Reservations & Events Executive

Balfour Hospitality; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading English winery located in Kent is seeking a dynamic Reservations & Events Executive. This full-time role involves managing guest reservations and supporting event planning and execution. Ideal candidates will have strong customer service skills and a background in hospitality or events management. Opportunities for professional growth and employee discounts are provided.

Benefits

Employee discounts on winery products

Opportunities for professional development

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience in hospitality, events, or reservations management.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate all tasting room and tour reservations.
• Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of winery events.
• Maintain accurate records of reservations and event details.

Skills

Customer service

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Reservation management software

Communication skills

Tools

Reservation management software

Job description

Overview

Balfour Winery, situated on the picturesque Hush Heath Estate in Kent, is one of the UK's leading producers of English wine and Winery visitor centers. Known for our innovative approach and commitment to quality, we are expanding our team to support our ambitious growth plans. We are seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic Reservations & Events Executive to join our team. If you are charismatic, love interacting with guests, and passionate about what you do, then we’d love to hear from you!

We are seeking a highly organised and personable Reservations & Events Executive to manage guest reservations, support event planning and execution, and deliver exceptional customer service experiences at Balfour Winery. This role is pivotal in creating memorable visits for guests—from intimate tastings to large-scale events—while ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.

Responsibilities

• Reservations & Guest Services
  • Manage and coordinate all tasting room and tour reservations (online, phone, email, and in-person).
  • Maintain and update reservation systems.
  • Confirm bookings, handle changes/cancellations, and proactively manage waitlists.
  • Welcome guests upon arrival and ensure seamless handover to the front-of-house or tour guides.
• Event Coordination
  • Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of winery events (e.g., private functions, weddings, corporate events).
  • Liaise with clients and vendors to ensure event details are accurate and expectations are met.
  • Coordinate internal calendars and timelines to support event execution.
  • Prepare event documentation, including floor plans, checklists, and itineraries.
• Administration & Communication
  • Maintain accurate records of reservations, guest preferences, and event details.
  • Support invoicing and payment processes for private bookings and events.
  • Collaborate with the marketing team for event promotion and guest communications.
  • Generate weekly and monthly reports on bookings and event performance.

Requirements

• Essential
  • 2+ years’ experience in hospitality, events, or reservations management.
  • Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
  • Confident communicator—both written and verbal.
  • Proficient in reservation and event management software.
• Desirable
  • Experience working in a winery or luxury hospitality setting.
  • Knowledge or passion for wine and wine tourism.
• Key Attributes
  • Personable and guest-focused
  • Calm under pressure
  • Detail-oriented
  • Flexible and proactive
  • A team player with a “can-do” attitude

Working Hours & Benefits

• Full-time role, including weekends and some evenings depending on event schedule.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment on our beautiful Hush Heath estate.
• Opportunities for professional development and progress in your role as the business grows.
• Employee discounts on Balfour Winery products and experiences.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of individuals and will consider any reasonable adjustments to enable candidates to perform as well as possible during the recruitment process, [e-mail] with any requests.