proven experience of managing and working with a range of event suppliers, including onsite and external contractors. Worked with clients across a range of industries and scales, managing expectations and delivering a high-level client experience. Previous experience of working to, and with, budgets. Experienced in Health & Safety management, including writing risk assessments.
• Desirable: IOSH training, Personal licence holder, First Aid trained.
• Skills: Ability to plan, manage and oversee operational procedures to a high standard, with strong attention to detail. Excellent prioritisation skills, able to work under pressure to tight deadlines, with ability to adapt to change. Strong customer focus. Excellent interpersonal skills, with ability to build relationships, work collaboratively and influence decision-making with clients and colleagues at all levels.

Benefits to working at Somerset House:

• Mental Health & Wellbeing: Access to our external Employee Assistance Programme (CiC) for free 24/7 confidential advice and support, including up to 6 free counselling sessions per year where needed. Mental health support and guidance from our in-house trained Mental Health First Aiders. Hybrid working based on having 3 days in the office per week (pro rata if part-time). Contribution towards eye tests and glasses. Trust life insurance scheme. We offer winter flu vaccination vouchers.
• Holiday: Enhanced annual leave – 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata). Birthday leave - additional day leave. Celebration day - to celebrate anything of your choice.
• Other Leave: Sick leave – 20 days full pay, followed by 20 days half pay (pro rata & following 3 months service). Emergency dependent care – option to use 25% of paid sick leave for emergency care of a dependent (pro rata & following 3 months of service). Enhanced maternity pay.
• Benefits: 8% employer pension contributions, no employee contribution required. Option for salary sacrifice. Season ticket loan. Cycle to Work scheme. Discounts, offers and free stuff including tickets to Somerset House events and entrance to other London Heritage sites. Discounts in Somerset House cafes and restaurants. Discounts with various high street retailers and restaurants. Discounts to local leisure centres.