Smart Group Ltd
MOVING VENUE: EVENT PLANNER
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Overview
This is a pivotal role at the heart of a dynamic Sales, Planning and Operations model, where creativity meets commercial impact. Once an event is secured by the Sales team, the Event Planner takes full ownership of the client journey, transforming initial concepts into exceptional, high-performing events from handover through to final delivery. Acting as the primary client partner, you will bring each brief to life with flair and precision, curating memorable experiences while driving strong commercial outcomes. In this fast-paced, client-facing environment, you will build lasting relationships, identify opportunities to enhance and elevate each event, and maximise revenue through thoughtful, strategic upselling while carefully protecting margin.
You will also play a crucial role behind the scenes, producing detailed and accurate event documentation that ensures seamless execution. While the Operations Manager leads on-the-day delivery, you remain the strategic lead for the client, guiding decisions, maintaining momentum, and ensuring every element aligns both creatively and commercially. This is an opportunity for someone who thrives on ownership, enjoys building relationships, and is motivated to deliver events that are as profitable as they are unforgettable.
Key Responsibilities
Client Relationship Management
- Act as the main client contact from confirmation through to event completion
- Establish detailed client requirements and translate briefs into tailored event solutions
- Conduct tastings, planning meetings, and venue site visits
- Advise confidently on food, beverage, staffing, and production options
- Build long-term relationships to drive repeat business
Revenue Growth & Upselling
- A core part of this role is driving increased event value after confirmation.
- You Will
- Identify and secure upselling opportunities across menus, beverages, staffing, and event enhancements
- Recommend premium upgrades and experiential additions
- Increase average event spend through intelligent client guidance
- Monitor budgets and protect agreed margins
- Demonstrate strong commercial awareness throughout the planning process
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Event Planning & Coordination
- Produce high-quality, comprehensive event sheets and function documentation
- Liaise with kitchen, operations, and external suppliers
- Lead internal pre-event briefings
- Ensure accurate and timely communication across departments
- Responsible for managing event design, including bars, food stations, and décor
- Manage timelines, logistics, and production requirements
Attention to detail and accuracy are essential to ensure flawless execution and margin protection.
Event Delivery
- Attend events in a client-facing capacity
- Manage client expectations on the day
- Remain calm and solutions-focused in live environments
Operational ownership on-site sits with the Operations Manager. The Planner maintains client continuity and commercial oversight.
Innovation & Product Awareness
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current food trends and market expectations
- Identify opportunities to enhance product offerings
- Contribute ideas that elevate the wider portfolio
What You'll Bring
- Minimum 2+ years’ experience in event planning within event catering or hospitality environments
- Proven client-facing experience managing events from confirmation through to delivery
- Demonstrable experience in upselling and increasing event revenue
- Strong understanding of event catering operations and delivery
- Experience managing multiple events simultaneously
- Excellent organisational skills and high attention to detail
- Confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills
- Commercially aware with understanding of margin and cost control
- Calm under pressure and adaptable in live event environments
- Flexible approach including occasional evening and weekend work
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BENEFITS
- Quarterly performance-related bonus
- Access to Medicash health plan, including dental, optical, 24/7 mental health support helpline, virtual wellbeing tools
- Complimentary shuttle bus to and from Canada Water station (morning and afternoon)
- Exclusive restaurants and bar discounts via the CODE app
- Fresh, healthy breakfast and lunch served daily by our in-house chef
- Starting holiday allowance of 27 days (plus bank holidays), increasing with length of service
- Free on-site parking at our Head Office
- Incentive trips for high performing employees—this year the team went to New York!
- Cycle to work scheme
- Recommend a friend scheme – earn up to £1,000 when recommending a friend to work with us
- Regular social events throughout the year
- Two complimentary event tickets per year and discounted tickets for friends and family
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave and Pay -subject to length of service
- Interest free travel loan
- One paid volunteer day each year
How To Apply
If you’re passionate about events, love building relationships, and want to be part of a team that delivers exceptional experiences — we’d love to hear from you.
Please submit your CV and a short introduction outlining why you’d be a great fit to talent@smartgroupltd.co.uk
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