Salary: Up to £36000 Pro rata
Contract: 0.8 FTE 30 hrs. per week over 4 or 5 days, flexible.
Location: Onsite
Cogges Manor Farm is a unique 18-acre heritage farm in Witney, Oxfordshire, with over 1,000 years of history, run by an independent trust.
Today, as a family-friendly attraction, Cogges welcomes visitors from both the local community and further afield. Alongside its rich historical appeal, the farm hosts an extensive year-round events program and serves as a versatile venue for private celebrations, including weddings, corporate gatherings, and as a filming location.
We are now looking for a New Business and Events Manager to assist drive income generation, grow commercial opportunities, and develop a vibrant events programme to enhance our visitor experience and support the long-term sustainability of Cogges.
The Role
As our New Business and Events Manager, you will play a crucial role in identifying new revenue streams, developing, and managing venue hire and planning events that celebrate the heritage of Cogges. You will work maximizing the potential of Cogges as a destination for public events, weddings, corporate functions, and with the General manager and trustees look at building partnerships, helping secure sponsorship, and funding.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Partnerships
· Develop and implement a commercial strategy to increase revenue through partnerships, sponsorships, events, including weddings, private functions and corporate hire, and new business initiatives.
· Identify and engage with potential corporate partners, funders, and community stakeholders to support Cogges’ long-term sustainability.
· Work with the Marketing and Communications Executive to develop and deliver campaigns that promote venue hire, events, and other commercial activities. Manage viewings from potential customers, particular for weddings.
Events Management
· Develop, plan, and with the wider team deliver a diverse range of events, from the annual Beer and Cider Festival to The Witches house as well as seasonal festivals and family activities across the year.
· Ensure all events align with the Cogges brand and the overall marketing and business plan and enhance the visitor experience.
· Collaborate with suppliers, vendors, and internal teams to ensure seamless event delivery.
· Ensure compliance with health and safety, licensing, and other relevant regulations.
Commercial and Venue Hire
· Promote and manage private venue hire, including weddings, corporate functions, and filming opportunities.
· Create attractive and profitable pricing strategies and packages to increase bookings and revenue.
· Develop trust and build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and hospitality partners.
Financial & Performance Management
· Set and achieve revenue targets for events, partnerships, and commercial activities.
· Monitor budgets, track performance, and report on key metrics. Work closely with the Finance Manager.
· Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of commercial initiatives and make data-driven improvements.
Additional
· Ensure that the health & safety policy is implemented in all areas of responsibility, taking
reasonable care of the health, safety, and welfare of self and other people.
· Perform any other operational duties as reasonably requested by the General Manager
About You
Essential Skills & Experience
· Proven experience in business development, events management, or commercial operations, ideally in a heritage, visitor attraction, or cultural setting.
· Strong networking and relationship-building skills to engage corporate sponsors, partners, and event clients.
· Proactive with the ability to think creatively and develop new income-generating ideas.
· Excellent project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple events and commercial activities simultaneously.
· A commercial mindset with a record of delivering financial targets.
· Understanding of event planning, licensing, and health & safety requirements.
Desirable Skills & Experience
· Knowledge of the heritage, tourism, or cultural sectors.
· Experience working with fundraising or sponsorship teams.
· Familiarity with digital marketing and audience engagement strategies.
Why Join Cogges?
· The opportunity to shape the commercial future of a beloved heritage site.
· A dynamic and varied role with plenty of room for creativity.
· Work in a beautiful, historic setting with an enthusiastic and dedicated team.
How to Apply:
To apply, please send your CV directly or through LinkedIn with a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role to
marketing@cogges.org.uk. The closing date for applications is 19th February 2025