_Event Manager

Job Description

Job Title: Head of Events Operations and Delivery
Contract type: Permanent
Location: London & Hybrid (2 days a week in our London office)
Team: Partnerships & Events
Reports to: Chief Partnerships & Events Officer
Salary: Competitive
Closing date: 11 September 2026
*Please note we are unable to provide work visa sponsorships

This role will lead the Royal Kennel Club’s Events Centre of Excellence, setting the strategy, standards and operational framework for the successful delivery of the organisation’s events portfolio. It will combine strategic leadership, operational expertise and commercial acumen, translating organisational ambitions into well-planned, financially sustainable and successfully delivered events.

What you'll bring

Essential:

• Significant senior leadership experience within major events, exhibitions, sport or live experiences.
• Proven experience of large-scale event strategy, operations and delivery.
• Strong commercial acumen, including budget management, P&L ownership, revenue growth and cost control.
• Excellent programme and project management capability across complex, multi-workstream events.
• Strong knowledge of event Health & Safety, risk management, compliance and contingency planning, with an IOSH Managing Safely for Events qualification (or equivalent).
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams and build organisational capability.
• Strong matrix leadership and stakeholder management, with the ability to influence across functions and at senior level.
• Experience of venue, supplier, contractor and procurement management.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to combine strategic thinking with hands-on operational leadership, remaining calm and decisive in live-event environments.

Desirable

• PRINCE2, APM or equivalent project/programme management qualification.
• NEBOSH or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.
• Experience of broadcast/TV production within major live events.
• Knowledge of CAD/event planning software, venue layouts and technical event planning.
• Experience developing new event propositions, business cases and business development opportunities.
• Experience supporting sponsorship proposition development and acquisition alongside specialist partnership teams.
• Experience delivering international or high-profile sporting/competition events.
• Experience working within a membership, governing body or not-for-profit environment.

What you'll be doing

Strategy & Portfolio Leadership:

• Develop and deliver the Events Strategy and future events portfolio working closely with Propositions and Canine Activities leaders.
• Translate organisational priorities into clear event plans, objectives and measures of success.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, growth and new event propositions.
• Provide strategic advice on event investment, priorities, opportunities and risks.

Operational & Programme Delivery

• Lead the end-to-end planning and delivery of major competition and consumer events, including venue planning, production, event layouts, logistics, infrastructure, event programmes, suppliers, contractors, staffing, volunteers and event control.
• Lead key venue and supplier contract negotiations, ensuring strong commercial and operational outcomes.
• Ensure robust serious incident, emergency and contingency plans are developed, tested and embedded across major events.
• Ensure all event workstreams are integrated into one programme plan, with clear milestones, dependencies, resources and accountabilities.

Centre of Excellence & Governance

• Lead the Events Centre of Excellence, establishing consistent standards, processes and best practice.
• Embed strong programme governance, project management and performance reporting.
• Drive continuous improvement through insight, evaluation and lessons learned.
• Provide event expertise and support across the organisation.

Broadcast, Production & Content Delivery

• Work collaboratively with Revenue & Brand and broadcast partners to ensure the operational and production requirements of television, broadcast and streaming are successfully integrated into event planning and delivery.
• Ensure event infrastructure, schedules, competition requirements and customer experience support effective broadcast production.

Commercial & Financial Performance

• Accountable for event budgets, forecasting and P&L performance, ensuring effective financial control and identifying opportunities to increase revenue, improve margins and deliver efficiencies.
• Lead commercial negotiations with venues and major operational suppliers.
• Work closely with Revenue & Brand and Partnerships to ensure event design and delivery maximise wider commercial, sponsorship and revenue opportunities.

Matrix & Stakeholder Leadership

• Lead integrated event delivery across Events, Revenue & Brand, Canine Activities & Wellbeing, Partnerships and Corporate Services.
• Establish clear ownership, decision-making and accountability across event workstreams.
• Build strong relationships with venues, suppliers, contractors and key external stakeholders.
• Ensure specialist requirements are brought together into one coordinated event delivery plan.

Risk, Safety & Compliance

• Lead event Health & Safety, risk management, contingency planning and operational compliance.
• Ensure appropriate governance, event control and incident management arrangements are in place.
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, accessibility and customer welfare.

Customer & Event Experience

• Champion exceptional experiences for visitors, competitors, exhibitors and stakeholders.
• Ensure customer insight informs event design, operational planning and continuous improvement.
• Work across teams to ensure the event experience supports the RKC and Crufts brand and customer proposition.

People & Capability

• Lead, develop and motivate a high-performing Events team.
• Build capability across commercial, operational and programme management disciplines.
• Develop succession, resilience and shared expertise across the team.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable and delivery-focused culture.

