Salary: £33,000.00 Per Annum, Plus Desirable Benefits
Full time, Permanent Position
Are you wild about creating memorable experiences?
Do you want to work in a place where you can hear the roar of a pride of lions?
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve are looking for an Events Sales Assistant Manager to play a key role in growing our wedding and events business. You’ll combine proactive sales, event coordination, team support, and administrative oversight to ensure every client experience is seamless and memorable, while helping to maximise revenue for the department.
In this fast-paced and varied role, you’ll drive bookings from initial enquiry to contract, conduct venue show rounds, and build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and industry partners. You’ll work closely with the Weddings & Events Sales Manager to develop strategies, support marketing initiatives, and mentor junior team members, all while ensuring smooth handovers to operations for flawless event delivery.
You’ll also maintain accurate records, prepare performance reports, monitor market trends, and support budget management and forecasting. This role requires exceptional organisation, attention to detail, and strong sales and communication skills, along with the flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed. If you are passionate about delivering unforgettable weddings and events, thrive in a collaborative environment, and have a proven track record in sales or hospitality, this is an exciting opportunity to help shape extraordinary experiences at one of Kent’s most unique destinations.
Who we are looking for:
We’re seeking an experienced Weddings & Events Sales Assistant Manager with a proven track record in a similar position within events or hospitality sales. You’ll be confident communicating with clients, suppliers and colleagues, building strong relationships, and leading by example to support the wider team. The ideal candidate will be highly organised, able to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously, and thrive under pressure. You’ll bring excellent interpersonal skills, strong IT proficiency, and the ability to work independently while providing guidance and support to junior team members.
A passion for delivering exceptional experiences, attention to detail, and a positive, proactive approach are essential. Flexibility to work weekends, holidays and nonstandard hours is required, and a willingness to undertake ongoing training and development is expected. Knowledge of The Aspinall Foundation’s offerings, experience using Opera/Micros or Accesso, and a valid UK driving licence would be advantageous.
Contract details:
This is a full-time permanent position, 40 hours per week, 9-5pm, five days out of seven, which can include Weekends, evenings, and bank holidays. Reporting to the Event Sales Manager, the position is based at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, based near Folkestone and Ashford. If you are a dynamic and sociable personality looking to join a fast-paced and exciting organisation, then we would really like to meet you.
The location:
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is a world-renowned wild animal park set within 600 acres of Kentish savannah. The Reserve is home to some of the world’s most rare and endangered animals and offers luxury short-break accommodation, free roaming animal safaris, once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters and exquisite dining experiences. Most importantly, every one of our employees is part of real conservation in action and their efforts have contributed to animals such as black rhino and western lowland gorillas being returned to their natural habitats in collaboration with our partners at The Aspinall Foundation.
Why you should join us:
We’re on a mission to create memorable experiences that matter, and our Core Values ‘One Team’, Customer’ and ‘Pride’ are what drive us each day to become part of something extraordinary. As well as walking to work surrounded by the calls of Howler monkeys and the roars from our pride of Lions, you will join a supportive team who are passionate about their place of work. Be part of the Port Lympne and Howletts family and join our pride
You can also expect a host of other roarsome benefits including:
- 28 days of annual leave pro rata to start date and working hours, inclusive of bank holidays (rising with length of service)
- Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including workshops and e-learning.
- Enhanced Sickness, Maternity and Paternity Policies.
- Unlimited free entry for you and a person of your choice into both of our parks as well as friends and family tickets.
- Exceptional discounts on food, retail and accommodation at our parks.
- Numerous retail discounts and access to a 24-hour counselling line through our Healthy Extras Scheme.
- Company Pension
- And many more length or service-related rewards and Benefits.
A full job description is available on request.
Your adventure awaits.
#joinourpride
Closing date: 14th November 2025
To apply: If you want to work in an exciting and unique environment where no two days are the same, email your C.V. and covering letter to stephanieb@portlympne.com
