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Form of workJob Introduction
Role Purpose
Highcliffe Castle is an award winning wedding venue situated on the South Coast in Dorset.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the development and operation of Functions at Highcliffe Castle, maintaining the highest of standards and reaching or exceeding annual performance targets. A creative flair is essential to produce a unique and memorable day for all of our couples. You will be highly organised with a hands-on approach and an eye for detail. You will be part of the Duty Management team, through which you will learn about all aspects of the Castle operation, which will give you essential background to ensure an excellent experience for our guests.
This is a full time post of 37 hours per week. Flexibility is required to fit around the demands of the Castle and will involve frequent evening and weekend working.
Highcliffe Castle is owned and operated by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council and the post holder will be responsible to the Commercial Manager. For an informal chat about this post, please call Lara Merredew on 01202 093377.
As a Council that is striving towards the provision of Equal Opportunities, in terms of both employment and service delivery, we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
This post is a 1 year fixed term contract for Maternity Cover.
Main Responsibilities
• Manage & develop the planning and delivery of all functions and events at Highcliffe Castle and within the grounds to provide an engaging heritage venue as well as an attractive venue for events, weddings, meetings, environmental education, cultural activities and general public recreation.
• Oversee the staffing required to successfully deliver all functions, events and weddings within Highcliffe Castle and grounds including managing the rota to ensure required cover is in place
• Recruit, manage and develop the permanent and temporary staff within the functions team
• Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers and agencies who support the delivery of functions and events within Highcliffe Castle
• Responsibility for stock purchasing and control for functions and events facilities, including the bar
• Obtain and analyse data to support the business to develop its service and to assist with the development and implementation of the Business & Action Plans for Highcliffe Castle with a focus on improved customer experience, income generation and adapting the offer to meet emerging trends
• Assist with communications and promotions linked to function and events at Highcliffe Castle including printed material, websites and social media.
• Manage operational budgets, including the setting and realising of income targets.
• Provide effective communication between managers, staff, partners, contractors and stakeholders.
• Attend exhibitions and conferences relevant to developing and promoting the functions business within Highcliffe Castle
• To be responsible for ensuring that all functions and events are in line with relevant Health & Safety requirements and documentation is maintained and updated
• Attend Safety Advisory Group meetings and prepare and submit all relevant Emergency Management Plans for events as required
• Deputise for the Operations Manager as and when required.
The Ideal Candidate
• 3 A Levels, NVQ level 4 or equivalent experience
• Marketing & communications experience
• Experience of delivering events and functions within an indoor setting and within public grounds and the complexities of these being used for various purposes
• Experience of managing partnerships including stakeholder management and knowledge of effective change
• Experience of motivating and building relationships with staff promoting a culture of empowerment and inclusion.
• Experience of delivering creative solutions to a range of problems.
• Experience of financial and administrative systems including budget management
• Related Health & Safety knowledge and safe working practices.
• IT skills in Word, Outlook and Power Point.
• Organised and efficient with attention to detail.
• High level of resilience and clam under pressure
• Flexible approach
• Literacy and numeracy skills
• Negotiation skills.
• Strategic thinker and effective decision maker
• Must be able to travel, using public or other forms of transport where they are viable, or by holding a valid UK driving licence with access to own or pool car.
About BCP Council
BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, word-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.
Our Benefits
We offer an excellent benefits package to colleagues. Find out more on our website.
As a result of the creation of BCP Council in 2019, we are working on simplifying our terms and conditions of service and will be creating a single pay structure which is to be applicable for all employees. It is important to us that we offer benefits that our colleagues value as part of their total employment package and we are reviewing these to make sure we have it right. We are in the process of establishing a timescale for implementation and colleagues joining us will be included in these changes. This is expected to be in place in 2024.
