Job Description
The core purpose of Venue Reading is to balance delivering event support services to our internal and external customers with a commercial focus and deliver excellent products and services. We are committed to supporting the strategic principles of the University in promoting quality of both campuses and the physical learning environment.
Venue Reading and Venue Henley are professional events service teams offering a wide variety of venues, hosting a range of events including day and residential meetings and conferences, functions and weddings, B&B accommodation and academic summer schools. The role will be based within the Venue Reading team at Whiteknights Campus in Reading.
The post holder will, with the support and guidance of the Event Manager, generate and supervise the conference, events and function business. This involves ensuring that all events are developed with optimum efficiency and profitable utilisation of the University’s facilities in harmony with the core academic priorities of the University. The post requires an organised, proactive and motivated individual to co-ordinate a variety of events to maximise revenue generation for the University by matching client requirements to University facilities.
This is a senior position within the Venue Reading team and the post holder will work closely with the Event Manager and Head of Events and Conference Operations to successfully manage the portfolio of events throughout the year.
Benefits of Working for the University of Reading:
- Generous annual leave – our annual leave scheme entitles colleagues to take up to 21 days annual leave per year, increasing to 25 days after 5 years’ service. (The entitlement will be pro rata for part-time colleagues). In addition to this, you will be entitled to public holidays and additional days (normally 6 in total) when the University is closed around Easter and Christmas.
- Great pension scheme – members of staff have the opportunity to join a pension scheme offered by the University. The scheme is funded by contributions made by both members and the University with the University paying the majority of the cost.
- Beautiful Campus Environment - our Green Flag Award winning Whiteknights campus is not far from Reading town center. It has its own bus stop, serving Reading Buses, a free park and ride from Mereoak and Thames Valley Park and on-site permit parking available. It is set in 130 hectares of beautiful parkland, so you’ll find plenty of places to relax during your breaks.
- Additional benefit Schemes – such as Cycle2Work, travel loans and discounts are just some of the packages staff can benefit from.
- Your health and wellbeing – there is a considerable discount on our on-site Sports Park Facilities because we care about our employees’ Health and Wellbeing.
You will have : compulsory
- Experience in Event Management
- Experience in Customer Service environment – customer facing
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- The ability to prioritise workload and stick to deadlines
- Excellent customer service skills
- Knowledge of conference business trends
Closing date: 3rd November 2024
Interviews will be held: 15th November 2024
We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.
Contact details
Contact Name: Laura Robb
Contact Job Title: Event Manager
Contact Email address: l.a.s.robb@reading.ac.uk
Alternative Contact Name: Rob Boreham-Fish
Alternative Contact Job Title: Business Development Manager
Alternative Contact Email address: r.d.boreham-fish@reading.ac.uk (from 20th October)
Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, non-UK candidates who do not already have permission to work in the UK should note that by reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship will not be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
