We are recruiting a Weddings and Functions Co-ordinator to work within our busy weddings and events team at East Riddlesden Hall and Hardcastle Crags. You'll join us on a permanent part time contract. 

Both properties are unique National Trust venues. East Riddlesden Hall is a 17th century manor house in Keighley, where we hold on average 100 weddings a year. We are developing our weddings offer and are looking for someone who can lead on this development.

Gibson Mill is a versatile venue, in the heart of the Hardcastle Crags ancient woodland. Hardcastle Crags is an off-grid venue with a focus on holding sustainable weddings and functions. We hold on average 20 weddings a year and again looking to develop this. 

In this role you'll look after our weddings and functions clients during their event planning, liaising with suppliers, supporting catering partnerships and work to develop the business with our Weddings & Functions Manager.

Candidates will be invited to interview anytime from w/c 6th February 2023. 

Please note we are also recruiting for a Bar Manager at this location, please see IRC132240, if you would like to be considered for this other role please do apply. 

What it's like to work here

East Riddlesden Hall is a 17th century manor house located in Riddlesden, West Yorkshire. The wedding barn has all the modern touches under one roof, and is legally licenced to hold ceremonies with up to 160 guests. The corporate side of the business has been developed over the last couple of years, and we are keen to grow this into a substantial part of the events business. Hardcastle Crags is an off-grid woodland wedding venue, so is quite unique in the world of events. We generate our own solar power, filter our own water and only have limited access to phone and internet signal, so this venue suits couples who are looking for an escape from the outside world, and a team who support this spirit of place.

This role will suit someone who enjoys working independently but in a social environment, alongside other members of the wider site team. There will be some duty management responsibility required on a rota basis.

The role is 30 hours a week, which will involve weekend and evening work to coordinate wedding bookings, and show potential clients around the venue. We offer a flexible approach to working days to support your work life balance, but also to reflect the flexibility that is required within a busy wedding business.

What you'll be doing

You will be coordinating weddings and events at East Riddlesden Hall and Hardcastle Crags, looking after couples through their event planning journey. This will include but not be limited to:

• Responding to enquiries and answering calls.
• Showing couples and clients around the venues and converting into bookings.
• Leading planning meetings and calls with booked couples and clients in advance of their events.
• Coordination of weddings and events.
• Business development of the corporate event business (alongside the Weddings Manager)
• Duty Management Responsibilities.

Who we're looking for

We are looking for someone who is hardworking, flexible, committed and with an eye for detail. You'll need to be confident, personal and have a high standard of personal presentation. The role will include long shifts during unsociable hours, and will require an ‘above and beyond’ attitude to ensure the weddings and functions business thrives. 

Whilst the wider weddings and functions team will be supporting this role, the successful candidate will be able to independently manage the daily operations of the weddings and functions on site, ensuring all functions are delivered to an exceptional quality, whilst continuously identifying ways we can improve and develop the business. Experience in event coordination is desirable but training will be given for the right candidate. 

Own transport is essential due to the nature of the site and the working hours. 

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

• Free entry to National Trust properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Tax free childcare scheme

• Rental deposit loan scheme

• Season ticket loan

• Perks at work discounts i.e. gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts

• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Employee assistance programme

• Free parking at most locations

• Independent financial advice