Head of Events - Financial Services Membership Body
12+ Month Maternity Cover
£75,000 + Excellent Benefits
Hybrid – City of London Office / Home Working
Are you an experienced events leader with a background in financial services and membership bodies? Are you confident managing high-profile, content-led events from strategy to execution? If so, this is an exciting opportunity to join a respected financial services membership organisation as their Head of Events on a maternity cover contract.
Our client is a well-regarded, professional body representing a core segment of the financial services industry. With an active events calendar, including large-scale conferences, C-level briefings, policy forums and networking opportunities, they are seeking a commercially minded, process-driven Head of Events to lead the team through a critical 12+ month period.
The Role
As Head of Events, you will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping and delivering a varied events programme aligned with strategic and commercial objectives. This includes oversight of event design, budget planning, operational delivery and team management, ensuring an exceptional experience for members, sponsors, and stakeholders alike.
This role requires a unique combination of strategic vision and hands-on operational delivery, alongside a strong understanding of policy-driven content, regulatory topics, and member engagement.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the strategic planning and operational delivery of the organisation’s annual events portfolio.
* Manage and monitor event budgets and financial performance, ensuring revenue targets are met and costs optimised.
* Ensure all events deliver measurable value to members and support broader commercial objectives.
* Provide inspirational leadership, development, and day-to-day line management for the events team.
* Work closely with the Head of Marketing to align campaign efforts and ensure integrated planning across all projects.
* Coordinate planning and stakeholder meetings to ensure consistency in execution and communication across departments.
* Ensure CRM systems are updated post-event and all personal data is managed in line with GDPR and internal data policies.
* Represent the Commercial Director at key internal and external meetings, including delivering presentations.
* Manage third-party suppliers (AV, production, catering etc.) including contracts, negotiations, and delivery standards.
* Collaborate with policy teams to develop and deliver timely, relevant, and high-quality event content.
* Drive event sponsorship and commercial income opportunities.
* Support sponsors with logistics, branding and engagement to ensure high satisfaction and retention.
* Oversee speaker and content logistics, ensuring all materials are prepared and aligned with brand guidelines.
* Ensure all event communications, collateral, and branding are delivered to a high standard and on brand.
Skills & Experience Required
* Proven leadership experience in a senior events role, ideally within a membership body or financial services environment.
* Experience managing large-scale, content-rich events with C-suite stakeholders.
* Strong budget management skills and a track record of delivering commercial success.
* Confident managing and mentoring teams in a high-performing, fast-paced environment.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Strong project management and multi-tasking ability – thrives under pressure and deadlines.
* Strategic thinker with a hands-on delivery mindset.
* Strong understanding of event marketing, sponsorship, and branding considerations.
* Comfortable working flexibly, including early mornings or late evenings as required.
* Familiarity with CRM and event systems – MS Dynamics knowledge advantageous.
* Strong copywriting skills and attention to detail a plus.
Package & Benefits
* Basic Salary: £75,000
* 30 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
* Generous Pension Scheme
* Private Medical Insurance & Healthcare
* Gym Subsidy
* Income Protection
* Ongoing CPD and Training Support
* Social Activities and Team Events
* Hybrid Working – 2-3 days in City of London offices
This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a high-impact leadership role within a prestigious and well-connected membership body. If you're ready to take the next step in your events career, we'd love to hear from you.
To apply to this role of Head of Events please submit your CV.
Due to the volume of applications, we are only able to contact successful applicants. Therefore, if you have not heard from us within 10 working days please deem your application as unsuccessful on this occasion.
Membership Bespoke is acting as a recruitment business in relation to this role. Membership Bespoke positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process.
Membership Bespoke is the most experienced membership-focused recruitment firm in the UK, with 10+ years of experience delivering tailored permanent, temporary, interim, and Executive Search recruitment solutions to Trade Associations, Regulatory Bodies, Political Parties, and Professional Bodies.