Event Controller

Christmas Event Controller – £16.81 Per Hour Including Holiday Pay

Castaway Play Ltd – Congleton, Cheshire

Job Type: Temporary / Seasonal
Contract End Date: 24 December 2026
Basic Pay: £15.00 per hour
Holiday Pay: Additional 12.07% rolled-up holiday pay (£1.81 per hour)
Total Hourly Remuneration: £16.81
Hours: Various shifts, including weekends and evenings
Start Date: Immediate starts available
Work Location: In person – Congleton

Join Our Christmas Alpine Retreat Team!

Castaway Play is looking for an experienced, confident and enthusiastic Event Controller to help deliver our magical Christmas Alpine Retreat 2026.

Our Christmas event is one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year, welcoming families to enjoy a magical festive experience, including visits to Santa, Christmas activities, character encounters and adventure play.

We are seeking an experienced supervisor who can take ownership of the day-to-day running of our Christmas event, confidently lead a team and ensure every session operates safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.

Previous supervisory experience is essential for this position.

This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, solving problems and delivering excellent customer experiences.

Key ResponsibilitiesEvent Operations

• Oversee the smooth running of Christmas Alpine Retreat sessions.
• Ensure all event areas are fully prepared, staffed and ready before each session.
• Coordinate event activities and ensure sessions run to schedule.
• Manage queues, visitor flow and capacity across event areas.
• Coordinate session changeovers and ensure areas are reset efficiently.
• Identify and resolve operational issues promptly.
• Maintain high standards of presentation, organisation and customer experience.

Team Leadership

• Lead and supervise event staff throughout each shift.
• Conduct team briefings and communicate daily priorities.
• Allocate staff responsibilities and monitor performance.
• Ensure team members understand their duties and responsibilities.
• Provide support, direction and guidance to staff.
• Address operational or staffing issues professionally.
• Work closely with Team Leaders and the General Manager.

Customer Experience

• Ensure visitors receive a friendly, welcoming and memorable experience.
• Monitor customer flow and minimise unnecessary queues or delays.
• Handle customer queries and complaints confidently and professionally.
• Resolve problems quickly and effectively.
• Support families requiring additional assistance.
• Ensure excellent customer service standards are maintained throughout the event.

Health & Safety

• Ensure event risk assessments and safety procedures are followed.
• Monitor visitor safety and capacity within event areas.
• Identify and report hazards or maintenance issues.
• Respond appropriately to incidents and emergencies.
• Ensure incidents are recorded and escalated correctly.
• Maintain clear communication with management and other team members.

Essential Requirements

Applicants must have previous supervisory experience.

The successful candidate must demonstrate:

• Proven experience supervising or leading a team.
• Confidence in managing staff and allocating responsibilities.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to remain calm and make effective decisions under pressure.
• Excellent customer service and problem-solving abilities.
• A proactive attitude and willingness to take ownership of responsibilities.
• Reliability, punctuality and professionalism.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a management team.
• Availability to work weekends and evenings throughout the Christmas event.

Desirable Experience

Previous experience in any of the following environments would be an advantage:

• Visitor attractions or family entertainment centres
• Events and entertainment
• Hospitality or leisure
• Retail or customer service management
• High-volume, customer-facing operations

Full event-specific training will be provided.

Working Hours

This is a temporary seasonal position running until 24 December 2026. However, there is the scope to make this into a full time and permanent position.

Various shifts are available, including weekends, evenings and peak Christmas event dates.

Applicants must have good availability throughout the Christmas period.

Pay & Benefits

£15.00 per hour plus 12.07% rolled-up holiday pay.

• Basic hourly rate: £15.00
• Rolled-up holiday pay (12.07%): £1.81
• Total hourly remuneration: £16.81

Holiday pay is paid in addition to the basic hourly rate and will be shown separately on payslips.

Additional benefits include:

• Full event-specific training
• Support from an experienced management team
• A friendly and supportive working environment
• The opportunity to supervise a major seasonal family attraction
• Valuable experience in event operations and team leadership
• Potential opportunities for future seasonal or permanent employment, subject to business requirements

How to Apply

If you are an experienced supervisor who enjoys leading a team and delivering excellent customer experiences, we would love to hear from you.

Please email your CV and a short introduction outlining your previous supervisory experience and availability to:

[email protected]

Email Subject: Christmas Event Controller Application

Please include details of your previous supervisory responsibilities, including the approximate number of staff you have managed.

Immediate starts available.

Castaway Play Ltd – Congleton, Cheshire

Pay: From £15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 24.0 – 40.0 per week

Work Location: In person