At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage bookings and events, ensuring memorable experiences for guests across our pubs.
- Company: Join Dodo Pub Co, an independent pub group known for great food and vibrant community spaces.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, discounts on food and drink, and a great work/life balance.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow within one of the UK's most exciting independent pub groups.
- Why this job: Be the driving force behind unforgettable events and create lasting memories for our guests.
- Qualifications: Must be organised, people-focused, and passionate about hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 25000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an organised, people-focused and commercially driven Bookings & Events Manager to join the Dodo team.
Dodo Pub Co is an independent pub group built around brilliant food, great drinks and neighbourhood spaces people genuinely want to spend time in.
From award-winning burgers and Neapolitan pizzas to buzzing beer gardens, live sport and community events, we’re passionate about creating experiences that keep people coming back.
As our Bookings & Events Manager, you’ll own the customer journey from enquiry to event, helping turn bookings into memorable experiences across the Dodo estate.
Whether it’s a birthday party, corporate gathering, Christmas celebration, sports screening or private hire, you’ll be the person ensuring every event is organised, communicated and delivered brilliantly.
This isn’t an admin role. It’s a commercial role focused on driving bookings, maximising revenue and delivering exceptional hospitality.
- What you’ll be doing
- Group Bookings & Private Hire
- Manage large group bookings across the Dodo pub estate.
- Handle enquiries from first contact through to event handover.
- Coordinate birthdays, celebrations, private hire and corporate events.
- Manage deposits, pre-orders and guest communications.
- Ensure pub teams have everything they need to deliver exceptional events.
- Identify opportunities to upsell food, drinks packages and private spaces.
- Sports & Seasonal Events
- Coordinate bookings for major sporting occasions including the World Cup, Six Nations and other live events.
- Support the delivery of Christmas bookings and seasonal campaigns.
- Work closely with Marketing to maximise event attendance and revenue.
- Monitor booking performance and recommend actions to improve conversion.
- Booking Systems & Customer Journey
- Manage Design My Night across the estate.
- Respond promptly to enquiries and maximise conversion.
- Ensure booking journeys, communications and event information are accurate and up to date.
- Produce weekly booking reports and identify commercial opportunities.
- Build relationships with repeat customers and local businesses to encourage repeat bookings.
- What we’re looking for
- Friendly, confident and great with people.
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
- Commercially minded and motivated by results.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proactive and able to manage multiple priorities.
- Passionate about hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.
- Comfortable working across multiple pubs and supporting site teams.
- What success looks like
- Increased group bookings across the estate.
- Higher enquiry-to-booking conversion rates.
- Growth in sports, Christmas and private hire revenue.
- Strong communication between guests and pub teams.
- Smoothly delivered events with exceptional guest feedback.
- Repeat business from local communities and corporate customers.
What we offer
- 35 hours per week
- 20% off food and drink across all Dodo pubs
- Food on shift
- Learning and development opportunities
- Great work/life balance
- Annual team party
- Christmas Day & Boxing Day off
- The opportunity to help shape one of the UK’s most exciting independent pub groups
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
BOOKINGS & EVENTS MANAGER in Newbury employer: The Rickety Press
The Bottle of Sauce, part of the Dodo Pub Co, is an exceptional employer that prioritises community and quality in a vibrant pub atmosphere. With competitive pay, generous tips, and a commitment to employee growth through learning and development opportunities, we foster a supportive work culture where team members can thrive. Enjoy a great work/life balance, delicious meals on shift, and the chance to build lasting connections with locals while delivering top-notch hospitality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land BOOKINGS & EVENTS MANAGER in Newbury
✨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 Rickety Press. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Rickety Press
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Rickety Press 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 BOOKINGS & EVENTS MANAGER in Newbury
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 Rickety Press 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 Rickety Press
✨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!
