At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and deliver exciting events at the world’s leading design museum.
- Company: Join the Design Museum, a hub for contemporary design in Kensington.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, hybrid working, and a vibrant work culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with diverse clients and contribute to income-generating activities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your event management career in a unique and inspiring environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in event management or hospitality with strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 30390 - 30390 £ per year.
The Design Museum is the world’s leading museum devoted to contemporary design. Based in our iconic Kensington building, the Commercial Hire & Events team delivers a wide range of events, from conferences and product launches to award ceremonies, receptions, weddings and corporate functions. We are now seeking a Commercial Hire & Events Executive to support the planning and delivery of commercial and internal events, helping to maximise revenue opportunities while ensuring an exceptional experience for clients, guests and colleagues. This is an exciting opportunity to develop your event management career in a unique venue, working across a varied programme of events and supporting the successful delivery of income-generating activity for the museum.
The Commercial Hire & Events Executive supports the delivery of commercial hire activity and internal events, with a focus on event planning, client management and operational delivery. Working closely with the Commercial Hire & Events Managers and colleagues across the museum, you will help deliver events to a consistently high standard, ensuring excellent customer service, smooth event operations and strong commercial outcomes.
- Planning and delivering a range of small to medium‑scale commercial and internal events, while supporting larger projects and venue hires.
- Managing client relationships, site visits and enquiries to maximise sales opportunities and encourage repeat business.
- Coordinating event logistics, suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure successful event delivery.
- Supporting event administration, including CRM updates, contracts, booking processes and financial records.
- Contributing to income targets, event reporting and the effective management of museum event spaces and resources.
We are looking for someone who brings:
- Experience in event management, hospitality or a similar customer‑focused environment.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work to tight deadlines.
- Excellent customer service and relationship management skills, with a professional and proactive approach.
- Strong communication, problem‑solving and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- A target‑driven mindset and enthusiasm for delivering successful events and commercial outcomes.
Salary: Up to £30,390 per annum
Holidays: 25 days + Christmas Eve (museum closed)
Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Location: the Design Museum, Kensington (hybrid: 60% on site, 40% remote)
Closing date: Monday 24 August (midnight)
Interviews: Tuesday 8 September and Thursday 10 September
If you encounter any issues while completing your application, please email peopleteam@designmuseum.org before the vacancy closing date. We will be in touch as soon as possible; (please note the inbox is monitored Monday-Friday).
Executive - Commercial Hire and Events employer: the Design Museum
The Design Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Kensington, where creativity and innovation thrive. As part of the Commercial Hire & Events team, you will have the opportunity to develop your event management career while enjoying a supportive environment that prioritises employee growth and collaboration. With competitive benefits, including generous holiday allowances and a hybrid working model, the museum fosters a dynamic atmosphere for delivering memorable events and achieving commercial success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive - Commercial Hire and Events
✨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 the Design Museum. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to the Design Museum
Don't be shy about reaching out to the Design Museum 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 Executive - Commercial Hire and Events
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 the Design Museum 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 the Design Museum
✨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!
