Lucy Ross
Bristol,United Kingdom
Summary
Dynamic events specialist with extensive experience managing high-profile weddings and events, focusing on client satisfaction and revenue growth. Proven track record in optimizing operational efficiency and implementing innovative cost control strategies, resulting in successful event executions. Strong relationship-building skills foster collaborative team environments and enhance client experiences. Committed to delivering exceptional event services while contributing to impactful community initiatives.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Wedding & Special Events Manager
Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel
Bath
2025.01 - 2026.06
- Assisted in developing vendor partnerships to support improved service quality and reliability.
- Contributed to budget management, maximising resources while achieving client satisfaction.
- Created tailored creative concepts based on clients' themes and vision preferences.
- Helped oversee event logistics, managing scheduling and providing on-site support.
- Coordinated weddings and special events, ensuring effective execution and client happiness.
- Supported record-breaking achievements for wedding sales on-site.
- Aided in the redesign of wedding and special events offerings to align with trends.
- Implemented new processes and standard operating procedures for streamlined team operations.
Events & Hospitality Manager
Grayson's Catering Ltd
Bristol, United Kingdom
2023.12 - 2024.11
- Orchestrated opening party for Bristol Beacon, welcoming 15,000 attendees over 15 hours.
- Supported team productivity by 30% through improved event planning processes.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction ratings by 15% via personalised hospitality experiences.
- Created memorable event experiences for clients at Bristol Beacon.
- Led events team of 35, fostering collaboration with diverse groups.
- Managed custom plans for events such as conferences, music events, trade fairs, weddings, and networking.
- Handled invoicing and payroll duties, controlling stock and supplier payments using indicators.
- Delegated responsibilities while outlining procedures and standards.
- Developed new function sheets to facilitate communication between clients and teams.
Events Manager
Whatley Manor
Malmesbury
2023.01 - 2023.12
- Assisted in selling and executing bespoke events for high-net-worth clients and major corporate accounts including Deloitte, Rolex, and Chanel.
- Supported strategic approaches to build client relations and sales, contributing to Chanel family transitioning their tri-annual event to an annual one, boosting revenue by 1.1 million.
- Facilitated vendor partnerships by achieving a 17% cost reduction through contract renegotiation's.
- Provided exceptional customer service and expertise in event management, enhancing guests' planning experiences.
- Promoted sustainability by advocating for eco-friendly practices in event management, aligning with hotel goals.
- Collaborated with operations manager and heads of departments to ensure flawless execution of event logistics.
Virtual Events Planner - Self-employed
Linden Lab
Bristol, United Kingdom
2020.05 - 2023.06
- Assisted in creating engaging virtual experiences for global clients using Second Life during pandemic.
- Supported seamless transitions to tailor-made virtual events and meetings during lockdown.
- Helped design specialised items and virtual venue structures using Blender for events.
- Collaborated with diverse clients globally to enhance understanding of event culture.
- Managed portfolio of virtual events each year.
- Coordinated team of virtual event specialists across multiple countries.
- Operated self-employed business during pandemic to maintain activity in events industry.
Events & Wedding Manager
Wookey Hole Caves
Wells, United Kingdom
2021.01 - 2023.01
- Assisted in transforming events department into profitable sector through sales and customer satisfaction.
- Supported efforts in winning Hitched Wedding Venue Awards in consecutive years (2022 & 2023).
- Aided nominations for Wedding Industry Awards (2022) and Southwest Wedding Awards (2022).
- Contributed to redesign of event materials and processes to enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
- Facilitated priority bookings with important clientele such as Disney, BBC, and ITV.
- Helped manage large team in revising contracts and processes to address post-pandemic operational challenges.
- Developed training manuals to ensure smooth event execution across diverse functions.
- Coordinated over 30 weddings within a 12-month period.
Events Coordinator
Aztec Hotel & Spa
Bristol, United Kingdom
2019.07 - 2021.02
- Assisted in organising events to create enjoyable experiences for guests and business delegates.
- Contributed to planning and communication efforts to support successful events.
- Coordinated events of varying sizes, including gatherings and larger functions with 500 attendees.
Hospitality Trainer & Events Organiser
Whitbread
Yeovil & Bath
2014.08 - 2019.07
- As an on-site Hospitality Trainer at Yeovil Beefeater, then promoted to the Hospitality Trainer and onsite Events Organiser at the new Bar + Block in Bath.
- Ensure the highest standards for all on-site restaurant bookings for special occasions and functions.
- Collaborate closely with guests to fulfill their needs for various catering events.
- Lead the team, establish rapport with guests, and support new team members through training and beyond.
- Increased training session efficiency through innovative curriculum design and interactive training methods.
- Improved staff performance by implementing comprehensive hospitality procedures.
Education
Diploma - Event Planning & Management
The Wedding Academy
Bristol, United Kingdom 2020.01 - 2020.12
BA Hons - Illustration
Solent University
Southampton, United Kingdom 2009.09 - 2012.07
BTEC Level 2 - Customer Service
N-gaged Training
Yeovil, SomersetCity & Guilds Level 2 - Health & Safety
N-gaged Training
Yeovil, SomersetFire Safety - Health & Safety
Fire Training Company
Bath, Bath and North East SomersetSkills
- PMS Systems - Opera Cloud, Delphi, Rezlynx, HEART & Ivvy
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Adobe, Eventbrite, Zoom, Teams, Blender, Canva, Tables & Google Suite
- Problem-solving
- Communication skills
- Strategic planning
- Resourcefulness
- Upselling
- Flexibility under pressure
- Time management
- Brand understanding
- Team Leadership
- Logistics management
- Venue selection
- Creative thinking
- Programme development
Accomplishments
- Hitched Winner 2022 & 2023 - Wookey Hole Caves
- Nominated Southwest Wedding Awards 2022
- Nominated UK Wedding Industry Awards 2022
- Nominated UK Wedding Industry Awards 2026
Timeline
Wedding & Special Events Manager
Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel
2025.01 - 2026.06
Events & Hospitality Manager
Grayson's Catering Ltd
2023.12 - 2024.11
Events Manager
Whatley Manor
2023.01 - 2023.12
Events & Wedding Manager
Wookey Hole Caves
2021.01 - 2023.01
Virtual Events Planner - Self-employed
Linden Lab
2020.05 - 2023.06
Diploma - Event Planning & Management
The Wedding Academy
2020.01 - 2020.12
Events Coordinator
Aztec Hotel & Spa
2019.07 - 2021.02
Hospitality Trainer & Events Organiser
Whitbread
2014.08 - 2019.07
BA Hons - Illustration
Solent University
2009.09 - 2012.07
BTEC Level 2 - Customer Service
N-gaged Training
City & Guilds Level 2 - Health & Safety
N-gaged Training
Fire Safety - Health & Safety
Fire Training Company