Opportunity
We are looking for a Senior Event Operations Manager to work alongside the Head of Event Operations on the production and logistics of our international flagship forums and ecosystem events, across both Founders Forum and Tech Nation. You will have the opportunity to work with passionate colleagues, host events in some of the coolest cities and venues globally, whilst helping to deliver new and existing events for our community of some of the world's leading entrepreneurs.
About Founders Forum
Founders Forum Group is a global community and group of businesses empowering entrepreneurs at every stage of their journeys. Since 2005, we have convened the world’s most inspiring entrepreneurs, global leaders, CEOs, investors and thinkers at our events. Our forums are invite-only, free to attend for founders, and centred around fueling game-changing innovation.
About Tech Nation
Tech Nation is the leading growth platform and industry body for startups and their teams across the UK. Supercharged by Founders Forum Group, Tech Nation amplifies the UK founder voice and empowers them to scale via practical knowledg, powerful connections and peer to peer communities.
The Role
- Lead the end-to-end operational planning and delivery of assigned events, acting as the primary operations owner of relevant Founders Forum events including large scale conferences, gala dinners, event experiences and new ecosystem events
- Manage and utilise Asana project boards to lead team meetings and ensure alignment across all internal and external stakeholders
- Manage and oversee event budgets, including forecasting, cost tracking and reconciliations
- Source, negotiate, and manage contracts with venues, production, catering, AV, and other suppliers, building long-term, trusted relationships
- Oversee logistical planning including production, catering, event flow and layout, staffing, accommodation and travel
- Lead on-site event operations, proactively managing issues, troubleshooting in real time, and ensuring a calm, professional delivery environment
- Produce comprehensive event documentation, including running orders, production schedules, staff briefs, and contingency plans
- Support the development of scalable processes, templates, and best practices across the events programme
- Contribute creatively to enhancing guest experience, identifying opportunities to elevate production, flow, and impact
- Work closely with Head of Event Operations to identify in-kind partnership opportunities to elevate events and help reduce costs
- Lead post-event wrap-ups and evaluations, capturing learnings and implementing improvements for future events
- Manage and support the Tech Nation Event Operations Executive, with oversight of the Tech Nation budget
- Work closely with the Community team to coordinate name badges, table plans and dietary requirements for guests
- Work closely with the Content team on the agenda timings, technical and speaker requirements
- Work closely with the Marketing team on event branding, signage, photography, videography, and overall event look and feel
- Work closely with the Partnerships team to ensure we are adhering to all partner deliverables as outlined in agreements
This is a role for you if…
- You have experience in planning successful events from concept to delivery
- You’re a meticulous planner who has experience coordinating and project managing all event operations and logistics and creating and managing budgets
- You have the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously whilst maintaining a high standard of work and strong attention to detail
- You’re skilled in sourcing and negotiating with vendors and suppliers
- You’re personable and quick to build strong and positive relationships with various stakeholders including entrepreneurs, partners, sponsors, corporates, agencies and suppliers
- You’re a problem solver with a proactive attitude
- You have entrepreneurial drive, meaning you’re creative, resilient and self-driven
- You enjoy working with a fun dynamic team and are genuinely collaborative
- You get a buzz from working in a fast paced environment
- Events are your passion and you pride yourself on creating memorable events which not only look good, but also run seamlessly
Requirements
- 3+ years proven experience as a Senior Event Manager
- Excellent project management and organisational skills
- Knowledge of the Tech ecosystem in the UK is an advantage but not essential
- Driving licence is a bonus but not essential
- The right to work in the UK
Benefits
- 25 days contractual annual leave
- Enhanced discretionary leave provision, including an additional day off for your birthday and leave between Christmas and New Years Day
- The option to work remotely anywhere in the world for 3 weeks a year (1 week at Easter and 2 weeks during July and August)
- AXA Health insurance, with the option to add dependents
- Life Insurance
- Medicash access, including online GP access and mental health support
- Competitive pension provision
- Perbox membership with generous monthly allocation of points for day-to-day purchases
- Learning and development annual allowance
- Cycle to work scheme
- Lunch once a week, office snacks and regular team drinks
- Quarterly team activities and annual team trip/day out
- Access to the Founders Forum Group network of businesses and wider tech ecosystem
