Job Summary
The Senior Events Manager will lead the growth and delivery of the ICA’s Events & Hires business, focusing on proactive event sales, commercial development and client engagement to encourage repeat sales and the development of long‑standing corporate relationships.
Job Description
The Institute of Contemporary Arts is a leading multi‑arts centre located on the prestigious Mall in London, with views to St James’s Park. The ICA is an incubator for artistic talent, hosting a wide range of shows from contemporary music to visual art.
In addition to its cultural role, the ICA operates a variety of event spaces for hire, including private rooms, two cinemas, gallery and theatre/live‑music areas. These spaces are frequently used for photo shoots, filming, weddings, receptions, dinners and other events.
The Events team plays an important role in growing and leveraging the event hire business as a key commercial income stream. The Senior Events Manager will lead the growth of the ICA’s Events & Hires business, positioning the ICA as one of Central London’s leading venues for cultural, corporate and private events.
This role will manage the work of the Events Officer, ensuring operational excellence while driving ambitious revenue growth. The Senior Events Manager will be a target‑driven individual, responsible for meeting financial targets and KPIs; developing the sales pipeline and converting enquiries to bookings; building client, agent and supplier relationships; and ensuring all events are delivered to the highest standards.
Job Requirements
* FEI/HEI qualification or equivalent experience
* 2+ years of experience managing a venue hire proposition, including end‑to‑end event planning and delivery in a cultural space
* Demonstrable experience leading complex events across different spaces, including large‑scale dinners and product launches
* Experience developing event strategy and event package development that deliver strong profit margins
* Demonstrable experience meeting or exceeding targets
* Experience managing and developing approved event suppliers
* Very strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail
* Excellent customer service and a high level of interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage relationships under pressure
* Experience working with event and/or CRM databases, preferably Artifax
* Knowledge of health and safety and event compliance requirements
* Ability to assess and manage risk
* Demonstrable experience managing budgets
Job Responsibilities
* Lead the delivery and planning of the ICA’s Event Hire offer, building the event hire pipeline and client base to meet ambitious income targets and drive revenue growth.
* Manage the Events Officer, ensuring enquiries are responded to in a timely manner and that client requests, supplier contacts and additional costs are delivered to a high standard.
* Proactively identify and convert new business opportunities with corporate, commercial, media, private and cultural clients across a range of event types, including product launches, photoshoots, fashion shows, private receptions, weddings, dinners and conferences.
* Build and manage a robust pipeline of leads, taking responsibility for proposals, negotiations and contracts.
* Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with clients, agencies, suppliers and partners.
* Attend client events as and where necessary, ensuring that the right level of on‑the‑ground support is provided.
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