Event Manager

Title		Event Manager - 1 year contract
Job ID		eve-lon-530
Department		Events
Location		London
Description  GSMA seeks an experienced Event Manager to cover maternity leave, reporting to the Head of Internal Events. The main purpose of the role is the management, planning and execution of GSMA events, incorporating project management, operational planning, logistics and liaison with internal and external departments. The Event team works alongside the Exhibition team who are responsible for the delivery of the exhibition elements of our events. Both teams report to the Director of Operations. This role is slightly different from standard Event Manager roles as the candidate is frequently required to take overall project management of events rather than just pure operational responsibility. The individual sales, marketing and content plans will be set by the respective teams, but it is the responsibility of the event project manager to oversee the execution of these plans and ensure deadlines and objectives are being achieved. Main responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Project management • Project managing all elements of an event, including standard event planning and liaising with internal suppliers such as Legal, IT, Customer Care, Sales, Marketing and Content teams, to ensure end-to-end cover for each event, and across multiple events. • Developing project plans and critical paths for each event, with clear financial and operational milestones highlighted. Supplier management • Contract negotiation and management of suppliers from specification development, tender process & supplier selection, preparation of service level agreements (SLAs) and contracts to final implementation of agreed service on site. • Management of venues, facilities, suppliers, registration, AV & technical, transportation, internal seminars/meetings, signage, gala dinners and Awards. • Health & safety / Risk Assessments. Financial management • Event P&L budget management including management of tenders, quotes, purchase orders and invoice payment. Sponsorship and delegate revenue specific to conference area under management must also be managed. Operational management • This role involves meticulous planning and venue/supplier management at the highest level within the industry. • Preparation of onsite resourcing plan and event schedule. • Travelling to each event, where necessary, for onsite event delivery. Sponsorship implementation • Ensuring the agreed sponsor collateral are implemented prior to and on site and that the agreed terms and conditions for both parties are adhered to. Reporting • Weekly reporting of key issues /milestones (project, operational and financial). • General Project Assistance: The Operations Department is extremely busy, constantly working to tight deadlines and embarking on new projects. The candidate will be required to provide additional assistance on other project components as required.
Criteria  Qualifications (Degree, certifications, special training): Preference given to candidates with degree level education or equivalent(any discipline) but not required. Work Experience Industry experience essential, from either in-house or agency (not solely venue/vendor). Experience of global large scale events (attendance greater than 500). Solid experience of good event processes (which can be demonstrated). Exposure to wide range of events (conferences, seminars, awards) and demonstration of project management aspect of events, not just logistical management. Experience of working with C'level clients/dignitaries/VIPs. Experience of delivering events on a global scale and awareness of sensitivities to cultural differences. Able to demonstrate ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines. Experience of contract negotiation and supplier management required. Solid demonstrable experience in Event Management role. Intermediate Microsoft Office skills required, especially Excel.   Formal Project Management qualifications not required, but expected to have and demonstrate experience of PM processes in projects delivered to date. Candidate should have experience of preparation of project plans and the ability to plan and execute a number of events/activities simultaneously. Must be able to demonstrate very strong interpersonal skills. An ability to communicate using all forms of communication (email, written, virtual calls) is essential. Attention to detail and strong grammar awareness is very important. Strong presentation skills required. Additional languages desirable but not essential. Leadership/Resource Management Will need to lead projects under their responsibility. Flexibility to take on and assist in team members’ projects during periods of pressure is essential. Candidate should be able to demonstrate experience of how to develop and manage a budget. Experience of effective cost management including identification of ways to reduce costs, including consequences. Expect level of budget management experience to be circa £250k - £3m, with increasing levels of complexity. Should also have some awareness of P&L, in terms of revenue tracking vs expenditure, and maintenance of CM. Ability to manage multiple budgets per event. Understanding of financial processes (eg POs and reconciliation), and reasons for processes, desired. Responsibility for following company processes in maintenance of forecasts. International travel required. Customer Service Skills Must be able to handle internal and external customer service issues with senior level vendor contacts with sense of urgency and to satisfactory conclusion. Health and Safety: IOSH and First Aid qualification preferred, but not essential.
Click here to complete an application form for this position