At Oxford Global, our passion is driving innovation, expertise, and partnership within the life sciences industry. We are on a mission to empower professionals to accelerate research and achieve impactful results through cutting-edge, curated events, industry insights, and educational resources. Join us in shaping the future of the life sciences industry.
We are looking for an experienced Events Professional to join our Event Operations team and take ownership over a number of established/large-scale live events held in the UK, USA and Europe. You will work on the entire event timescale, and have the opportunity to build relationships with venues, suppliers and attendees as well as creating innovative projects to improve our customer experience. As Head of Event Operations, you will manage live events on-site (international travel required) to ensure the success of our Conferences, Awards Dinners and Exhibitions. Working closely with the Event Director, you will also be responsible for leading an Event Operations team and working strategically to create and implement key project, innovations, and improvements in the department.
Role Responsibilities:
* Lead the end-to-end planning and delivery of conferences, exhibitions, and networking events, ensuring seamless execution at every stage
* Design and propose innovative networking concepts and social experiences
* Serve as a key point of contact for event sponsors, delivering responsive, high-quality support and ensuring sponsor objectives are met
* Collaborate closely with venues to oversee event set-up, logistics, and on-site operations. Proactively resolving issues to optimise attendee flow and engagement
* Own and manage event budgets, ensuring financial performance aligns with forecasts and business objectives
* Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives across events and the wider business, negotiating effectively with suppliers and venues to maximise value
* Lead pre-event briefings and training sessions for event staff, ensuring clarity of on-site expectations
* Take full responsibility for on-site delivery of large-scale live events, coordinating teams and maintaining operational excellence under pressure
* Partner closely with Event and Portfolio Directors to resolve operational challenges and support the strategic delivery of all events
* Continuously evaluate and enhance the end-to-end attendee journey, proposing and implementing improvements to elevate the overall event experience
* Conduct comprehensive post-event debriefs, translating insights and feedback into actionable strategies for future events
* Leading a high performing Event Operations team - providing coaching, training, and performance management through regular reviews. This includes setting and monitoring monthly KPIs and yearly objectives/deliverables
* Troubleshooting and implementing new systems and processes to enable effective time management and smooth running of the department.
* Working closely with the Event Director in the achievement of the overall company strategy for the Event Operations department – creating and implementing key projects, innovations, and improvements.
We are looking for someone with:
* Minimum 5 years Head of/event management experience, including experience in the planning and delivery of Exhibitions and Trade Shows
* Strong budgeting skills and ability to handle large scale costs. Confident to liaise and negotiate with venues/suppliers
* A customer-centred attitude with experience in creating memorable networking moments, and who is well-versed in onsite branding
* Extremely organised, adaptable and resilient. A proactive and versatile working approach, with the ability to move between different projects with ease
* Experienced in leading a team – including day to day responsibilities, performance management, and providing comprehensive support and guidance to team members
* Proven experience of working at a strategic level to drive improvements and efficiencies for events and at a department level
* Comfortable travelling for work as needed (national & international travel required).
More about the role:
* Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 per annum
* Location: All our roles are hybrid (a mix of remote and in office). Our offices are located on the Botley Road in Oxford, with shops/restaurants within walking distance and easy access into Oxford City Centre.
* Job Type: Full time (37.5 hours a week)
Top perks:
As part of the team at OG, you’ll enjoy:
* Flexible/home/remote working – Flexible working and 2 days remote working a week (after induction/on-boarding). Please note, additional office days will be required around busy event periods, to organise event materials etc.,
* Holidays – Increment of holiday from 24 days up to 28 days per annum plus bank holidays
* One day of paid Birthday leave (on successful completion of probation)
* Gym membership – Monthly membership to Brookes Sports Facilities
* Travel Schemes - Save on the purchase of a new bike or electric car, Public Transport Loan Scheme
* Healthcare – 10 days full pay sick leave (additional 5 discretionary), reimbursement of eye tests, free flu jabs
* Enhanced company maternity & paternity pay (eligibility based on length of service)
* Wellness Programme – Company Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), Time to Talk sessions, wellness projects and other initiatives
* Plus: Frequent social activities, free on-site parking, free office food & drink, external training