Job Description

Melksham Town Council is seeking a dynamic, people-focused, and forward-thinking Venues Manager to lead the operational management.

This is a full-time leadership position responsible for delivering safe, inclusive, and high-performing community venues that reflect the aspirations of the town.

The successful candidate will also act as the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) for the council, ensuring full compliance with licensing laws and promoting responsible management of all licensable activities.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Includes but are not limited to:

Leadership and Corporate Management:

Provide strong, visible leadership to the venues and events team, fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and accountability. Champion a people-first approach, ensuring staff, and customers feel valued, supported, and heard. Lead on recruitment, training, and professional development to build a high-performing, motivated team. Attend council meetings and present clear, professional updates on the venues performance, event programming, and strategic initiatives. Collaborate with the Communications and Marketing Officer to promote venues and events through targeted campaigns. Collaborate with the Community Officer for community events at King Georges Park. Build new partnerships with local businesses and organisations to expand programming and hire opportunities. Work closely with the Friends of Melksham Assembly Hall to support community-led initiatives and enhance public engagement. Attend local venue hire group meetings to share best practices and strengthen regional collaboration.

Customer Service:

Lead the development and implementation of a customer-first service strategy, embedding high standards of service delivery, responsiveness, and accountability. Use data and public feedback to evaluate service performance, implement improvements, and deliver better outcomes for residents and service users. Promote the Council's values through effective public engagement, communications, and consultation activity. Customer relations is accountable for delivering key customer service initiatives and projects, with a strong focus on achieving measurable outcomes aligned to KPIs, including customer satisfaction, first contact resolution, response times, and service improvement delivery.

Governance and Compliance:

Act as the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) for Melksham Town Council, ensuring lawful sale and supply of alcohol. Ensure full compliance with licensing laws, health and safety legislation, fire safety regulations, and council policies. Conduct risk assessments, maintain emergency procedures, and ensure staff are trained in safety protocols. Maintain accurate records of inspections, contractor works, and statutory compliance documentation. Liaise with licensing authorities, police, and other regulatory bodies as required. Produce clear, professional reports for the CEO, councillors, committees, and senior management.

Financial and Contract Management:

Responsibility for the financial performance of all venues. Monitor, and achieve income generation and usage targets across all venues, ensuring commercial viability and community value. Develop pricing strategies and promotional offers to maximise bookings, ticket sales, and repeat business. Manage budgets effectively, ensuring accurate forecasting, expenditure control, and financial reporting. Identify and pursue opportunities for additional revenue streams, including sponsorships, grants, and partnerships. Manage relationships with preferred suppliers, contractors, and service providers to ensure quality, reliability, and value for money. Oversee procurement processes in line with council policy, ensuring transparency, compliance, and cost-effectiveness. Review quarterly supplier performance and maintain up-to-date contract documentation. Responsible for the council's asset register for Melksham Assembly Hall and Town Hall.

Other Responsibilities

To act as a representative of the Council as required, including attending meetings, positively promoting the Council within the local community and being one of the Council's public-facing contacts. To work in a way that does not divulge personal and / or confidential information and follow the Council's policies and procedures in relation to data protection and security of information. To promote equality, diversity, and inclusion and being aware of your own actions and those of others. All employees are responsible for eliminating unfair and unlawful discrimination in everything that they do. To attend training courses and conferences / workshops that support the role, and that contribute to personal and professional development. Fully utilise the HR personnel portal. Performing any other relevant duties which may be assigned from time to time by the Council.

Education, Qualifications and Training

Essential:

A degree-level qualification (Level 6 or equivalent) in a relevant subject such as: Event Management, Facilities or Venue Management, Hospitality and Tourism, Business Administration, Public Sector or Community Management, Arts and Cultural Management Personal Licence holder or eligibility to obtain one (required for Designated Premises Supervisor duties). Health and Safety training (e.g., IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent). IT proficiency, including experience with digital booking systems, Microsoft Office, and online communication platforms.
Desirable:

Catering or hospitality qualification, such as: NVQ in Hospitality or Catering Services, City & Guilds Diploma in Professional Cookery or equivalent. First Aid at Work certification. Level 2 or 3 Award in Food Safety Fire Marshal or Fire Safety training. Safeguarding training relevant to public venues and community events. IOSH Working Safely NEBOSH

Work Experience

Essential:

Proven experience managing public venues or event spaces. Experience planning and delivering civic, community, and commercial events. Experience as or working with a DPS. Track record of meeting income generation and usage targets. Experience in health & safety compliance. Staff and contractor management. Budget and supplier management. Report writing and presenting at meetings.
Desirable:

Experience using venue management or CRM software. Experience in partnership development and community engagement. Experience working with volunteers or community groups.

General Skills, Knowledge, and Aptitude

Essential:

Strong leadership and management skills. Sound knowledge of facilities, management principles and best practices. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to write clear, professional reports. Confident presenter at council and stakeholder meetings. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Commercial awareness and financial acumen. Ability to build partnerships and community relationships. management, guidance, or supervision. Able to work under pressure to meet targets and deadlines. Good attention to detail and problem-solving. Willing to work flexibly outside of normal office hours as required.
Desirable:

Technical understanding of event production (AV, lighting, staging). Ability to innovate and introduce new programming. Familiarity with local initiatives such as Pub Watch and Safer Streets. Knowledge of civic protocols and ceremonial events.

Communication Skills

Essential:

Exceptional communication, interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate teams and influence at all levels. Excellent customer service. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Good listener and communicator.

Personal Qualities and Other

Essential:

Possession of a current full UK driving licence. Personal integrity and trustworthiness. Self-motivated. Well-presented and smart appearance. Willing to learn and undertake any training as deemed appropriate. Willingness to work as part of a team. Willing to work flexibly and attend events outside of normal office hours as required.

T's & C's

Salary: 35,412 - 39,152 per annum by annual increment (subject to satisfactory performance) depending on qualifications and experience

National Pay Scale SCP 24 - 28

Full time 37 hours per week

Onsite based at Melksham Town Hall

23 days' annual leave plus 2 extra statutory days plus public holidays and an additional MTC day (rising to 26 days' annual leave plus 2 extra statutory days plus public holidays and an additional MTC day after 5 years' continuous service) (pro rata)

Local Government Pension Scheme (Wiltshire Pension Fund)

Flexible Working Arrangements considered

Recruitment Process

Closing date

: 4th January 2026

Interviews

: Tuesday 13th January 2026 - details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

Application is strictly via the application form contained in this pack.

Please do not send a generic CV. Completed applications should be returned via email to: people@melksham-tc.gov.uk

More information about Melksham Town Council can be found on their website at: https://www.melksham-tc.gov.uk/

If you would like an informal chat about this vacancy, please contact our CEO, Hayley Bell, at ceo@melksham-tc.gov.uk

As we are seeking the right candidate for this post to start as soon as possible, Melksham Town Council reserves the right to withdraw this job advertisement without prior notice.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 35,412.00-39,152.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Sick pay
Work Location: In person