Conference and Events Manager

Mill Farm Sports Village; Preston; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Villa in Lancashire is seeking an experienced Conference & Events Manager to lead weddings, conferences, banquets and private functions. You will coordinate planning, logistics and service delivery from setup to guest experience.

The role requires strong organisational and leadership skills, with a calm approach under pressure, excellent communication, staff scheduling, and collaboration with kitchen and front-of-house teams to ensure memorable events.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing food, beverage, and events in a hotel setting.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
• Calm under pressure and dedicated to guest experiences.
• Confident communicator with strong team leadership.

Responsibilities

• Planning and managing the operational delivery of all events, including weddings, conferences, and banquets.
• Coordinating room layouts, catering, equipment, and staffing for each function.
• Managing banqueting bars, including stock control, ordering, and compliance with licensing laws.
• Ensuring health & safety standards are maintained across all event operations.
• Supervising and scheduling the events and banqueting team.
• Liaising with kitchen and front-of-house teams to ensure smooth service.
• Monitoring event timelines and resolving any operational issues promptly.
• Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and service quality.

Skills

Event planning

Team leadership

Time management

Communication

IT skills

Job description

About The Villa

Nestled in the picturesque village of Wrea Green, The Villa is a stunning 19th-century country house hotel that blends traditional charm with modern luxury. Renowned for its warm hospitality, fine dining, and exceptional service, The Villa is the perfect setting for weddings, conferences, and unforgettable events.

Following its recent acquisition by local entrepreneur David Haythornthwaite, The Villa is entering an exciting new chapter with ambitious plans for growth and investment. This is your chance to join a dynamic team and play a key role in shaping the future of one of Lancashire’s most prestigious hospitality destinations.

The Role

We’re looking for an experienced and highly organised Conference & Events Manager to lead the planning and delivery of weddings, conferences, banquets, and private functions. You’ll be responsible for ensuring every event runs smoothly, from initial setup to the final guest experience.

This is a hands-on role where you’ll coordinate logistics, manage banqueting bars, oversee staffing, and work closely with kitchen and front-of-house teams to deliver exceptional service. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and love creating memorable experiences, this role is for you.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Planning and managing the operational delivery of all events, including weddings, conferences, and banquets.
• Coordinating room layouts, catering, equipment, and staffing for each function.
• Managing banqueting bars, including stock control, ordering, and compliance with licensing laws.
• Ensuring health & safety standards are maintained across all event operations.
• Supervising and scheduling the events and banqueting team.
• Liaising with kitchen and front-of-house teams to ensure smooth service.
• Monitoring event timelines and resolving any operational issues promptly.
• Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and service quality.

About You

You’ll be a hospitality professional with strong organisational and leadership skills. Calm under pressure and passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences, you’ll thrive in a busy, high-standard environment.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in managing food, beverage, and events in a hotel setting.
• Highly organised with excellent time management skills.
• A confident communicator and team leader.
• IT‑savvy and quick to learn new systems.
• Flexible, enthusiastic, and a true team player.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of an exciting new era for The Villa with significant investment and growth plans.
• Work in a stunning setting with a passionate and supportive team.
• Enjoy competitive pay and benefits, plus opportunities for career development.