Job Description

Who We Are

The Ridgeway Centre is a dynamic conference and event venue located in Milton Keynes, offering over 17 years of experience in delivering exceptional corporate events. We are committed to providing high-quality, flexible spaces for conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, training sessions, corporate away days, live performances, and meeting rooms.

Our purpose-built facilities include an auditorium with a 580-seat capacity, adaptable meeting rooms, and state-of-the-art AV equipment, all supported by a dedicated team that works closely with clients to bring their event visions to life.

Owned by New Life Church Milton Keynes, a diverse and growing church in the heart of Milton Keynes, the profits from Ridgeway Centre Conferencing go towards our work in the city serving the needs of the community, homeless, young people, and more.

Find out more about The Ridgeway Centre here: https://www.theridgewaycentre.com

Find out more about New Life Church Milton Keynes here: https://www.newlifechurchmiltonkeynes.org

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Business Manager to lead our team and the strategic and operational development of Ridgeway Centre Conferencing.

This role is ideal for a dynamic leader who thrives on building high-performing teams, driving business growth alongside operational efficiency, and delivering exceptional client experiences.

As the Business Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing daily operations, guiding the conferencing team, delivery of marketing campaigns, achieving sales and revenue growth with agreed margins, and implementing strategies that align with the wider mission of New Life Church Milton Keynes to serve our local community.

With a focus on client journey excellence, strong financial performance, and team leadership, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our commercial goals whilst making a lasting impact in a values driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

Team and Stakeholder Leadership

Provide strategic leadership and coaching to the conference team, setting clear operational and tactical objectives. Lead recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing development to build a high-performing, accountable team culture. Maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, church leaders, suppliers, and partners. Champion adaptability, continuous improvement, and hands-on support--including stepping into the Event Coordinator role when needed.
Sales and Marketing

Lead the creation and execution of targeted marketing strategies to meet defined sales goals and grow key customer segments. Drive account management efforts to grow repeat business and secure new key client acquisitions. Represent RCC in networking events, trade shows, and strategic local partnerships to elevate brand visibility. Manage branding, digital marketing, and online presence across web, social media, and email platforms. Utilize data analytics to assess marketing impact and inform strategic adjustments.
Client Journey Oversight

Guide the team in delivering outstanding, client-focused experiences through each stage of the customer journey. Establish and maintain robust client service processes, including feedback loops and post-event reviews. Balance excellent client care with efficient business operations to optimize satisfaction and outcomes. Use feedback, customer personas, and journey mapping to drive ongoing improvements in service delivery.
Operational Leadership

Optimize administrative workflows and systems, promoting automation and efficiency. Ensure robust and accurate recording of client event requirements, supplier requests, invoicing processes, and timely communications. Embed sustainable and accessible practices into venue operations, including energy use, waste, and accessibility requirements. Monitor operational risks and ensure adherence to health & safety and legal licensing standards.
Financial Performance and Budgeting

Oversee the full P&L for Ridgeway Centre Conferencing, ensuring financial targets are met. Lead negotiations with suppliers and vendors to optimize contract value and cost efficiency. Regularly review financial performance, adjusting operational plans as needed to align with business goals. Lead periodic reviews to support planning of investments in venue improvements.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone who has:

Essential

Familiarity with venue, conferencing, and/or events industry. Proven experience in operational planning and robust delivery. Team leadership and development experience. Experience in working with CRM or venue booking systems. Minimum 2 years' corporate / B2B sales and marketing experience. Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365. Strong organisational and time management skills Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities Customer-focused mindset Comfortable working in a fast-paced, multi tasking environment, with shifting priorities Strong sense of personal accountability and ownership of outcomes. Must demonstrate understanding of, and alignment with, the Christian ethos and faith-based values of the organisation. Comfortable working in an environment where faith, community, and mission are central
Desirable

Degree or equivalent qualification in Business, Events, Hospitality, or a related field. Leadership or management training (e.g., ILM, CMI). Experience in customer journey mapping and improvements. Previous Profit and Loss responsibility. Familiarity with sustainability initiatives in venues or events management. Experience of working or volunteering in a church, faith-based or values driven organisation.

Benefits

22 Days Annual Leave (plus bank holidays) Pension (5% Employer Contribution on Qualifying Earnings) 24/7 Online GP Service for employee, partner, and children Training Allowance (includes up to 5 paid days for development per year) Flexible Working (includes options for adjusted hours or time off in lieu) Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Professional Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Life Assurance Cover Free On-Site Parking

How to Apply

The closing date for applications is 9am on 30th May 2025.

Your application should include:

A CV including a full employment history showing responsibilities you held, relevant achievements, and a mobile telephone number (to be used with discretion). A cover letter (max 2 pages) describing what attracts you to this role and the career and personal experiences that prepare you to serve in it and meet the person specification and job requirements.
Please note that we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every requirement in the job description. If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact us at hr@newlifechurchmiltonkeynes.org at any time before the closing date.

Following the application process, a selection of candidates will be invited to a first round Microsoft Teams video call interview on 12th June 2025 with the appointment panel.

Full Role Application Details

You can download a full role application pack for further reference here (you may still apply via this advertisement on Indeed): https://www.theridgewaycentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RCC-Job-Description-Business-Manager.pdf

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 33,500.00-35,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 30 - 40 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance On-site parking Sick pay
Application question(s):

You must include both a CV and Cover Letter for your application. Note: Your Cover Letter can be added at the end of this form as an 'Additional Document'.
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 30/05/2025