Event Manager

Why Ian Coley Sporting?

Ian Coley Sporting & Shooting offers the opportunity to work in a unique, welcoming and highly respected countryside business, where no two days are quite the same. Based in a beautiful rural setting, our team takes pride in delivering exceptional experiences for clients, whether they are complete beginners, experienced shots, corporate guests or visitors enjoying a special day out.

We are a close-knit, hands-on team where professionalism, safety, attention to detail and great customer service sit at the heart of everything we do. Working at Coley’s means being part of a friendly and supportive environment where your contribution is valued, your ideas are listened to, and you can develop your skills while helping to create memorable experiences for every guest.

Event Management in a nutshell

Event management at Coley’s is about bringing together all the moving parts that create a seamless, enjoyable and memorable experience for every guest. From initial enquiry and planning through to on-the-day coordination and follow-up, the role requires excellent organisation, calm problem-solving, attention to detail and confident communication with clients, colleagues and suppliers. Whether supporting a corporate event, charity day, private booking, competition or special occasion, no two days are the same. You will be central to making sure each event runs smoothly, safely and professionally, while ensuring clients feel genuinely well looked after from start to finish. Done well, this creates the kind of experience that encourages repeat business, leaves people wanting to come back, and inspires them to recommend Coley’s to others through positive word of mouth.

Positive, can-do attitude to life & work

Event management is all about people, teamwork and a positive, can-do approach. We are looking for someone who takes pride in doing things to the best of their ability, works collaboratively with colleagues, supports others when needed and helps find practical solutions when plans change or challenges arise. The tasks involved are not necessarily ‘difficult’, but completing them with care, energy and a genuine desire to over-deliver is what creates the challenge, the opportunity for growth and the consistently high standards our clients expect from Coley’s.

More than a role…

Working in a close-knit countryside business means your contribution can make a visible difference quickly. At Coley’s, fresh ideas, practical improvements and a proactive approach are welcomed, and you will feel valued for the energy and input you bring to the team. Event management is varied, hands-on and fast-paced, with the satisfaction of seeing each event come together successfully and knowing that guests leave having had a memorable experience. Coley’s is keen to make the best use of people’s skills, support development where possible and encourage flexibility when needed, so that the role remains rewarding, enjoyable and balanced.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the full event journey from initial enquiry through to proposal, booking, planning, delivery and post-event follow-up.
• Actively develop event sales by building relationships with corporate clients, private groups, charity organisers and repeat customers.
• Understand each client’s requirements and shape bespoke event packages that are realistic, commercially sound and deliverable by the team.
• Prepare clear, accurate and professional proposals, quotations, schedules and event documentation.
• Plan and coordinate all event logistics, including timings, instructors, stands, catering, hospitality, prizes, goodie bags, safety equipment, refreshments and any additional client requirements.
• Work closely with the shooting school, reception, operations, catering, marketing and management teams to ensure everyone is fully briefed and each event runs smoothly.
• Liaise with self-employed instructors and maintain an up-to-date instructor bank, ensuring appropriate cover, availability and communication for each event.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with external suppliers, negotiating best value while protecting service quality and the Coley’s client experience.
• Host events confidently and professionally, acting as a key point of contact for clients and guests and resolving issues calmly as they arise.
• Ensure all events are delivered safely and professionally, with health and safety, safeguarding, licensing, firearms-related controls, risk assessments and legal obligations clearly communicated and followed.
• Monitor event costs, client expectations and operational requirements to help protect margin, service quality and repeat business.
• Conduct post-event follow-up, capturing feedback, identifying improvements and encouraging repeat bookings, referrals and positive word of mouth.
• Support marketing activity by providing event stories, photographs, client feedback, website updates and social media content where appropriate.
• Support reception and front-of-house activity when required, helping to maintain a welcoming, professional experience for all visitors.
• Manage time effectively, remain punctual and organised, and maintain accurate records in line with the requirements of the role.