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Events and Residence Manager (PRT25.185), Lisbon
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Client:
Location:
Lisbon, Portugal
Job Category:
Other
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EU work permit required:
Yes
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Job Reference:
470370382220
Job Views:
4
Posted:
30.06.2025
Expiry Date:
14.08.2025
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Job Description:
The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require. Job Category Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Residence and Support Staff) Job Subcategory Residence Coordinator Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)
The British Embassy in Lisbon is part of a worldwide network representing British political, economic, security and consular interests overseas. The Embassy is looking to recruit an Events and Residence Manager to ensure the smooth running of the British Ambassador’s Residence (the Residence) both as a venue for official events (meals, receptions, meetings, etc) and as a family home, delivering to the highest standards of efficiency, sustainability and value for money, and advancing UK strategic objectives in Portugal.
Are you a master of elegance, logistics, and unforgettable experiences?
Do you dream of orchestrating high-profile events in a beautiful European diplomatic residence?
The British Embassy in Lisbon is looking for a dynamic and highly organised Events and Residence Manager to bring British hospitality and diplomacy to life in Portugal.
As the creative force behind official functions at the British Ambassador’s Residence, you will be at the heart of planning and delivering prestigious events — from intimate diplomatic dinners to grand national celebrations attended by over 600 guests.
What will be expected:
1. Design and manage exceptional events that reflect the UK’s values, culture, and global standing.
2. Oversee the Residence as both a high-functioning event venue and a private diplomatic home.
3. Work closely with UK and Portuguese VIPs, government leaders, business figures, and cultural icons.
4. Lead a talented team to deliver flawless service and unmatched presentation.
5. Curate décor, themes, and atmosphere — down to the last flower or glassware — ensuring every detail shines.
6. Look after the artwork, stock and equipment at the Residence and bring events in on time and budget, ensuring strong value for money.
Why This Role Is Unique:
Represent the UK on the world stage through the art of hospitality.
7. Collaborate with Embassy teams to promote trade, investment, and policy engagement.
8. Be the operational heartbeat of events that make headlines and build international relationships.
9. Take full creative and operational ownership of a prestigious diplomatic premises.
Your Background:
If you’re experienced in managing luxury banquets, elegant weddings, or five-star events, this role is calling you. Bring your flair for perfection, your eye for detail, and your passion for excellent service and help us create memorable moments that promote British objectives in Portugal.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Events
10. Responsible for oversight, preparation and delivery of official events at the Ambassador’s Residence, in close consultation with the Ambassador, the respective Embassy teams and other relevant colleagues. This includes but is not limited to: planning table and flower arrangements, room layout, hiring equipment (e.g. marquee, audio visual, lighting, heating), and hiring casual event staff, who work under the Event and Residence Manager’s supervision including set-up and post-event clear up and cleaning.
11. Designing and organising the UK national day for over 600 people, including organising bars, stalls, catering, audio-visual requirements; liaising with corporate sponsors; creating the theme, look and feel; managing and monitoring the budget; bringing it on time and within budget during a 5-month organisation process.
12. In conjunction with the relevant Embassy colleagues, ensure the Residence and all events comply with all necessary Health and Safety rules and wider Embassy guidance. Work with outside companies and individuals to ensure they fully understand and comply with such rules and guidance and produce risk assessments for events.
13. Co-ordinate arrangements for all official visitors staying at the Residence, ensuring that rooms are prepared for overnight guests, the highest levels of service are provided, and that all visitors receive a warm welcome and are made to feel comfortable and at home.
14. Purchase supplies for events according to FCDO procurement guidance.
Residence Management
15. Manage relevant accounts and purchasing for the Residence, including supplier liaison, quote management, etc, and monitor Residence expenditure, including accounting for pre-approved credit card expenditure in a timely manner.
16. Ensure effective delivery of services and maintenance of all Residence property, including preparation and management of the inventories including of silverware, glassware, crockery, linen, Government Art Collection, furniture, and domestic equipment.
17. Ensure the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene and presentation at all times.
18. Ensure the Residence and grounds are kept in optimal repair: identify and report repair/improvement work, oversee repairs and maintenance jobs for the Residence and grounds, and liaise with Corporate Services, and the Ambassador/spouse to ensure contractor access to the Residence at convenient times.
