Head of Events UK

London, Bristol or Nottingham

Basis: Permanent

Salary: Competitive

Hours: 37.5 per week

Reporting To: Managing Director

About Rough Trade

For over 45 years, Rough Trade has been trusted by customers and the music industry to shine a spotlight on the best new music from all over the world. This has afforded Rough Trade a unique role and scope of opportunity within the UK and Global music retail industry. This role is a unique chance to be part of something truly special within the music retail landscape, and for the right candidate to truly make their mark.

The Role

The Head of Events will negotiate, build and oversee the execution of Rough Trade’s live and signing events across all sites, working closely with record labels, our in-store events teams and other key stakeholders to deliver outstanding experiences. This role demands a commercially focused leader with sharp business acumen, exceptional relationship-building skills, acute attention to detail and a profound understanding of the music industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Event Leadership: Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of live and signing in-store events across Rough Trade locations in London, Bristol, Liverpool, and Nottingham, as well as out-store events in those cities and other satellite locations.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with record labels, artists, and industry stakeholders to secure high-impact events and performances.
• Budget Management: Develop, manage, and oversee event budgets to achieve financial targets whilst maintaining high-quality experiences.
• Ticketing Coordination: Act as the main liaison with our ticketing partner, DICE, ensuring efficient ticketing and audience engagement processes.
• Rapid Turnaround: Manage event timelines, transforming enquiries into successful events within tight deadlines.
• Customer Insights: Continuously analyse audience trends and preferences, designing events that resonate with our ever-changing customer base.
• Relationship Building: Quickly forge and nurture strong relationships with our store teams, record labels, artists, and venues, maintaining Rough Trade’s reputation as a trusted industry partner.
• Negotiation & Contracts: Lead negotiations with stakeholders to achieve favourable terms for events and partnerships.
• Performance Analysis: Monitor and evaluate event outcomes, using data to refine strategies for future success.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience in event management within the music industry, with experience in grassroots music venues preferred.
• Strong ability to build and maintain robust business relationships.
• Adept at negotiation and navigating complex agreements.
• In-depth understanding of the music industry, its trends, and its audience dynamics.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing budgets and financial planning.
• Skilled in working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines without compromising quality.
• Familiarity with ticketing platforms like DICE and their operational processes.
• Creative mindset with a strategic approach to event planning.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Deep business acumen and commercially savvy.

Preferred Attributes

• Passionate about music and the Rough Trade ethos.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proactive, dynamic, and adaptable leader.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to lead and shape Rough Trade’s events strategy.
• A creative and collaborative working environment at the heart of the music industry.
• The chance to work with a passionate team and an engaged customer community.
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay.
• Staff discount.
• Paid volunteering opportunities.

At Rough Trade we value diversity and inclusion across everything that we do. We are committed to delivering the best possible experience for everybody.

We are a Real Living Wage employer.