Hospitality Manager

Nyetimber is a pioneering luxury brand and multiple award-winning English sparkling wine producer. Our story is one of many firsts; we were the first to pioneer the now-established style of English sparkling wine; we were the first to grow the renowned grape varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier in England exclusively for producing sparkling wine; and the estate where our vines were first planted, was first mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086 by its then Anglo-Saxon name “Nyetimbraha”.

Quality is key to absolutely everything we do at Nyetimber and there is a constant strive for perfection. We produce exceptional sparkling wine, but always keep in mind that the reference to exceptional goes beyond wine, it extends to every touch point of the brand.

The main purpose of the Hospitality Manager is to bring the brand attributes and experience to life for those visiting the Estate, whilst maintaining operational capability in the brand spaces including but not limited to: The White Barn, The Medieval Barn and The Pressing Centre. This is a hands-on role that has full responsibility for ensuring that every guest experience at the Nyetimber Estate is memorable, luxurious and representative of a luxury British brand. The Hospitality Manager will be a key member in the development and activation of increased Hospitality plans at the Estate for Nyetimber accounts, Corporate and Consumers.

Responsibilities:

• Front of house presence including meeting and greeting all guests on arrival and making them feel welcome. Overseeing the full guest experience from start to finish.
• Actively representing the brand to target audiences including but not limited to key accounts and trade, influencers, press, internal teams, brand partners and consumers.
• Oversee and manage the research, planning and execution of Estate based hospitality visits and events, and the maintenance and upkeep required in the brand spaces with the support of the Senior Events Manager.
• Provide day-to-day management and support to the Hospitality Assistant in the organisation, set up and delivery of all Estate visits to the highest standard.
• Manage and communicate, with the support of the Hospitality Assistant the White Barn, Medieval Barn and Pressing Centre agenda to Senior Management, Nyetimber Chef and relevant Estate Team. This includes regular reporting of all visits to the CEO and where required with his wife about their suggested attendance, in collaboration with the private EA.
• Collaborate with the Estate, Marketing, and Sales teams effectively and positively to deliver all experiences in line with luxury brand standards. This includes involvement with key Estate based brand events such as Harvest Lunches.
• Support the Senior Events Manager to create a Hospitality focused strategy for the Nyetimber Estate year-on-year to include account visits, corporate relationships and consumers. This includes working with Senior Management on corporate ‘packages’, managing the offering, experience and associated costs.
• Organise and lead on consumer experiences such as Open Weekends and dining experiences. Ad hoc evening and weekend work (agreed well in advance) will be required and time off in lieu accrued to be taken during quieter periods.
• Work with teams such as Partnerships and PR to create bespoke Estate experiences.
• Oversee and manage all in-house event equipment, furniture and materials including sourcing, ordering, maintenance, and storage, supported by the Hospitality Assistant and where required by the Estate Maintenance Team. Ensure all equipment is in keeping with our luxury brand standard. This includes research and proposal to senior management of in-house crockery, cutlery, linens, and furniture involving the setting up of accounts, the proper storage of such items and its maintenance.
• Work closely with the Nyetimber Chef to confirm their availability and finalise seasonal and perfectly paired menus for approval by the CEO. This will include the management of the Hospitality budget at the Estate to include food and associated equipment.
• Direct and lead ‘hired staff’, making sure they perform properly including having input in the selection process.
• Check the setup of each event/tasting to ensure correct setup, attention to detail and host a team briefing with the team where appropriate.
• Manage the flow of the event – announcing when guests should be seated, possibly introducing the winemakers and/or Brand Ambassadors. With the Private EA, ensure the appropriate introductions to the CEO and his wife are made to guests. Liaise with the aforementioned to ensure timings and guest details are properly communicated.
• Accountable for supplier relationship management, including but not limited to caterers, florists, event equipment hire ensuring luxury standard and value for money.
• Engage with the local community and suggest relevant event opportunities to ‘meet’ and ‘interact’ with our neighbours to ensure strong relationships are continuously built. Create and maintain a database for all events which will include locals as well as key auction prize winners and guests to be invited to bespoke events.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Extensive experience in a similar role ideally within a luxury environment - overseeing the full guest experience from start to finish, ensuring a welcoming and luxurious front-of-house presence for all guests, including key accounts, influencers, and press.
• Proven ability to research, plan, and execute high-standard hospitality visits and events, managing all aspects from logistics to guest engagement.
• Strong leadership skills demonstrated by managing and supporting Hospitality Assistants and other hired staff, ensuring they perform to high standards and contribute positively to the overall guest experience.
• Experience in creating and implementing hospitality-focused strategies for year-on-year growth, including corporate relationships, account visits, and consumer experiences, while managing associated costs and offerings.
• Effective communication and collaboration with internal teams such as Estate, Marketing, Sales, Partnerships, and PR to deliver experiences in line with luxury brand standards, including regular reporting to senior management.
• Competence in managing supplier relationships, sourcing event equipment, maintaining luxury standards, and overseeing the hospitality budget, including food and associated equipment.
• Expertise in organizing and leading consumer experiences, managing event setups, and ensuring attention to detail in all aspects of event delivery, including coordination with the Nyetimber Chef for menu approvals.
• Ability to engage with the local community, suggest relevant event opportunities, and maintain strong relationships through continuous interaction and a well-maintained event database.
• A driver’s License is essential for this role.
• An interest in wine and WSET qualifications is desirable.

The Nyetimber Experience:

• Be a part of the world renowned English sparkling wine and multi award winning wine producer.
• Work for a true British heritage brand
• Excellent development, growth, and progression opportunities
• 23 days holiday
• Generous staff purchasing privileges.
• 5% Pension
• Life Assurance
• Simply Health Cash plan
• Perkbox