At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and manage exciting events, from showrooms to global tradeshows.
- Company: Join a family-run business with over 140 years of experience in homeware and gifting.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for travel and growth.
- Other info: Full-time onsite role with dynamic team collaboration and leadership opportunities.
- Why this job: Be the driving force behind inspiring events that showcase innovative products.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and a flair for creativity required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Company Description
Founded in 1883 by William Widdop, Widdop & Co. is a fifth generation, family run business that supplies homeware and gifting to retail. We have an expansive UK head office and distribution centre in Manchester, serving customers across the UK, Ireland, and over 60 countries worldwide. We have in-house design and product development teams that create more than 3,000 new products each year across 35 exclusive brands, and an expansive on-site showroom. Exemplary customer service makes us the first choice of leading retailers and small independent shops worldwide.
Role Overview
We are seeking an Event Planner to hold full accountability for our department’s total output, overseeing the end-to-end management of our showroom and global tradeshow event calendar. By balancing creative vision with rigorous project management, you will drive commercial results through inspiring events and seasonal product launches while leading the customer experience and showroom sales growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Calendar Ownership: Take 100% ownership of the showroom and tradeshow calendar, ensuring all seasonal transitions and milestones are met on time.
- Layout & Design: Partner with the Construction Supervisor to develop detailed tradeshow floorplans and showroom launch layouts.
- Major Launches: Lead the planning and execution of comprehensive showroom changes for all major launches (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Christmas) to ensure the space remains fresh and commercially relevant.
- Project Logistics: Manage all non-negotiable project requirements, including sourcing external/internal project support and essential project tasks, all detailed in clear project management plans.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Meet with Brand Managers, sales teams, and Directors to finalise brand visions and project briefs before execution. Maintain consistent communication regarding updates or potential delays.
- Operational Excellence: Oversee the daily running of the showroom to ensure high standards across all displays and visitor areas. Ensure every display accurately represents the specific brand identity and storytelling.
- Growth Initiatives: Collaborate with the Head of Marketing to develop initiatives to increase showroom visitor bookings.
- Retail Management: Manage the visual and operational standards of the Home of Gifts outlet (B2C) store and any related activities and events.
- Team Leadership: Provide clear, decisive direction to the showroom and tradeshow teams, effectively delegate tasks based on skills, while assisting with manual tasks when required.
What We Are Looking For
- Project Expertise: Proven ability to manage multiple high-pressure projects simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines.
- Creative Flair and a Good Attention to Detail: We're looking for a self-starter with a keen eye for detail and boundless creativity, in a place where we have over 11,000 products.
- Accountability: A proactive leadership style that drives the department forward independently without needing to be prompted for updates.
- Technical Proficiency: Essential computer literacy with the ability to produce professional floor plans and manage digital folder structures.
- Working Onsite: This is a full-time onsite role at our offices in Chadderton, Greater Manchester.
- Travel & Flexibility: Ability to travel regularly to national tradeshow venues and work outside normal hours (including weekends) during critical build and breakdown phases.
How to Apply
If you are a hands-on leader ready to shape our brand presence across our Manchester-based showroom and at major global events, apply today with your CV.
Event Planner employer: WIDDOP and Co.
Widdop & Co. is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and creative work culture, where your innovative ideas as an Event Planner will be valued and brought to life. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead dynamic events and collaborate with talented teams in our expansive Manchester headquarters, all while enjoying the benefits of working for a family-run business that prioritises exemplary customer service and a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Event Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, connect with fellow event planners, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to meet with hiring managers, bring along a portfolio showcasing your best work. Include photos from past events you've planned and any innovative ideas you have for future projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your follow-ups! After interviews or networking events, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from passionate candidates. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight how your skills align with our needs at Widdop & Co. and show us why you're the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Event Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Creative Side:As an Event Planner, creativity is key! Make sure your application reflects your unique style and innovative ideas. Use examples from past experiences to showcase how you've brought events to life.
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented:We love a candidate who can juggle multiple projects without breaking a sweat. Highlight your project management skills and attention to detail in your CV. Mention specific tools or methods you use to stay organised.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your application to match the job description. Show us how your skills align with our needs, especially in managing showroom and tradeshow events.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at WIDDOP and Co.
✨Know Your Events Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the types of events Widdop & Co. hosts. Familiarise yourself with their showroom and tradeshow calendar, and think about how you can contribute to their creative vision. Being able to discuss specific events and your ideas for them will show your genuine interest and proactive attitude.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of past projects where you've successfully managed multiple tasks under pressure. Highlight your ability to meet deadlines and maintain high standards. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easy for the interviewers to see your capabilities in action.
✨Demonstrate Your Creative Flair
Bring a portfolio or examples of your previous work that showcase your creativity and attention to detail. Whether it's floor plans, event layouts, or marketing materials, having tangible evidence of your skills will set you apart. Be ready to discuss your design process and how you ensure brand storytelling through your work.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since collaboration is key in this role, prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated with various stakeholders in the past. Think of examples where you’ve led meetings or coordinated with teams to achieve a common goal. This will demonstrate your leadership style and ability to drive projects forward independently.
