Conference & Banqueting Manager - Bedford

Conference & Banqueting (C&B) Manager

Premium Hotel | Bedfordshire Full‑Time

£33,000

Any 5 out of the 7

42.5 Hours

Includes Evenings & Weekends

28 holidays days

The Role

As C&B Manager, you will oversee the full planning, coordination, and delivery of all conferences, banqueting events, and weddings. You'll act as the main point of contact for clients, ensuring every detail is executed flawlessly - from initial planning through to the final guest farewell.

This is a highly operational role where you'll lead from the front, motivate your team, and ensure every event runs smoothly, safely, and profitably.

Why This Role Is Exciting

You'll join a hotel that prides itself on exceptional service, warm hospitality, and a culture built on:

• Teamwork - Building positive, supportive teams
• Professionalism - Exceeding guest expectations
• Efficiency - Working smarter together
• Quality - Empowering people to deliver excellence
• Friendliness - Bringing genuine warmth to every interaction

The hotel is also committed to strong industry values, including community engagement, career development, and fostering an inclusive, diverse workplace.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the delivery of conferences, banqueting, weddings, and events
• Act as the primary client contact throughout the planning and event process
• Ensure all event details are accurately communicated via function sheets
• Be present during events to ensure smooth delivery and resolve issues quickly
• Lead, motivate, and train the C&B team
• Support ongoing development to improve service standards and team engagement
• Monitor labour costs, stock usage, and operational efficiencies
• Manage departmental administration including rotas, meetings, and probation reviews
• Host weekly function sheet meetings with the events team
• Lead recruitment for the C&B department
• Manage table plans, layouts, and event setups
• Complete weekly plans of action and full walk‑arounds of all F&B areas
• Conduct monthly equipment stock counts
• Maintain and continuously improve departmental operating standards

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Lead by example in promoting safe working practices
• Ensure all accidents and near misses are reported and recorded
• Participate in safety training and risk assessments
• Maintain compliance with all health, hygiene, and public safety standards
• Conduct regular safety walk‑rounds and address issues promptly
• Ensure the team understands emergency procedures and can act confidently
• Manage environmental impacts responsibly

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Strong experience in C&B, events, or banqueting management
• Confident leader with the ability to motivate and develop a team
• Excellent organisational and planning skills
• Calm, solutions‑focused approach under pressure
• Strong communication and client‑management abilities
• Commercially aware with a focus on efficiency and profitability
• Hands‑on, proactive, and committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences

Benefits

· Employee discounts on food and beverage and accommodation across the group

· Access to an employee benefit scheme offering hundreds of discounts on high street shopping, gym memberships, cinemas, will writing, cycle to work scheme and various others.

· Salary Sacrifice Pension

· Virtual Online GP Service

· Employee of the Month recognition award scheme with an annual trip for all Employees of the Month and a cash sum for the Employee of the Year

· Free and confidential 24-hour staff assistance help line, supporting employee's mental wellbeing

· Long service recognition and rewards.

· End of year party

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.