Head of Event Operations, London On Site
Role Overview:
Benchmark are seeking a highly organised and commercially minded operations lead to join a fast-paced events team. This role offers real potential for a candidate to develop in their career by leading all operational aspects of an existing events portfolio consisting of four large scale industry conferences and multiple single-day summits.
Reporting to the executive team, the event operations head will play a key role in ensuring the successful execution and commercial performance of all events under the Benchmark brand. The right individual will be responsible for managing all aspects of event logistics, bringing with them significant experience in working with venues, contracting and budgeting. The candidate should have a passion for delivering impeccable events and strong client and stakeholder management skills to unlock long term success.
Key Responsibilities
Event planning and budgeting:
* Oversee all operational aspects of events planning, simultaneously managing multiple event projects, maintaining project timelines, and ensuring deliverables are met within budget.
* Highly experienced in venues selection, contract negotiation and management, comparing DDRs against strategic event goals.
* Good commercial acumen and budget management throughout event cycles. The right candidate will be comfortable balancing cost-effectiveness while unlocking commercial opportunities in collaboration with events and executive teams.
* Thorough vendor management, identifying, sourcing and negotiating vendors across F&B provision, staffing, and technical contractors.
Client & Stakeholder management:
* Comfortable handling a range of deliverables for key event clients, providing clear and regular communication with C-suite, managing expectations.
Logistics & on-site execution:
* Supervise event setup and execution, comfortable troubleshooting issues as they arise, and ensuring all elements are implemented according to event plans.
* Risk and Safety Management knowhow: Identify potential risks and develop contingency plans, ensuring compliance with HSSE and local regulations.
* Strong grasp of event technology platforms from apps to seamless registration processes is a plus.
* Experience in multiple event formats from conferences, exhibitions, to private client seminars and hosted meetings is an advantage.
* Problem-Solving and Resilience under pressure is key.
Essential skills and experience
* Accurate budget forecasting and cost management experience.
* Contract sourcing and negotiating with venues and hotels on multiple continents.
* Clear customer management, identifying opportunities to develop unique corporate event experiences.
* Experience in financial services, energy transition, renewables or management consulting sector events is preferrable.
* Experience managing events and sponsorships for both founder led firms and in large corporations is an advantage.
* Bring a can-do attitude to work each day, with a proactive approach to the logistical challenges that are expected within events management.
Benefits include:
* Competitive Salary
* 25 Days Holiday (fixed) + 1 day off for your Birthday
* 2 Mental health days per year
* Statutory Pension Contribution
* Staff social events