Head of Operations, Events - London, United Kingdom - The Economist Group LTD

The Economist Group LTD

Verified Company

London, United Kingdom

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

Introduction:

Economist Impact combines the rigour of a think-tank with the creativity of a media brand to engage an influential global audience.

We work with corporations, foundations, NGOs and governments across big themes including sustainability, health and the changing shape of globalisation to catalyse change and enable progress.

Our award winning live and virtual international events convene senior executives seeking new insights into strategic issues. These meetings include industry conferences, management events and government roundtables. Each meeting organised by the events teams delivers objective and informed analysis. Meetings provide unusually high-level forums where senior executives can gain insights, exchange views and compare strategies.

The Global Head of Event Operations will be responsible for the logistics and delivery of all events produced by Economist Impact Events.

This position is based in London and reports into the Managing Director, Events

Accountabilities:

Ensure the development and smooth execution of event experience including location and venue selection, event design, logistics and delivery to accomplish the goals of the businesses and meet the standards of quality expected by The Economist Group and our clients
Manage a global team across London, New York, Hong Kong, and Dubai, allocating resource effectively and managing freelance needs
Help determine, resource and optimise the client servicing, project management and operational needs of bespoke events
Develop and manage event budgets in close coordination with the business owners and peers, ensuring that all events costs are managed effectively and hit gross margin KPI's
Working alongside business heads and commercial peers, establish rate card structure for turnkey and bespoke custom events
Manage supplier contracts and coordinate with finance and other stakeholders to manage timely payment of invoices
Serve as "executive sponsor" for a select number of scheduled events and Groupwide initiatives each year, leading event or initiative development and ensuring close coordination of marketing, programmer, sponsorship sales, and logistics.
Ensure all external vendors are selected and managed to optimise value for the Group and in adherence with the Group's antibribery policies. Identify and develop opportunities to improve value through global or regional contracts, and through barter arrangements where appropriate. Develop strategic relationships with vendors and other 3rd parties.
Maintain and improve business processes and systems for project management to ensure that teams meet agreed deadlines for the programming, marketing, and production of events.
Work with clients and other senior stakeholders in a professional manner to support client needs and the goals of the business
Chair weekly team meeting, include action points and follow up to support event delivery
Serve as a member of the Economist Events Management Committee, participating fully in management discussions and in shaping the strategy of the businesses

Experience, skills and professional attributes:

Experience working in event production and logistics
A broad range of experience managing conferences and bespoke clienttailored events is crucial
Experience with international events in the b2b industry will be advantageous
Experience managing and developing teams; experience managing teams through change, and across offices and regions, preferred
Demonstrated track record of managing vendor relationships, including negotiating favorable contract rates and terms
Demonstrated experience developing and managing events to meet specific goals, both financial and otherwise
Creativity and a passion for developing highquality, forwardthinking event experiences on a lean budget
Excellent client management skills. Experience working with clients and managing client projects
Ability to manage teams across dozens of projects in a changing, fastpaced work environment
Excellent collaboration skills; experience working in complex, multistakeholder environments along with excellent written and oral communication skills
Familiarity with event technologies, and ability to assess new technologies and make strategic recommendations
Able to fulfill flexible working hours during busy periods, and travel as required, concentrated during busy event seasons
Proactive, reliable, results orientated, a finisher, attention to detail, disciplined
Curiosity and a basic interest in global affairs