Graduate Operations Executive - Conferences
Location: London, UK
About Argus
Argus is an independent media organisation with 1,300 staff. It is headquartered in London and has 29 offices in the world’s principal commodity trading and production centres. Argus produces price assessments and analysis of international energy and other commodity markets and offers bespoke consulting services and industry-leading conferences. Companies in 140 countries around the world use Argus data to index physical trade and as benchmarks in financial derivative markets as well as for analysis and planning purposes.
Argus was founded in 1970 and is a privately held UK-registered company. It is owned by employee shareholders, global growth equity firm General Atlantic.Argus Media is committed to ensuring career and personal growth for all its staff and provides extensive training and career development opportunities, as well as participation in employee-led initiatives, including a women’s network. Our core values are Excellence, Integrity, Partnership and Inclusivity.
What will you be doing?
Within our conferences division, Argus produces commercial conferences for the energy and commodities markets. We specialise in agriculture, crude oil, fertilizers, genfuels, LPG, metals, oil products, petrochemicals, and vehicle emissions. With a global portfolio of 50 events, Argus has dedicated conference teams in Houston, London, Moscow, Shanghai and Singapore.
Argus is looking for an enthusiastic Conference Operations Executive who will play an important role in the operations management of our large portfolio of events. The ideal candidate will be a creative, self-motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys the challenges of working on international events.
Key Responsibilities
1. Carry out basic venue searches
2. Manage speakers, sponsors and partners once they have signed up to the event, liaising closely with the Conference Producer and Sponsorship Manager
3. Liaise with Conference Producer and Marketing Manager to produce a delegate communication plan, sending out regular updates to engage registered delegates
4. Keep website updated with current event details including venue and accommodation details and sponsor profiles; checking that all information on pricing and registration is accurate
5. Accurately track forecasts and profitability results and report on a regular basis, including performance against capacity and targets for exhibitors, sponsors, meeting rooms and attendees.
6. Ownership of decisions relevant to logistics: supplier choices; leading on-site team of the running of the event from start to finish; ensuring logistics are coordinated and the on-site experience runs smoothly to meet expectations
7. Organise and produce conference set design, signage and networking app.
8. Develop industry knowledge to respond to delegate enquiries and professionally represent Argus
9. Research new technologies and conference and exhibition formats to implement the latest conference industry offerings to evolve and improve the delegate experience and enhance the Argus brand
Skills and Experience
10. Experience in logistics coordination for business events and conferences.
11. Excellent communication, interpersonal and relationship building skills and ability to network
12. Strong negotiation skills in liaising with suppliers
13. Process driven and skilled problem solver
14. Able to use initiative and take ownership of projects as well as work as part of a team
15. Excellent co-ordination and time management skills including detail focus
16. Experience of researching and analyzing event data and recommending improvements
17. Excellent IT skills, including detailed work with excel spreadsheets
Attributes
18. Passionate about events; contributing to a positive and energized culture
19. Self-motivated, confident and results driven individual
20. Clear and well thought through decision making skills
21. Client focused, with ability balance company’s interests with delegate experience
22. Take-charge demeanor that engenders confidence and respect in team, clients and suppliers
23. Diplomacy and tact in dealing with challenges on site and conflict management
24. Sound judgment; a calm and methodical approach in dealing with challenges
25. Creative; coming up with innovative and fresh ideas for conferences and exhibition
26. Natural role model; supportive, patient facilitator providing goals, direction and constructive feedback
27. Ability to travel globally
28. Flexibility to manage extended hours as needed to meet event deadlines
What’s in it for you
Our rapidly growing, award-winning business offers a dynamic environment for talented, entrepreneurial professionals to achieve results and grow their careers. Argus recognizes and rewards successful performance and as an Investor in People, we promote professional development and retain a high-performing team committed to building our success.
29. Competitive salary and company bonus scheme
30. Group pension scheme
31. Group healthcare and life assurance scheme
32. Flexible working environment
33. 25 days holiday with annual increase up to 30 days
34. Subsidised gym membership
35. Season ticket travel loans
36. Cycle to work scheme
37. Workplace Nursery Scheme
38. Extensive internal and external training