National Events and Venue Hire Programme Lead

Heritage is for everybody, and we are here for heritage.

Heritage lives in places and people, memories and stories, artefacts and traditions. It can connect us all to the past, and to each other. It can make us happier, strengthen every community, and help shape society for the better. Everybody should be able to enjoy the benefits it brings.

That's why, as a charity, we care for over a million objects and hundreds of historic sites in every part of England, from international icons to local treasures. And it's why we open them up, share their stories and find new ways for everybody to enjoy, learn, play and create.

We are looking for a National Events and Venue Hire Programme Lead to join our team. In this full time permanent role, based at one of our regional offices, site-based offices or a homeworker, you'll be leading a dynamic and flexible team, overseeing the design, planning and delivery of an imaginative and ambitious national programme of events, activities and venue hires across English Heritage's stunning historic sites including Stonehenge, Dover Castle, Whitby Abbey, Osborne and many more.

Our event programme reaches considerable volumes of visitors each year from from day-to-day activities that animate the visitor experience to large scale blockbuster events and national campaign event programmes. The programme and venue hire activity make a significant contribution to the income of the charity.

As National Event and Venue Hire Programme Lead, you will be responsible for the creative visioning, planning and delivery of the annual event programme, aligned with English Heritage's strategy and values that will grow, develop and broaden our audiences, ensuring their enjoyment and continued engagement. You will also work closely with the Venue Hire Sales Team to ensure the smooth planning and implementation of the venue hire operation, optimising income and effective ways of working.

The role requires significant collaboration, liaising closely with central and regional stakeholder teams to ensure the successful execution of both engaging and commercially viable experiences, whilst maintaining English Heritage's commitment to inclusion, safety, quality, and minimising impacts on the sensitive heritage setting. You will lead a high performing and flexible team and oversee the procurement of event related goods and services in line with English Heritage policy, managing and maintaining relationships with third parties, negotiating contracts and maintaining high standards of delivery.

To join us as our National Event and Venue Hire Programme Lead, you'll need:

- A proven track record in developing and delivering large scale, multi-site event programmes for a variety of audiences in heritage or cultural settings, driving visitor volume and engagement

- Experienced in managing varied venue hire operations e.g. filming, events and celebrations, including client liaison and contract execution.

- Leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and coordinate a flexible workforce.

- Significant budget management experience and demonstrable commercial acumen

- Experienced in managing multiple stakeholders with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external teams

- In depth knowledge of event management practice, including health and safety regulations, licensing laws, and risk management.

First round Interviews will be held on in the week commencing 22 September on MS Teams with second round interviews in person at the London Office on Wood St.

If you would like to talk to us e.g. about workplace adjustments or working patterns, please contact Beth Stone, Head of Visitor Experience and Engagement, at [email protected]. No agencies please.

Find out more about us and what we do: You can also meet some of our people and hear about why they enjoy working with us:

Everybody's welcome at English Heritage

Forget the stereotypes. It takes thousands of people from every background to care for England's heritage and open it up for everybody to enjoy. We're looking for every type of person with every kind of skill and experience, and we're committed to making sure that English Heritage is an equitable, diverse and inclusive place to work. You can connect with others through our EDI networks as a member or ally. These include Ethnic Diversity, Faith & Belief, Social Equity, LGBTQ+, Neurodivergence, Age, Disability and Gender Health and Wellbeing.

We take wellbeing seriously. We are committed to ensuring everyone feels safe at work and can carry out their role. To support this, we have a network of Mental Health First aiders, regular information and awareness events, unlimited access to an Employee Assistance Programme and work with our people to implement reasonable adjustments.

The Benefits

- Salary from £52,441, depending on skills, experience and location

- 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays, pro rata, rising to 28 days after 3 years

- Matched pension contributions up to 10%

- Flexible hours

- The opportunity to progress your career within the heritage sector

- Apprenticeship opportunities

- Subscriptions to professional bodies

- Free access to all English Heritage sites for you and up to six friends and family members

- 25% discount in our shops and cafes

- Enhanced maternity, paternity or shared parental leave

- Options to buy additional leave

- An inclusive working atmosphere everybody is supported from all backgrounds, religions and with different needs

- Opportunities to go to some of our great live music and history events