Events Manager

The Big Cat Sanctuary

Headcorn Road, Smarden, Ashford TN27 8PJ

Registered charity | Company limited by guarantee, registered in England number

Job Description – Events Manager

Job Title: Events Manager

Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Reports To: Neil Vanstone, Head of Commercial; other Senior Managers & the Trustees of The Big Cat Sanctuary

Hours: 40 hours per week, 5 over 7 days (generally between 08:00–17:00), with evening/weekend work as required. Flexibility in hours is essential.

Prepared: September 2025

Reviewed: —

Position Overview

The Big Cat Sanctuary (BCS) delivers a range of public and private events throughout the year, including Open Days, Members' Days, and Conservation Talks, as well as private events such as corporate days, team builds, family celebrations, and off-site fundraisers.

The Events Manager plays a key role in the strategic planning, coordination, and delivery of these events to the highest standards, helping to raise awareness of BCS, its work, and Big Cat Conservation in general.

This is a senior role requiring independent leadership of the events function, managing a small team, and ensuring professional, seamless event execution. The post holder will demonstrate strong leadership, effective delegation, and confidence in public engagement and stakeholder management. Professional appearance and conduct are essential.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Plan, organise, and manage internal and external events, ensuring seamless delivery and excellent guest experience.
• Manage and supervise the Events Team (1 full-time staff member plus volunteers), delegating tasks and supporting their development.
• Liaise with internal departments and external clients on requirements, pricing, and logistics (Corporate Events, Adopter Days, Fundraisers, Members' Days, etc.).
• Build and maintain relationships with sponsors, suppliers, clients, and partners, ensuring clear communication and service excellence.
• Collaborate with the Marketing Team to promote events, develop new offerings, maximise income, and enhance BCS's reputation and conservation goals.
• Serve as the communication link between departments (Guest Services, Keepers, Marketing, Finance, Facilities, and Catering) to coordinate event logistics.
• Maintain an online Events Diary and ensure all relevant systems are up to date.
• Manage event booking, planning, and execution, including pre-event coordination, supplier arrangements, and staffing.
• Ensure all facilities and event activities comply with organisational policies, health & safety regulations, and relevant legislation.
• Prepare event plans, schedules, and risk assessments, ensuring comprehensive logistics and contingency planning.
• Lead event setup, delivery, and takedown, delegating responsibilities effectively.
• Monitor event quality, gather feedback, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Oversee event budgets and financial tracking, providing accurate reports and maintaining expenditure within approved limits.
• Manage donations (e.g., artwork) for fundraising purposes, maintain supporter relationships, and record associated income.
• Represent BCS confidently during events, engaging with guests, VIPs, and media as required.
• Represent BCS externally at relevant events, meetings, and conferences, including public speaking opportunities.
• Collaborate with Hertfordshire Zoo and other partners to share knowledge and explore collaborative initiatives.
• Attend meetings, training, and development sessions as required.
• Undertake any other duties necessary to support efficient site operations.

Note

This job description provides a general outline of responsibilities and duties, which may be subject to change as necessary to meet organisational needs.

Apply now and be part of something extraordinary.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £32,000.00-£36,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Ashford TN27 8PJ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• At least 2 years experience in a similar role

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person