Job Benefits

• 25 days annual leave, increasing up to 30 days, in addition to statutory holidays. Staff may also receive additional days for any approved business closure days over the festive period in December, Option to buy up to five days of annual leave per year.
• Employer pension contributions double the percentage of your plan earnings, up to 8%
• Life assurance equivalent to three times your basic salary (two times your basic salary for non-pension scheme members)
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Lifestyle discounts via our EAP and healthcare cashback programme
• Discounts on Royal Kennel Club products and services
• 4X Complimentary staff tickets to Crufts and Discover Dogs
• Healthcare cashback programme with a fixed contribution paid for by the Royal Kennel Club
• Free eye tests with a voucher towards the cost of your spectacles
• Financial support for professional and vocational qualifications, with five days' study leave provided
• Free access to The Royal Kennel Club Library and Art Gallery

• Are you passionate about delivering exceptional events that create meaningful experiences for attendees?
• Do you excel at managing multiple workstreams, building positive relationships, and delivering events to the highest standard?
• Could you be our next Event Manager, ensuring our events are flawlessly executed and leave a lasting impact?

£34,000 to £37,000

Permanent / Full Time

Stevenage with Hybrid Working

At the IET, making our world a better place starts by creating a better place for our people.

At the IET you’ll have more than just a job. Our work is exciting and challenging, connecting the people who solve the problems that matter. It means working with us has real meaning and impact, and you’ll grow – professionally and personally – in ways you never thought possible.

We’re also making significant investments in our people, including providing a modern, vibrant workplace and embracing hybrid working.

What you'll be doing

As an Event Manager, you’ll be at the forefront of planning and delivering both in-person and virtual events, including conferences, exhibitions, dinners, and webinars, ensuring a seamless and high-quality experience for delegates, sponsors, and exhibitors alike. From managing budgets to overseeing event-specific Health and Safety practices, including risk assessments, you’ll ensure every detail is accounted for and events are delivered professionally and within budget.

In this role, you’ll collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders, including IET volunteers and suppliers, to deliver engaging events that align with the IET’s goals. You’ll also identify opportunities to enhance the event experience and add value, whether through creative problem-solving, refining logistics, or implementing innovative solutions.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy managing multiple workstreams, and take pride in delivering exceptional events, this role is your opportunity to make a significant impact.

What we hope you can bring to the role

We’re looking for an experienced event professional with a proven track record in planning and delivering exceptional in-person and virtual events. If you excel at building strong relationships with stakeholders, have a keen eye for detail, and are skilled at managing budgets effectively with the ability to negotiate great outcomes, this role could be a great fit.

In addition to your event experience, you’ll also bring excellent attention to detail and the ability to prioritise effectively while managing multiple priorities simultaneously. Whether it’s juggling tight deadlines or coordinating complex logistics, you’ll thrive under pressure and ensure every aspect of an event, in both its planning and delivery, is brilliantly executed.

Please note, the role will require regular national and international travel, so the successful candidate must hold a valid passport and be prepared to travel to events.

A Little More About The Role

• Plan and deliver both in-person and virtual events, ensuring all elements are managed to a high standard.
• Manage event budgets, focusing on cost control and maximising value.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders, including IET volunteers, suppliers, and colleagues.
• Ensure timely completion of event-related tasks and materials, maintaining quality throughout.
• Attend events to oversee professional delivery and implementation.
• Identify and implement ways to enhance the experience for delegates, exhibitors, and sponsors.
• Ensure compliance with event-specific Health and Safety requirements, including risk assessments.
• Travel within the UK and overseas, with occasional overnight or weekend work as required (the successful candidate must hold a valid passport).

A Little More About What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience planning and delivering in-person and virtual events, including managing virtual events through virtual event platforms.
• Experience managing speakers and stage presentation; experience managing exhibition logistics would be beneficial.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively under pressure.
• Experience managing budgets and negotiating to achieve the best outcomes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills; experience with volunteers is desirable.
• Training or knowledge in event-specific Health and Safety practices, including risk management, and an understanding of publishing processes or social media platforms for event promotion is desirable.

We'd love to get to know you

Is Imposter syndrome creeping in? Don’t worry – we’d rather hear from you this time than not hear from you at all!

Please note, the role is internally known as an Event Logistics Manager.

4 days per week office based) Salary: £50,000 plus benefits (25 days holiday, contributory pension) Location: 1 Buckingham Place, London SW1E 6HR www.royalwarrant.org Contract: Permanent RWHA Background The Royal Warrant Holders Association (RWHA) is incorporated by Royal Charter and works to achieve the following: To ensure the continued existence of the Royal Warrant of Appointment To uphold its unique status within business To protect and foster the interests of Warrant holders Established in 1840, it represents individuals and companies holding Royal Warrants of Appointment.

