Event Manager

About the role

We’re looking for an experienced and organised Events Manager to lead the planning and delivery of Graduation ceremonies and celebratory receptions, some of the most memorable moments in the University calendar, as well as support the wider team on other Department events such as Open Days.

In this key role, you will:

• Take the lead on every aspect of the graduation experience, from detailed operational planning to on-the-day management.
• Deliver a professional, seamless experience for around 5,000 graduating students and their guests across Bath Abbey and the Bath Recreation Ground.
• Manage suppliers, budgets, logistics, and risk assessments, while briefing senior staff and coordinating internal teams.
• Work closely with colleagues across Academic Registry, the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, the wider university.
• Help shape the future of University events by contributing to continuous improvement and early planning for ceremonies beyond 2026.

Graduation is a highlight of the year, celebrating achievement and community. You’ll join a friendly, experienced Events team that also delivers Open Days, Virtual Open Days, public lectures and other University events.

About you

You’ll bring:

• Significant experience of planning and delivering large, complex or high-profile events, ideally within higher education or a similar environment.
• Excellent project management skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities calmly and effectively.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with confidence when briefing senior stakeholders and managing suppliers or temporary staff.
• Sensitivity, diplomacy, and a customer-focused approach, ensuring every guest feels valued.
• The flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends during event periods (with TOIL provided).
• A degree (or equivalent experience), and proven success managing budgets and event teams, will be essential.

Further Information

This role is offered on a permanent basis (36.5 hours per week).

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Sarah McFarlane (Head of Undergraduate Marketing & Events) on sjm210@bath.ac.uk, however please ensure that you submit your application through the university website.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff. 

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