Bookings & Events Manager

Role Overview

The Rickety Press is seeking a highly organized, customer-oriented, and commercially focused Bookings & Events Manager to join our team at Dodo Pub Co. Our independent pub group prides itself on providing exceptional food, drinks, and welcoming community spaces. This role specializes in managing and enhancing customer bookings to create unforgettable experiences across our pub estate.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate large group bookings, including birthdays, corporate gatherings, private hires, and celebrations across the pub estate.
• Manage all aspects of bookings from initial inquiry to event execution, including deposits, pre-orders, and guest communication.
• Collaborate with pub teams to ensure seamless event delivery and anticipate their needs.
• Identify and promote opportunities to upsell food, drink packages, and private spaces to increase revenue.
• Organize bookings for major sporting events such as the World Cup and Six Nations, as well as seasonal events including Christmas campaigns.
• Work in partnership with the marketing team to boost attendance and maximize event revenue.
• Utilize and administer the DesignMyNight booking system to maintain up-to-date event information and streamline the customer journey.
• Respond promptly to enquiries to optimize booking conversions and generate weekly reports highlighting commercial opportunities.
• Build and maintain relationships with regular customers and local businesses to encourage repeat bookings.

Candidate Profile

• Personable, confident, and skilled in interpersonal communication.
• Extremely organized with a keen attention to detail.
• Commercially driven with a focus on achieving measurable outcomes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Proactive and capable of managing multiple priorities effectively.
• A passion for the hospitality sector and delivering memorable guest experiences.
• Flexible and comfortable operating across multiple pub sites.

Success Metrics

• Growth in group bookings throughout the pub estate.
• Improved inquiry-to-booking conversion rates.
• Increased revenue from sports events, Christmas, and private hires.
• Effective communication between guests and pub teams to enhance service delivery.
• Flawless event execution with excellent guest feedback.
• Building repeat business from local communities and corporate clients.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary of £25,000
• 35 hours weekly
• 20% discount on food and beverages at all Dodo pubs
• Complimentary food during shifts
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Balanced work-life schedule
• Annual staff party
• Holiday on Christmas Day and Boxing Day
• The chance to contribute to one of the UK's leading independent pub groups