At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage jury selection and communications for prestigious awards events.
- Company: Join a leading creative organisation dedicated to diversity and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of exciting awards events and connect with industry leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience in event management and strong organisational skills required.
- Other info: Flexible hours during peak periods and a dynamic work environment.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 36000 £ per year.
Overview
Reports to: Head of Awards & Festival
Location: Hybrid, remote working + 2 days in the London office (E2)
Job Type: Full-time, permanent
Salary: £28,000-36,000 per annum - depending on experience
Hours: 09.30-17.30 (Standard office hours). Flexibility is required when working to deadlines and covering team hours.
Note: This year, you must be free to work over D&AD Awards Judging & Festival (16-20 May 2026), the New Blood Festival (28 June - 1 July 2026), and the D&AD Awards Ceremony (24 September 2026). Hours may be rearranged or time back in lieu provided for weekend work and overtime accrued.
Summary: The Awards Manager is responsible for managing the delivery and project management of jury selection across the D&AD Awards & New Blood Awards. The role involves research, analysis and development of the judge strategy, recruitment and management of all awards juries and judge communications, supporting awards product development and contributing to the annual awards review.
Responsibilities & Duties
- Recruitment & Management of Juries: Develop the Judge selection strategy document to inform Jury recruitment, ensuring it aligns with organisation-wide targets; brief the Business Development team on Judge requirements; build Juries in accordance with the strategy; undertake industry research; collaborate with the wider team to ensure judging schedules are agreed and communicated; manage the booking for judges' accommodation; manage travel reimbursements for judges and guests; manage the collation and display of judge profiles; create internal Judge documents for Jury/Master Hosts; manage judges on site during events where required.
- Communications: Manage the year-round judges communication plan and implementation; ensure high standards of communications to Judges and entrants; manage the training of additional team members; prepare and communicate Judge guides and collateral so judges have relevant information.
- Outreach & Partners: Manage relationships with industry networks and holding companies; oversee promotion of the Awards on social media among judges; represent D&AD at external events; identify and manage outreach with potential Judge networks; attend events to identify industry leaders for Judge selection.
- Events & Administration: Manage programming of Judges for Insight sessions, ad hoc events and the D&AD Festival & New Blood Festival; maintain a holistic view when selecting judges; support recruitment of seasonal staff; support in task management and cataloguing, storage and warehousing of entries; oversee administration of judge profiles and site access; monitor online judging progress and coordinate with temporary team; check abstentions; support hosting of virtual and live judging as required.
- Research & Development: Manage annual review and development of designated categories; collate category feedback and recommendations; conduct competitor research; report on category trends to inform planning; recommend improvements to entry and awards processes.
- Analytics & Reporting: Create regular reports and analysis to improve efficiencies; perform diversity monitoring reporting; prepare and present management documents as requested.
You will also need to support the Awards team with ad hoc tasks when required.
Skills & Qualities
Preferred Skills: Proven experience delivering in-person and/or online events end-to-end; strong project management; line management experience; excellent organisational skills; confident communicator with senior industry figures; experience coordinating speakers, suppliers and external stakeholders; strong administrative and systems skills (experience with Hubspot, Google Suite, Adobe, and project management tools such as monday.com); budget management experience; ability to stay calm, solutions-focused and detail-driven under pressure.
Personal Qualities: Proactive and self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership; flexible and adaptable during busy periods; meticulous attention to detail with big-picture thinking; collaborative team player; approachable, professional and confident in fast-paced environments; interest in the creative, advertising and design industries; strong networking skills.
D&AD is committed to diversity, equality, equity, inclusion and respect for all. Providing a work environment where employees are treated with fairness, respect and dignity and free of discrimination, victimisation, bullying and harassment.
Legal & Compliance: In order to comply with the Prevention of Illegal Working, Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act, you will need to provide appropriate documentation to prove eligibility to work in the UK.
Application Note: Due to the number of applications, you will not be contacted unless shortlisted. If you have not heard within three weeks of the closing date, please assume you have not been successful.
Awards Manager in City of London employer: D&AD
Contact Detail:
D&AD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Awards Manager in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, especially those involved in awards and events. Attend relevant meetups or online webinars to make yourself known and show your passion for the creative scene.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its awards. Know their past winners and what makes them tick. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role of Awards Manager.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to talk about your experience in managing events and juries. Highlight your project management skills and how you've successfully coordinated similar activities in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the exciting world of awards management.
We think you need these skills to ace Awards Manager in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Awards Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in project management and event coordination, as well as your passion for the creative industries. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your organisational and communication skills. Mention any tools you’ve used, like Hubspot or Google Suite, and give examples of how you've successfully managed events or teams in the past. We love a good success story!
Be Professional Yet Approachable: While we appreciate professionalism, we also value a friendly tone. Make sure your application reflects your personality—show us that you can be both confident and approachable when dealing with judges and industry figures.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at D&AD
✨Know Your Awards Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the D&AD Awards and New Blood Awards. Familiarise yourself with their history, values, and recent winners. This will not only show your passion for the role but also help you answer questions about how you can contribute to the awards' success.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
As an Awards Manager, strong project management is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed events or projects. Be ready to discuss how you handled challenges, coordinated with teams, and ensured everything ran smoothly.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Prowess
This role requires excellent communication skills, especially with judges and industry figures. Think of instances where you’ve effectively communicated complex information or built relationships with stakeholders. Highlight your ability to adapt your communication style to different audiences.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities under pressure. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges you might face in this role, such as managing judge schedules or handling last-minute changes during events, and how you would tackle them.