Venue Manager

229 is one of London’s most vibrant and diverse multi-purpose entertainment venues.

Since launching in 2007, we’ve hosted a wide variety of gigs, club nights, comedy, fashion shows, awards, and more — all while supporting grassroots and global talent. We operate as part of International Students House (ISH), a charitable organisation providing housing, support, and community for students from low-income backgrounds.

All profits from 229 go directly to ISH to further its mission — so when you work for us, you’re making a difference.

The Venue operations comprise of three licensed areas including Venue 1, Venue 2 and The Thirsty Scholar Bar, all located at the Great Portland Street site and each with their designated bar areas. 229 benefits from a Premises License enabling the provision of Regulated Entertainment and the sale of alcohol until 00:00 seven days a week, with 12 Occasional Licenses granted until 2am.

We also have additional conference meetings and events space, which we market and sell under the ISH Venues brand. 229 and ISH Venues work together to ensure profitability and that our spaces are utilised fully.

Job Role

We’re looking for a Venue Manager who will be responsible for the successful delivery of a varied and culturally diverse events programme. The role will oversee the venue operations managing processes and procedures. They will drive; sales, show advancing, venue marketing and financial reconciliation. Building strong relationships with local and national promoters, agents, artist management and bands is key and also to develop 229’s own live music programme. Working closely and harmoniously with all the departments at International Students House to maximise profitability and to support our charitable aims.

Key Responsibilities:

• To deal with day to day sales and enquiries, site visits and to manage the bookings diary.
• To nurture and develop relationships with promoters, agents, bands and other grassroots organisations within the live music industry network.
• Manage the pre-and post-production of all events: working with promoters and production/TM and in-house tech team to ensure successful delivery of the production.
• To work/manage and oversea venue operations to ensure the delivery of high quality and well managed productions.
• Oversee the administration of 229’s ticketing platforms and to promote all events through various advertising and social platforms and to increase 229’s social media presence.
• To deal with any customer queries or complaints providing a high level of customer service and satisfaction.
• To oversee monthly rotas for staff, management, security and tech.
• Develop 229’s in-house live music programme
• To ensure profitability, managing costs in line with forecasting and budget targets.
• To complete venue settlements, PRS returns and all invoicing and financial reconciliation at month end.

About You

We’re looking for someone who has:

✔ A love and passion for the live music/events business.
✔ Substantial experience as an Assistant or Venue/Event Manager in a relevant venue or organisation.
✔ Previous experience in booking, promoting and working with promoters, agents, bands and artists.
✔ A confident team leader with a hands-on approach
✔ A skilled multitasker able to thrive under pressure
✔ Passionate about customer service and hospitality
✔ A Personal License holder
✔ Understanding of H&S, event safety management and risk management.
✔ Comfortable with late night and weekend work, and flexible with schedules
✔ Interest or experience in sound, lighting and event production

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary of £38,000 – £40,000 depending on experience
• 20 days annual leave + bank holidays, increasing to 25 days with service
• Company-sponsored health cash plan (after probation)
• £3 meal allowance per shift for use in the ISH Catering facilities
• Interest-free annual travel loan
• Generous pension scheme
• A chance to work in a dynamic, creative, and purpose-driven venue
• Guaranteed time off at Christmas – but we’ll need you at NYE & Halloween and some bank holidays!

Applications accepted via our portal by clicking the link below.

Interviews will take place on a rolling basis and the role may be closed early if a suitable applicant is found prior to the closing date.

You can also request a full Job Description and send your CV and covering letter to [email protected]