Event Operations Manager

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic B2B Event Operations Manager with a minimum of 7 years of experience in event planning and execution to join our team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in planning, operating, and executing high-quality B2B events, ensuring they run smoothly and have full budgetary control. This role also involves supporting the Senior Operations Manager in ensuring the achievement of desired profit margins and high levels of event satisfaction. Contributing to nurturing junior team members, improving internal ops process, and working closely with cross-functional teams including marketing, sales, content production, and research teams globally to deliver exceptional event experiences. This multifaceted role involves organizing Award Ceremonies, conferences/exhibitions, roundtables, and cocktail receptions, globally.

The role may require occasional evening and weekend work, depending on event schedules, and must be able to travel internationally as required. Main responsibilities:

Event Management and Execution:

• End-to-end operational management of allocated events, collaborating closely with relevant stakeholders.
• Develop comprehensive event plans, timelines, and budgets in collaboration with the Senior Operations Manager.
• Leading the process of venue sourcing, selection, contract negotiation, and date coordination for events, as well as managing supplier relationships.
• Support the Sr manager in overseeing event projects and nurturing junior team members, Organising staffing plans and requirements, task allocation, and travel arrangements.
• Managing the production and distribution of event branding, signage, and collateral, ensuring brand consistency and adherence to quality standards
• Act as the operational lead on-site, liaising with the venue and co-ordinating with the content team (research and editorial) to ensure the smooth running of the event
• Prepare post-event reports, highlighting successes, challenges, and areas for improvement.

Budget & Profit Margin Management:

• Ensuring accurate budgets are in place for events, controlling costs to deliver within budget.
• Developing creative solutions for new revenue streams and maximizing profitability sustainability, and quality of each project through effective procurement
• Preparation and maintenance of realistic forecasts and budgets and submission of complete and accurate accounts on strict deadlines
• Provide regular financial reports and post-event budget reconciliation to the Senior Operations Manager.

Sponsorship and Stakeholders management:

• Compile relevant information for clients to include, but not limited to, clear instructions on submitting required materials, access times on the day of the event, and venue selection.
• Overseeing sponsor fulfilment, ensuring contractual obligations are met.
• Ensuring risk management and compliance at events, conducting thorough risk assessments
• Work closely with project internal stakeholders (Marketing, sales, content, finance team) to fulfil the requirements and act as a project lead.

ESSENTIAL

• Minimum 7 years in B2B event management, ideally within legal and finance sectors, with a proven track record of successful event delivery.
• Extensive experience managing large-scale corporate events, including operational oversight and full budget control.
• Proficiency in venue contracting and negotiation, securing favourable terms.
• Strong multi-tasking and prioritization skills, exceptional attention to detail.
• Knowledge of international event risk policies (VAT, modern slavery, anti-bribery, trade sanctions) and event risk management frameworks.
• Experience fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Being proactive and able to identify problems, research options, and innovate solutions to improve project management and its experiences. Strong accountability and ownership of tasks and projects.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and willingness to travel internationally as needed.

DESIRABLE

• Foreign language
• Strong affinity with digital systems and platforms, Cvent, MS Office suite, registration platforms
• First Aid qualified/IOSH Managing Safety Certificate

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

• Work well under pressure and to deadlines
• Customer-first approach
• A willingness to travel
• Confidence to trust own decision-making ability
• Positive influencer and able to self-motivate themselves and their colleagues
• Openness to change and ability to adapt