Head of Event Operations

emap is a progressive B2B subscriptions, networking and content business with industry-leading brands, reaching customers across multiple touch points including online, print, and face to face at events, exhibitions and awards.

About the company and the brands:

emap’s Amber division in East Croydon consists of 15 exciting B2B brands and over 20 events annually including the UK and Irish Quality Food Awards, Frontier Awards and Environmental Packaging Summit to name just a few. The events portfolio is made up of conferences, awards, summits, and roundtables taking place in both the UK and Internationally, both in a physical and virtual capacity.

Overall Purpose of the Role:

As Head of Event Operations, you will be accountable for the Overall operational management and delivery for all events within the portfolio including Awards, Conferences and Showcases.  Ensuring standards are kept exceptionally high across all areas of delivery, whilst maintaining efficiency and cost effectiveness.

You will be responsible for reviewing suppliers, processes, and procedures; putting processes in place to create a robust framework to deliver a world-class customer experience pre, during and post an event.

Responsible for people Management, recruitment, and development of the operations team, you will ensure the team and processes are working effectively across all aspects of events and maintaining rigour and excellence.

Key responsibilities:

Creation and ownership of operations budgets and folders for all events in the portfolio, ensuring they are updated regularly and accurately.

Lead, direct and manage the teams to deliver excellent logistics and customer service in line with EMAP and the individual events’ strategic objectives and deliver within budget.

Build the end-to-end project delivery plans.

Develop a strategy to enhance the end-to-end customer (delegate, sponsor, and award guests’) journey experience.

Manage venue procurement process to obtain best value and service, securing suitable venue options for all events in the annual calendar.

Schedule resource as necessary to maximise effectiveness and output/meet operational deadlines.

Track and report monthly forecast costs, flagging issues, and actively focusing on maintaining costs within budget.

Ensure process in place to manage venue deposits and payments meet contractual payment terms.

Producing a high quality, high value customer experience pre, during and post the events.

Ensure services delivered by suppliers are all delivered to the highest standard to provide an excellent user experience.

Recruit, develop and maintain quality staff – and drive high performance.

Author and implement a working plan for customer service communications for each event ensuring deadlines are met and service first class.

Ensure events are delivered on budget and to a superior level of quality.

Supervise and lead the onsite plan and execution of events to a high standard.

Drive a high-performance environment and measure world class service through SLAs and targeted objectives.

Maintain and further develop strong supplier relationships.

Audit and regularly review supplier relationships.

Ensure compliance with relevant legislation across all events, e.g., Health & Safety/insurance

Skills and experience:

Previous experience in a similar role within commercial events business or publishing / information business.

Strong people skills and management experience.

Relevant experience in B2B event operations, as well as people management (teams of 2+ people).

Experience of a delivering a variety of B2B event types including conferences, awards, and exhibitions physical and online.

IOSH/recognised Health & Safety Certification.

Clear demonstration of strategic thinking and planning.

Proficient in Microsoft word, excel, PowerPoint, outlook, virtual platforms.

Core competencies

Budget management and ability to take appropriate steps to rectify imbalances.

Ability to influence stakeholders to effectively deliver commercially successful results whilst balancing brand values.

Commercial awareness

Ability to lead, motivate, mentor and coach teams.

Excellent organisational and project management skills

First class communicator with gravitas and influence able to gain credibility and trust at senior levels both internally and externally.

Personal Attributes:

Confident, autonomous, and resilient

Articulate, polished,

Strong interpersonal, relationship building and communication skill