Senior Manager, Events

Job Description

Purpose
Oversee all aspects of event management, including idea generation, planning, budgeting, scheduling, logistics, senior staff briefing, execution, analysis and measurement of success. Collaborate with relevant departments and stakeholders to ensure seamless coordination and successful delivery of events. The role will be pivotal in enhancing the Company's brand, fostering community engagement, and supporting various academic and non-academic initiatives through well-executed events.

Key Accountabilities

1. Responsible for putting in place and leading an overall events framework and calendar as well as strategic planning, development, and execution of a diverse range of purposeful, creative and engaging Company events. This includes high-profile key events such as school openings, VIP networking events, showcase events, etc.
2. Strategic Event Planning:
   • Responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive events strategy aligned with the Company's goals and priorities
   • Identify opportunities for innovative and impactful events that cater to diverse audiences, including VIPs, employees, parents, students, and the wider community which support the Company strategy
3. Event Management:
   • Oversee all aspects of event management, including ideas generation, planning, budgeting, scheduling, logistics, senior staff briefing, execution, analysis and measurement of success
   • Collaborate with Marketing and Communications teams and other relevant departments and stakeholders to ensure seamless coordination and successful delivery of events
   • Maintain a keen eye for detail to ensure events align with the Company's standards and objectives
   • Liaise with the internal and external senior stakeholders, VIP speakers, and any high profile invited guests as required. Ensure timely warning of event dates and thorough briefings for senior staff (where appropriate)
   • Be present on the day of events, to ensure smooth running and that visitor requirements are met and delivered. Compile feedback and lessons learnt documents from key events as required for continuous improvement
   • Work collaboratively with venue services, staff and suppliers as required, as well as across corporate, schools/departments, and other related entities
4. Financial Management:
   • Develop event budgets and manage expenditure, ensuring efficient resource allocation and cost-effectiveness
   • Seek opportunities for sponsorships, partnerships, or grants to support event funding where applicable
5. Event Marketing and Promotion:
   • Work closely with the Marketing and Communications team to develop effective promotional strategies for events as relevant, utilising various channels to maximize outreach and attendance
   • Implement strategies to evaluate and enhance event attendance and engagement
6. Risk Management and Compliance:
   • Identify potential risks associated with events and develop mitigation strategies to ensure the safety and security of all attendees and Company property
   • Be responsible for contract management including accurate guest and company histories, maintaining regular contact, managing rates as required
   • Ensure external and internal Company policies, protocols and processes are adhered to and kept up to date

Skills

1. Expected Experience & Job-Specific Knowledge:
   • BA in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or related discipline
   • A minimum of 15 years experience in Event Management or related field
2. Job-Specific Knowledge & Skills:
   • Proven track record in developing and delivering engaging, creative and impactful events across a variety of different audiences
   • Strong negotiation skills with caterers, entertainers and other event vendors
   • Experience of managing multiple stakeholders with complex and sometimes conflicting agendas to achieve successful outcomes
   • Excellent communication skills; written and oral with the ability and interpersonal skills to collaborate with peers and senior leaders
   • Ability to work independently and multi-task in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
   • Excellent organisational, planning and project management skills
   • Solid ability in problem solving and thinking outside the box
   • Innovative and forward-thinking
   • Excellent presentation skills
   • Ability to travel as per job requirements