Senior Event Manager

Marston Events; Andover; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Programme

Pension scheme

Hybrid working arrangements

Enhanced holiday allowance

Volunteering days

Job summary

Marston Events is seeking a Senior Event Manager to lead the Events Team in delivering graduation and ceremonial events across the UK. You will oversee planning, coordination, logistics, and on-site delivery with a focus on professionalism and exceptional customer service.

You will lead Event Managers and staff, drive continuous improvement, and contribute to strategic development. The role requires flexibility for evenings, weekends, and travel within the UK.

Qualifications

• Experience leading events teams and delivering complex graduation/ceremonial events.
• Strong communication skills with clients, universities, and venues.
• Ability to manage on-site operations and live problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Lead graduation and ceremonial event services at various venues across the UK.
• Oversee all on-site event operations, including staff coordination and live issue resolution.
• Ensure venues, floor plans and schedules meet client expectations and company standards.
• Liaise with venues, academic institutions, and partners; attend site visits.
• Provide training, coaching, and development for team members.

Skills

Event leadership

Team management

Client relations

Communication

Problem solving

Microsoft Office 365

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Regular travel across the UK for events; international events currently form a small part of our business.

Ability to commute to our Andover office desirable.

Job Type / Hours

Full-time, annualised hours

Starting salary of £38,000 p.a., open to review after successful probationary period

To Note

Full UK Driver's License essential – must be confident driving manual vehicles up to 3.5t

(LWB and Luton/Low Loader type vehicles).

About the Role

The Senior Event Manager plays a pivotal leadership role within the Events Team,

overseeing the successful planning, coordination, logistics, and delivery of graduation

and ceremonial events across the UK. This role combines operational excellence with

team leadership, strategic development, and continuous improvement.

You will lead a team of Event Managers and event staff, ensuring high standards of

professionalism, customer service, and operational delivery. You will also contribute to

shaping the future of the Events Team, driving innovation and supporting organisational

growth.

This is a dynamic and rewarding role for an experienced events professional who thrives

in fast-paced environments and enjoys leading people, solving problems, and delivering

About Marston Events

Marston Events was founded in 2005 and has grown into a prestigious and expanding

company specialising in graduation ceremony services. We work in partnership with

universities, colleges, schools, and professional bodies across the UK and

internationally. Our core services include expert event management, the design and

supply of high-quality gowns, professional graduation photography, event

video/streaming services, and event ticketing.

We are dedicated to celebrating the power of aspiration and delivering exceptional

customer experiences. Our culture is built on trust, integrity, and a commitment to

excellence. With sites in Andover, Salford’s (Surrey), and Belfast, we are proud of our

diverse workforce and our supportive, inclusive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver graduation and ceremonial event services at various venues.
• Oversee all aspects of on-site event operations, including staff coordination and live problem-solving.
• Ensure event spaces are set up to a professional standard aligned with client expectations and company brand.
• Attend site visits and liaise with venue contacts, academic institutions, and
• Ensure floor plans, schedules, and briefing documents to support planning and live delivery are created in line with company standards.
• Lead, motivate, and manage the events team day to day.
• Set up and conduct regular formal 1:1s and team meetings.
• Assign roles and responsibilities to team members as required.
• Oversee completion of tasks and meeting actions allocated on the planner.
• Work with wider teams to support planner oversight, accountability checks, and deadlines.
• Provide training, coaching, and development opportunities for team members.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and excellence.
• Maintain high standards of customer service and professionalism across the team.
• Ensure all Event Manager–led meetings are carried out professionally, with actions recorded and completed.
• Work with the team to troubleshoot on live days and provide constructive feedback for continuous improvement.

Strategic Development & Innovation

• Identify potential risks and implement contingency plans ahead of live days, communicating with all relevant areas.
• Encourage innovations that enhance the attendee experience at live events.
• Work with Senior Leadership on shaping the Events Team for the future, driving this project and arranging meetings as required.
• Evolve and develop strategies and tasks to deliver against company goals/targets.

Logistics & Equipment

• Work with the warehouse team to prepare, maintain, and manage event kit.
• Ensure correct stock levels of academic dress and ceremonial items.
• Oversee transport, loading, and unloading of goods and equipment.
• Maintain stock, report damages, and ensure proper care of assets.

Customer Service

• Serve as a key point of contact for clients, graduates, and guests.
• Handle inquiries, resolve issues proactively, and ensure a high-quality customer experience.
• Be an available point of contact/escalation for the team.
• Escalate issues to relevant teams and oversee implementation of improvements.

Essential Qualifications & Requirements

• Previous experience in event management, including leading teams.
• Ability to take full ownership of event execution and client relations.
• Strong communication skills and confidence in managing expectations.
• Full, clean UK driving licence (manual vehicles).
• Must live within a 20-mile radius of Andover.
• Comfortable with flexible hours, including evenings and weekends during peak seasons.
• Competent with Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong interpersonal skills with a confident, customer-focused approach.
• Comfortable with physical tasks, including manual handling and long event days.

Working Conditions

• Based in the Andover office when not on-site.
• Regular travel across the UK, including overnight stays.
• Occasional work from other company offices.
• Use of company and hire vehicles for travel.

Physical Requirements

• Comfortable lifting and handling event equipment.
• Comfortable working long days during peak event periods.
• Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.

Company Values & Behaviours

1. We Are Proud

• High standards and technical excellence.
• Brand advocacy and ownership.

2. We Are Ambitious

• Proactive goal-setting and growth mindset.
• Initiative and continuous improvement.

3. We Are Resilient

• Perseverance under pressure.
• Problem-solving and adaptability.

4. We Act with Integrity

• Honesty, transparency, and ethical decision-making.
• Trustworthiness and accountability.

5. We Care

• Empathy, compassion, and respect.
• Team spirit and community focus.

Company Benefits

• Supportive company culture focused on creating memorable experiences.
• Employee Assistance Programme (Peninsula).
• Access to pension scheme.
• Enhanced holiday allowance for long service.
• Volunteering days.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements (role dependent).