About the Role
As we prepare to open Convene Rathbone, we are seeking a seasoned and passionate General Manager to lead the venue from pre-opening through to long-term success. This is a unique opportunity to establish the operational foundations, build a high-performing team, and shape the culture, reputation, and client experience standards at one of London’s most anticipated new Meetings & Events venues. With end-to-end responsibility for the venue, you will translate vision into execution, bringing together people, operations, and commercial performance to create a venue recognised for exceptional hospitality, flawless event delivery, and lasting client relationships.
Responsibilities
- Provide executive direction to multidisciplinary teams including Hospitality Operations, Culinary, Event Planning, Sales, AV Production, Workplace Experience, and Reception ensuring alignment with business objectives and delivery of exceptional guest experiences.
- Recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing teams, ensuring ongoing training, professional growth, and adherence to HR policies, systems, and best practices.
- Oversee property payroll processes ensuring accuracy, compliance, and effective workforce planning in line with operational needs and business performance.
- Act as the cultural steward for the venue, fostering a high-performing team environment built on collaboration, accountability, and hospitality while investing in employee development, engagement, and wellbeing.
- Establish and execute the venue’s strategic operating plan in partnership with regional leadership driving financial performance, operational excellence, quality standards, and exceptional client satisfaction.
- Champion a service philosophy that transforms every interaction from intimate gatherings to large-scale, high-production events into a bespoke, world-class experience.
- Oversee seamless event delivery across front-of-house operations, back-of-house logistics, AV/Technology, Culinary, and Service teams ensuring the venue is consistently operationally ready and aligned with client expectations.
- Build trusted relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders acting as a strategic partner to understand their objectives and deliver exceptional event experiences that bring the brand promise to life.
- Maintain rigorous operational standards through effective policies, safety protocols, compliance practices, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance venue performance and client experience.
- Oversee building operations, maintenance, and resource allocation to ensure the venue remains safe, efficient, and aligned with brand standards.
- Partner with CHG’s centralised commercial team, including Brand Marketing & Sales, to develop and execute an integrated commercial strategy that drives revenue growth, strengthens market positioning, and maximises demand across premium Meetings & Events, immersive experiences, and production-forward events.
- Drive a high-performance commercial culture focused on business development, client relationships, strategic partnerships, and post-contract growth initiatives that maximise venue performance and long-term success.
- Develop and deliver the annual business plan in partnership with regional leadership, managing income and expenditure targets while ensuring strong financial performance.
- Optimise revenue and profitability through strategic pricing, occupancy management, data-led decision making, effective cost control, and disciplined P&L management.
- Ensure accurate financial reporting and operational reviews across monthly, quarterly, and year-end performance cycles while implementing efficient purchasing practices aligned with company standards.
- Partner with leadership to develop and execute long-term growth strategies that strengthen the venue’s market position and support commercial success.
- Implement industry-leading best practices to ensure the venue remains a benchmark for innovation, service excellence, and exceptional event experiences.
- Maintain a strong understanding of market trends and industry shifts, proactively evolving the venue’s offering to remain dynamic, competitive, and aligned with client expectations.
- Continuously enhance the operational framework to improve efficiency and effectiveness, optimising workflows, resource allocation, and collaboration across departments.
Requirements
- 7+ years of senior leadership experience in event venue management, client/membership experience, hospitality, or a related field.
- Proven track record of achieving financial targets and driving revenue growth.
- Strong operational expertise in event logistics, food & beverage programs, and technical production.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, membership and event-driven environment.
- Proficiency with budgeting, financial reporting, and KPI analysis.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays to support event operations.
Location
- London
Work Type
- Full-time
Experience Level
- Senior leadership
Benefits
- Private medical insurance
- Subsidised eye care
- Subsidised fitness membership
- Employee Assistance Program: well-being support and personal advice programme
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Company sick pay
- Bonus scheme
- Interest-free loan for rail season tickets & further education
- Subsidised bicycle purchase through Cycle to Work scheme
- Continuous professional and personal development support
- Employee recognition and reward programs to mark achievements and milestones
- Opportunities to volunteer, donate, and participate in community give-back initiatives
About the Company
- Located in the heart of London’s iconic West End, Convene Rathbone is set to open in Spring 2027 as one of the city’s most anticipated new Meetings & Events destinations. The 54,000-square-foot venue at One Rathbone Square will combine Convene’s signature hospitality with industry-leading production capabilities to create a new standard for experiential events. Purpose-built for immersive experiences, the venue will support everything from high-profile conferences and brand showcases to luxury receptions and bespoke gatherings, bringing together advanced production technology with exceptional event delivery and meaningful human connection.
- As a member of our opening team, you will play a key role in shaping the culture, guest experience, and long-term success of one of London’s exciting new event venues!
Equal Opportunity
- Convene is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome people from all backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives.
