At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage guest experiences, events, and corporate bookings with a focus on quality.
- Company: Join WWT, a passionate team dedicated to restoring wetlands and making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, free entry to wetland centres, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working days, including weekends, with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while creating memorable experiences for guests in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering or guest services, strong leadership, and exceptional customer care skills.
The predicted salary is between 28683 - 28683 £ per year.
As Hospitality & Events Manager you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of guest accommodation, corporate bookings, events, and functions, ensuring every experience reflects the highest standards of quality and professionalism. While delivering exceptional customer service and consistently high presentation standards, you will work closely with the Catering Services and Kitchen Managers to maximise revenue, identify and develop new commercial opportunities, and enhance our reputation. Through a strong commercial focus, you will also help create meaningful guest experiences that connect visitors with the importance of wetlands in our environment.
This role includes overseeing bookings, building strong relationships with clients, and leading the events team to successfully deliver the following services:
- Guest accommodation at Warblers Meadow & Bewick's Lodge
- Corporate functions and venue hires
- Team-building away days on-site
- Private events (e.g., birthdays, weddings, memorials)
- Internal staff functions
You will also play a key role in coordinating event delivery, ensuring all departments are aligned, staffing levels are appropriate, and each event is delivered seamlessly to meet and exceed client expectations. This is a permanent full time position, working 5 days out of 7 including weekends and bank holidays.
About You
To join as our Hospitality & Events Manager you'll:
- Bring proven experience in a catering or guest service team leader role, with a strong track record of coaching, developing, and leading high-performing teams.
- Demonstrate exceptional standards in customer care, with confident written and verbal communication skills and a passion for delivering outstanding guest experiences.
- Have the ability to plan, manage and adapt to seasonal campaigns and promotions, with proven problem‑solving skills and a creative approach to thinking outside the 'pond'.
- Be confident working collaboratively across multiple departments, including finance, reserves, catering, retail, and with external suppliers to ensure seamless delivery.
- Have strong organisational and administrative skills, with experience managing bookings, coordinating events, and maintaining attention to detail.
- Be confident using booking systems and Microsoft 365 to manage workloads efficiently.
- Show a strong commercial awareness, with experience in driving revenue through upselling and identifying new opportunities.
About Us
We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case. Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground‑breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar. Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power.
Why you’ll love working at WWT
- Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands, and our world
- Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people
- 33 days annual leave (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) – this includes bank holidays and you have flexibility to take those days whenever you want
- Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
- Free car parking and secure bike storage areas
- Colleague discount on shopping and memberships
- Cycle to work scheme
- Contributory pension scheme
- Life Assurance of three times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones
- Independent personal, workplace and financial advice from our Employee Assistance Programme
WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit. Salary: £28,683 per annum
Contact Information: Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, WWT Trading, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. Registered Charity Number England & Wales, no 1030884 and Scotland, no SC039410.
Hospitality & Events Manager employer: Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust - WWT Trading
At WWT, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a role that directly contributes to the restoration of vital wetland ecosystems. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, with generous benefits such as 33 days of annual leave, free entry to our wetland centres, and a contributory pension scheme. Join a passionate team dedicated to making a difference, where your efforts will not only enhance guest experiences but also promote environmental awareness in a beautiful setting.
Contact Details:
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust - WWT Trading Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hospitality & Events Manager
✨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 Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust - WWT Trading. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust - WWT Trading
Don't be shy about reaching out to Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust - WWT Trading 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 Hospitality & Events Manager
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 Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust - WWT Trading 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 Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust - WWT Trading
✨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!