These are a mark of recognition of those who have supplied goods or services for at least five years to the Royal Household and who have a continuing trading relationship.

The RWHA collates applications for new Royal Warrants and changes to existing ones whilst monitoring the use of the Royal Arms.

This work is done within a governance framework known as the Lord Chamberlain’s Rules.

We are not part of the Royal Household but belong to our 600 members.

A key part of the work with our members is the 30-plus annual events.

The range is considerable - from small to large gatherings in different parts of the country, from the substantial Annual Banquet to 15-strong workshops on sustainability, with business seminars to women’s networking events, sporting days, wine tastings, exhibiting at the Royal Windsor Horse Show and a host of others.

The events are a key benefit of membership designed to promote networking, knowledge-sharing and a sense of community amongst the membership body.

They can also provide opportunities for corporate hospitality and engagement with the Royal Household.

The successful candidate will also be responsible for developing and managing the events budget along with marketing of the events programme across all media platforms including, but not limited to, the RWHA website, e-newsletters, social media, members’ magazine and any other relevant platforms.

In addition to the Events, the role also incorporates responsibility for assisting with, and in some instances leading on, specific projects, including development of our significant sustainability programme, supported by relevant marketing and communication from the team.

Reporting You will report to the Executive Director, working closely with the Director of Warrants & Communications, Head of Finance, Development Manager and other colleagues.

You will also be responsible for the day-to-day management and development of the Events & Marketing Officer.

Key Responsibilities The main duties to be carried out by the post-holder include: To develop, produce and deliver a balanced events programme which brings value to member companies whilst operating within the Lord Chamberlain’s Rules.

This includes, but is not limited to: Responsible for the full event process, from concept to completion Implementing the overall events programme and devising budgets, working closely with the Head of Finance Responsible for the content and delivery of all marketing activities surrounding the events programme and partners of the RWHA across all media platforms (website, e-newsletters, social media and members’ magazine) Responsible for monitoring and evaluating event success and measuring the impact on member engagement.

Responsible for ensuring the events activities of the RWHA, RWH Charity and Local Associations are aligned where possible.

To develop and maintain partner relationships relevant to the events programme.

Line manage and develop the Events & Marketing Officer on a day-to-day basis, ensuring all tasks are carried out in a timely manner with a high level of accuracy.

This includes responsibility for administrative elements around all events, including the website, Salesforce, and filing system to ensure all systems are properly maintained.

Supporting effective communications alongside the Director of Warrants & Communications, predominantly linked to the events, Local Associations, and partners This includes but is not limited to: Enhancing the functionality, content and design of the members and public-facing websites; developing content for e-comms contact, together with compilation of, and commissioning content for, magazines and other publications as agreed; responsibility for digital projects, including social media.

Working with the Executive Director, the Development Manager and external partners, develop the Association’s sustainability policies and programmes for members.

Support the National President during their year, particularly around their attendance at events and company visits.

Ensure regular contact with Royal Household colleagues.

Grow opportunities for practical engagement with our companies, specialists and agencies.

Person Specifications Qualifications, skills and experience: Proven experience in a senior event management role, including programming, detailed budgeting, on-site management, marketing and supplier management; Proven experience in marketing development (both online and offline); Understanding of business sustainability practices; Skills in relationship-building, particularly liaising with multiple stakeholders.

Proven ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels within and outside of the organisation, including senior management and C-suite; Some experience in people management and development; Experience of working and engaging with membership bodies, or similar, requiring experience of digital and social media; Senior-level project management experience Some knowledge of website development, including functionality and content, and the ability to direct changes and enhancements; Knowledge and appreciation of British brands, from a variety of industries; Excellent organisational and time management skills, able to multi-task, with a flexible, ’can do’ attitude.

Personal qualities and attributes: Contributes effectively to the culture and team dynamic of the organisation, collaborates and supports as required; Embodies qualities which motivate and earn the respect of colleagues, member companies, external bodies and other stakeholders; Understands sensitivities among stakeholders and the significance of managing reputation; Willingness to work ’hands on’; can translate strategy and planning into action, works to deadlines, prioritises and works effectively under pressure; Self-awareness; can influence, communicate and advocate appropriately in all relationships; Resilient in the face of challenge; focuses on solutions, not problems; Excellent communication skills; Flexible and pro-active approach; Discretion and the proven ability to maintain confidentiality.

Key Contacts and Relationships RWHA Team The President and Members of the Council Local Associations RWHA Member companies RWH Charity The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) Other Information This job description highlights the main areas of responsibility, but the list of tasks is not exhaustive, and given the nature of the role and small team working, a high degree of flexibility is required.