Working for Eastnor Castle

Posting date: 08.02.21
Reporting to: Operations Manager, Eastnor Castle
Place of work: Eastnor Castle & Deer Park, and elsewhere on the estate as necessary.
Hours of work: This is a full time role averaging 45 hours per week. Hours are flexible depending on the events taking place. Role to include working most weekends, frequent evening and late nights and some Bank Holidays.
Start date: June 2021

Eastnor Castle Estate

Eastnor Castle Estate is owned and operated by the Hervey-Bathurst family.  Eastnor Castle sits at the centre of the estate and is let commercially for various types of functions and is also open to visitors 50 days of the year.

Overall Job Purpose

The Event Manager (EM) is often the main point of contact for guests staying at Eastnor Castle. 

The EM needs to be a courteous and professional host for all guests and he/she must have the ability to make them feel at ease during their stay and ensure their expectations are met or exceeded.  Personality is key in this role, combined with the experience to guide and instruct staff and suppliers to ensure all events run to plan and any requests or issues are dealt with swiftly and effectively.  The EM must be confident in dealing with a range of guests from brides to international heads of business. 

An outgoing personality, enthusiasm and an interest in their work (whilst also a good listener) is essential.

Part of the role is setting up for events therefore the EM must be an organised and methodical person, who is active, physically fit and able to move furniture (e.g. dining chairs/tables/crockery etc).

The EM must be able to work well under pressure, especially during long shifts and successive events.  Attention to detail and a genuine passion to give the best customer service are essential for this role.  Experience of the hospitality industry and fine dining is an advantage.

The EM will work with the Operations Manager and other staff to ensure the smooth running of all events at Eastnor to include the Castle, the Deer Park, Visitor Open Days and Holiday Cottages. 

Job Description

• Supervise and run all aspects of functions within the castle and other locations on the Estate and visitor open days as required;
• Be pro-active in liaising with office event coordinator staff to ensure smooth running of events by meeting prior to any events taking place;
• Occasionally meet customers in advance of their event to show facilities, discuss and agree timings and detail;
• Set up events and visitor opening in advance and re-set afterwards;
• Meet and greet guests on arrival, make them welcome and generally to match or exceed their expectations for customer service at Eastnor Castle;
• Duty Manager for visitor opening and assist in the set up and breakdown of open days;
• At all times, to respect the needs and wishes of the family who live in the castle;
• Ensure there is an effective handover for all castle events at end of shift;
• Maintain a positive attitude both front and back of house at all times;
• Comply with statutory and company requirements for Health and Safety, Food Safety, Risk Assessment, Licensing Laws, Disability etc. and ensure all employment legislation is strictly adhered to;
• Attain a suitable knowledge of all aspects of the house services, including fire and security, electrical and plumbing systems etc;
• Be jointly responsible for the security and protection of the castle and its contents before, during and after events;
• Be responsible for the safety of guests and other staff before, during and after events;
• Ensure all internal and external storage areas are kept clean, tidy and organised;
• Ensure Cellar is kept tidy and organised and place any orders when necessary for all events.

Event Manager Additional Duties

• Open up/close up house including setting/un-setting alarms, open and close shutters;
• Fill log and coal baskets, clean out and make up fires;
• Key holder responding to fire and intruder alarm 24 hours a day;
• Accept and move deliveries within the castle;
• Keep vehicles clean, inside and out, levels checked fortnightly and fueled;
• Test alarms and standby generator on a weekly basis;
• Keep all public and back of house areas clear of rubbish and redundant event furniture and equipment;
• General repair and maintenance around the castle, grounds and holiday cottages where necessary;
• Sleep in castle when overnight guests are staying;
• Keep courtyard and terraces free of litter, including cigarette ends. During back-to-back events and during the day when we are open to visitors this will be done by casual staff;
• Set heating and hot water for events and check room and water temperature;
• Report any breakages or damage or missing items to Castle Manager;
• Help clear up weddings and castle events as above;
• Help set up public events in grounds, including pop-up marquees, road signage, on-site signage, bunting, tables and chairs etc;

Personal Qualities

Genuine enthusiasm, a keen eye for detail, an appreciation of quality and a willingness to lead from the front and to work calmly under pressure are essential. A can do attitude is essential for this role. You must have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom.

A full driving licence is essential for this role.

If required, there is an option to live on the Eastnor Estate in a tenanted cottage.