Conference and Events Operations Manager

Principal Hayley Hotels; Reading; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier events venue located in the United Kingdom is seeking a Conference & Events Operations Manager to oversee the delivery of conferences, weddings, and special events. The role demands a hands-on leader who can manage multiple events, ensuring smooth execution and high standards of service. Candidates should have proven experience in event management, strong organisational skills, and a focus on client satisfaction. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and possess a detail-oriented mindset, this opportunity could be for you.

Benefits

£40,000 per year

HOD Bonus Incentive Scheme

Free meals on duty

Complimentary use of Leisure Club facilities

Annual complimentary 2-night stay with dinner

31 days holiday

Access to discounts on retail and travel

Apprenticeship programmes

Qualifications

• Proven management experience in Conference & Events or Food & Beverage, especially large-scale events.
• Ability to motivate and coach a diverse team of colleagues.
• Strong organisational skills to manage multiple events effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of conferences, weddings, and special events.
• Ensure events run smoothly and meet high standards.
• Build strong relationships with clients and teams.

Skills

Management experience in Conference & Events

Leadership and motivational skills

Organisational skills

Client focus

Adaptability

Job description

Overview

At De Vere Wokefield Estate, we believe exceptional events are built on strong leadership, thoughtful detail, and teams who take pride in what they deliver. We’re looking for a Conference & Events Operations Manager to lead the delivery of conferences, weddings and special events across our venue, home to 39 flexible meeting and event spaces and hosting up to 500 guests.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, you’ll take full ownership of the end‑to‑end delivery of events, ensuring each one runs smoothly and meets the high standards our clients and guests expect. This is a hands‑on, operational role where you’ll be present on the floor, leading your teams, responding to challenges in real time, and ensuring every detail is carefully considered. You’ll build strong relationships with clients and internal teams, manage your department rota to ensure the right level of cover for early starts, late finishes, and weekends, and play a key role in developing and supporting your people to perform at their best. No two days are the same, and you’ll thrive in a fast‑paced environment where organisation, adaptability, and clear communication are essential.

Responsibilities & Qualities

• Proven management experience in Conference & Events or Food & Beverage, with responsibility for weddings, banqueting, or large‑scale events.
• A practical, people‑focused leadership style, with the ability to motivate, coach and support a diverse team of colleagues.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple events and changing priorities.
• A genuine focus on client and guest experience, with pride in delivering events that run seamlessly.
• Ability to work a variety of shifts, including early starts, late finishes and weekends.
• If you’re operationally focused, detail‑driven, and enjoy being at the heart of event delivery, we’d love to hear from you.

About the Estate

De Vere Wokefield Estate sits on 250 acres of rural Berkshire parkland and includes a historic Mansion House, contemporary Wokefield Place with state‑of‑the‑art facilities, 376 bedrooms and suites, 39 meeting rooms, an 18‑hole PGA‑approved championship golf course, and a leisure club. Food and beverage options include Benedict’s Bar, The 1560 Restaurant, The View Restaurant and the Summerhouse. Located just outside Reading, it is 10 minutes from the J11 of the M4 and offers fast, direct trains from London Paddington to Reading.

Pay & Benefits

• £40,000 per year.
• HOD Bonus Incentive Scheme – up to 10% of salary based on business performance.
• Free meals on duty in colleague dining facilities.
• Complimentary use of the Leisure Club facilities.
• One paid day off for your birthday and a £20 love‑to‑shop voucher.
• Varied shift patterns and contracts available; we operate 24/7.
• Annual complimentary 2‑night stay with dinner at a De Vere property, plus additional rewards for long‑service milestones.
• £50 colleague rates for overnight stays at De Vere properties and a 50% discount on Food & Beverage.
• 31 days holiday each year (increasing annually up to 33 days).
• Access to the Exclusively Yours Benefits portal for discounts on retail, travel and leisure.
• Apprenticeship programmes, study support and outstanding career progression opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Programme, Hospitality Action – 24/7 health and wellbeing support, including free counseling.
• Wagestream – financial wellbeing platform with instant access to pay.
• Monthly colleague recognition programme, You Are De Vere, culminating in an annual event.
• Regular team appreciation events, including Christmas and Summer parties.
• Company Life Assurance scheme for financial security for your loved ones.