General Manager- Live Events at Convene

<p><strong>General Manager, Convene Rathbone, London</strong></p> <h4><strong>About Convene Rathbone</strong></h4> <p>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 &amp; 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.</p> <p>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 most exciting new event venues!</p> <p><strong>About the Role</strong></p> <p>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 &amp; Events venues.</p> <p>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.</p> <p><strong>Key Responsibilities:</strong></p> <p><strong>Leadership &amp; Team Management</strong></p> <ul> <li>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.</li> <li>Recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing teams, ensuring ongoing training, professional growth, and adherence to HR policies, systems, and best practices.</li> <li>Oversee property payroll processes ensuring accuracy, compliance, and effective workforce planning in line with operational needs and business performance.</li> <li>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.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Venue Operations &amp; Client Experience</strong></p> <ul> <li>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.</li> <li>Champion a service philosophy that transforms every interaction from intimate gatherings to large-scale, high-production events into a bespoke, world-class experience.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>Maintain rigorous operational standards through effective policies, safety protocols, compliance practices, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance venue performance and client experience.</li> <li>Oversee building operations, maintenance, and resource allocation to ensure the venue remains safe, efficient, and aligned with brand standards.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Commercial Performance</strong></p> <ul> <li>Partner with CHG’s centralised commercial team, including Brand Marketing &amp; Sales, to develop and execute an integrated commercial strategy that drives revenue growth, strengthens market positioning, and maximises demand across premium Meetings &amp; Events, immersive experiences, and production-forward events.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>Develop and deliver the annual business plan in partnership with regional leadership, managing income and expenditure targets while ensuring strong financial performance.</li> <li>Optimise revenue and profitability through strategic pricing, occupancy management, data-led decision making, effective cost control, and disciplined P&amp;L management.</li> <li>Ensure accurate financial reporting and operational reviews across monthly, quarterly, and year-end performance cycles while implementing efficient purchasing practices aligned with company standards.</li> </ul> <h3><strong>Strategic Planning &amp; Growth</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Partner with leadership to develop and execute long-term growth strategies that strengthen the venue’s market position and support commercial success.</li> <li>Implement industry-leading best practices to ensure the venue remains a benchmark for innovation, service excellence, and exceptional event experiences.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>Continuously enhance the operational framework to improve efficiency and effectiveness, optimising workflows, resource allocation, and collaboration across departments.</li> </ul> <p><strong>What We Look For&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>7+ years of senior leadership experience in event venue management, client/membership experience , hospitality, or a related field.</li> <li>Proven track record of achieving financial targets and driving revenue growth.</li> <li>Strong operational expertise in event logistics, food &amp; beverage programs, and technical production.</li> <li>Exceptional leadership, communication, and team-building skills.</li> <li>Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, membership and&nbsp; event-driven environment.</li> <li>Proficiency with budgeting, financial reporting, and KPI analysis.</li> <li>Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays to support event operations.</li> </ul> <p><strong>We’re Here For You:</strong>&nbsp;</p> <p>Health and Wellness</p> <ul> <li>Private medical insurance</li> <li>Subsidised eye care</li> <li>Subsidised fitness membership</li> <li>Employee Assistance Program: well-being support and personal advice programme</li> </ul> <p>Time Off and Work-Life Balance</p> <ul> <li>25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and company sick pay</li> <li>Financial Support and Benefits</li> <li>Bonus scheme</li> <li>Interest-free loan for rail season tickets &amp; further education</li> <li>Subsidised bicycle purchase through Cycle to Work scheme</li> </ul> <p>Professional Development and Recognition</p> <ul> <li>Continuous professional and personal development support</li> <li>Employee recognition and reward programs to mark achievements and milestones</li> </ul> <p>Community and Impact</p> <ul> <li>Opportunities to volunteer, donate, and participate in community give-back initiatives</li> <li>The opportunity to have a significant impact on your team and the business in the work that you do</li> </ul> <p>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.&nbsp;</p> <p>#LI-CD1</p> <p><br><br></p>