Company Description
Founded in 1883 by William Widdop, Widdop & Co., are a fifth generation, family run business that supplies homeware and gifting to retail. Evolution today now sees us have our expansive UK head office and distribution centre in Manchester, serving customers across the UK, Ireland, and over 60 countries worldwide. We have in-house design and product development teams that create more than 3,000 new products each year across 35 exclusive brands, and an expansive on-site showroom. Exemplary customer service makes us the first choice of leading retailers and small independent shops worldwide.
Role Overview
Are you a proactive, creative, and highly organised Event Planner ready to take full ownership of a dynamic events landscape? We are seeking an Event Planner to hold full accountability for our department’s total output, overseeing the end-to-end management of our showroom and global tradeshow event calendar. By balancing creative vision with rigorous project management, you will drive commercial results through inspiring events and seasonal product launches while leading the customer experience and showroom sales growth.
Key Responsibilities
* Calendar Ownership: Take 100% ownership of the showroom and tradeshow calendar, ensuring all seasonal transitions and milestones are met on time.
* Layout & Design: Partner with the Construction Supervisor to develop detailed tradeshow floorplans and showroom launch layouts.
* Major Launches: Lead the planning and execution of comprehensive showroom changes for all major launches (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Christmas) to ensure the space remains fresh and commercially relevant.
* Project Logistics: Manage all non-negotiable project requirements, including sourcing external/internal project support and essential project tasks, all detailed in clear project management plans.
* Stakeholder Collaboration: Meet with Brand Managers, sales teams, and Directors to finalise brand visions and project briefs before execution. Maintain consistent communication regarding updates or potential delays.
* Operational Excellence: Oversee the daily running of the showroom to ensure high standards across all displays and visitor areas. Ensure every display accurately represents the specific brand identity and storytelling.
* Growth Initiatives: Collaborate with the Head of Marketing to develop initiatives to increase showroom visitor bookings.
* Retail Management: Manage the visual and operational standards of the Home of Gifts outlet (B2C) store and any related activities and events.
* Team Leadership: Provide clear, decisive direction to the showroom and tradeshow teams, effectively delegate tasks based on skills, while assisting with manual tasks when required.
What We Are Looking For
* Project Expertise: Proven ability to manage multiple high-pressure projects simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines.
* Creative Flair and a Good Attention to Detail: We're looking for a self-starter with a keen eye for detail and boundless creativity, in a place where we have over 11,000 products. The possibilities really are endless.
* Accountability: A proactive leadership style that drives the department forward independently without needing to be prompted for updates.
* Technical Proficiency: Essential computer literacy with the ability to produce professional floor plans and manage digital folder structures.
* Working Onsite: This is a full-time onsite role at our offices in Chadderton, Greater Manchester.
* Travel & Flexibility: Ability to travel regularly to national tradeshow venues and work outside normal hours (including weekends) during critical build and breakdown phases.
How to Apply
If you are a hands-on leader ready to shape our brand presence across our Manchester-based showroom and at major global events, apply today with your CV.