19. Purchase and manage stocks for the Residence (e.g. cleaning items, pantry stocks), ensuring value for money in procurement of goods and services. Work with the Residence staff to ensure stocks and supplies are regularly reviewed, and supervise deliveries where needed. Ensure regular market testing in delivery of services.
20. Liaise with the security guards and security team to ensure effective security of the Residence and grounds is maintained at all times.
Resources/Staffing
21. Lead and manage a team of three Residence staff, and when required casual event staff, providing support and direction as necessary. Ensure that the Residence staff receive adequate and regular training to undertake their duties and have opportunities to develop.
22. Manage staff performance and complete annual appraisals on time and to prescribed standards.
23. Ensure effective deployment of staff resources, clear forward planning, and flexible delivery in line with operational requirements.
The Events and Residence Manager will be expected to undertake other duties that may reasonably be required, and which are in accordance with the grading and core competencies of the job.
Applications are now open — step into a role that combines event mastery, leadership, and global impact.
Apply today and use your event expertise to influence internationally.
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
24. Strong oral and written communication skills at a C1 level proficiency in English and Portuguese (level according to CEFR*)
25. Experience of events management including organising large-scale events or banquets.
26. Experience in running and working in a diplomatic residence, hotel or restaurant setting, or private residence with a commitment to delivering excellence through a strong customer focus.
27. Financial management; experience of managing budgets and procurement
28. Proven people management skills, capable of leading a team.
29. Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills: someone who can negotiate effectively (including with external stakeholders) and deliver under pressure, always treating others with respect
30. Ability and desire to demonstrate high standards, proactivity, effective prioritisation, and a strong attention to detail.
31. Flexibility in terms of working hours and duties – be prepared to work additional hours in support of events, including evenings and occasional weekends.
32. Good IT skills (including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel).
Desirable qualifications,skills and experience
33. A thorough knowledge and understanding of protocol issues would be highly desirable. .
34. Full driving licence (with no endorsements).
35. Multimedia skills and keenness to innovate in use of IT to support Residence Management.
Required behaviours Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together Application deadline 6 July 2025 Grade Executive Officer (EO) Type of Position Full-time, Permanent Working hours per week 35 Region Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia Country/Territory Portugal Location (City) Lisbon Type of Post British Embassy Number of vacancies 1 Salary Currency EUR Salary €2,269.93 (Monthly) x 14 instalments, plus €193.60 Meal allowance Type of Salary monthly Start Date 1 August 2025 Other benefits and conditions of employment
This is a full-time, permanent contract for 35 net working hours per week, subject to a 180 days probation period. Flexible hours will be required to cover events in evenings and occasionally on weekends.
The British Embassy in Lisbon aims to offer an attractive working environment and remuneration package for this role of € 31,778.83 gross annual salary paid in fourteen instalments; plus a monthly meal allowance of €193.60. This salary is payable if the successful candidate is subject to individual income tax (IRS) in Portugal on the employment income in question. If the successful candidate is not subject to individual income tax (IRS) on their employment income in Portugal, and/or is not taxable elsewhere on such income, s/he will receive the above salary minus a reference amount approximate to the level of Portuguese tax that would be applicable if the income were subject to tax locally. Further information on this will be given to candidates during the recruitment process.
All staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Portugal are subject to local Portuguese employment law as well as internal regulations in force at any given time.
The successful candidate will be subject to a professional background and security clearance and must have pre-existing work authorisation for Portugal in order to apply.
All applicants should have the right to live and work in Portugal. The British Embassy does not sponsor work permits.
The Embassy will not consider applications from existing staff who have not successfully completed their probation period or, in the case of staff on temporary contract who have not yet completed two thirds of their contract.
British Embassy Lisbon offers a supportive environment for its team, including flexible working opportunities, a rich learning and training offering and a focus on individual development.
Visa/ Passport requirements:Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Portugal and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.
Working Pattern:35 net working hours per week. The jobholder is expected to work flexible hours and be available for events and dinners at the Residence in the evenings and occasionally on weekends. The nature of the role means there are only limited options for occasional remote working, which would need to be agreed with the Ambassador in advance.
Learning and Development opportunities:The Embassy has a strong Learning and Development Culture. You will be encouraged and supported to undertake L&D activity. We are committed to the development of our staff. Staff have access to learning and development opportunities on our various platforms, in order to enhance their skills and build capability. We also promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The Embassy will seek to provide opportunities for the employee to enhance their knowledge of protocol and to be exposed to other similar UK Residences in Europe.
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