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 commercially astute leader, with the ability to inspire, challenge, and support others, to take full ownership of business operations and drive the next stage of growth for Ridgeway Centre Conferencing. You will combine hands-on leadership with strong commercial acumen, building high-performing teams, overseeing and optimising daily operations, and leading business development initiatives that align with our community-driven mission.

The Ridgeway Centre hosts a wide range of activities -- from corporate conferences, training rooms, and public sector events to regular community groups and the ongoing work of New Life Church Milton Keynes. Balancing commercial performance with community impact is at the heart of this role. 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.

Terms

Salary: 38,000 Discretionary Bonus: Up to 2,000 discretionary performance bonus, based on delivery of business growth, team leadership, and client & community user satisfaction outcomes. Hours: 40 per week (full time) Contract Type: Permanent Occasional weekend and evening work will be required.

Key Responsibilities

Team and Stakeholder Leadership

Provide strong executive presence to represent Ridgeway Centre Conferencing at senior client meetings and forums. Provide strategic leadership and coaching to the conference team, setting clear operational and tactical objectives. Lead recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing development to build establish a team culture of accountability and performance. 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

Take ownership of annual revenue targets and lead the creation and execution of targeted marketing strategies to meet defined 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

Responsible for 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. Lead financial planning and reporting, adjusting operational plans as needed to align with business goals. Lead periodic reviews to support planning of investments in venue improvements. Proactively identify new income streams, pricing strategies, and margin improvements.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone who has:

Essential

Minimum 3 to 5 years in a senior leadership role within venues, hospitality, or business operations. Respected leader with the ability to inspire, challenge and support others. Strong sense of personal accountability and ownership of outcomes. Demonstrable experience in owning and delivering against commercial KPIs. Proven experience in operational planning and robust delivery. Minimum 2 years' corporate / B2B sales and marketing experience. Team leadership and development experience. Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365. Strong organisational and time management skills Strategic planning and execution Strong commercial and financial literacy including budgeting and forecasting. Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities Customer-focused mindset with the ability to problem-solve in real time Comfortable working in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment, with shifting priorities A clear awareness of strengths and applying them in a team context 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. Experience in working with CRM or venue booking systems. 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

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

Please apply on Indeed and include your CV.

No final application date

- this role will be advertised on a rolling basis until a suitable applicant is appointed.

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.

Full Role Application Pack

You can download a full role application pack for further reference here (you may still apply via this advertisement on Indeed): https://www.newlifechurchmiltonkeynes.org/vacancies

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 38,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

Bonus scheme
Benefits:

Company pension Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance On-site parking Sick pay
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person