Manager, Client Events (12 month fixed-term contract) in London

This position reports to the Associate Director of Global Events and works collaboratively with Partners, Associates, fellow Marketing colleagues, Practice Group Heads and Practice Group Administration to conceive, plan and manage the production of client events for multiple practice groups as dictated by firm business needs.

The Manager, Client Events, will also manage direct reports.

With flexibility of style and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, the Manager, Client Events, will be able to deploy meticulous attention to detail and deliver an exceptional standard of service to internal and external clients.

This role will lead the internal and external logistics, details, implementation, and execution of events in line with relevant budget(s).

The role is also responsible for driving event-related operational goals including post-event analysis and ROI tracking and development of systems and processes to better track event data.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Event Production
• Work closely with lead partners and Client Development colleagues of multiple practice groups as well as strategically important global events.
• Determine event objectives; design short and long-term event action plans with the team.
• Manage costs, executing the groups’ events on time, on budget, and subsequently assess the successes and ROI of each event.
• Establish event protocols in line with global best practices, planning and execution in entirety ensuring an exceptional standard of delivery, service, and attention to detail across all events.
• Monitor development of each event to ensure checkpoints and objectives are achieved.
• Develop a network of external vendors and suppliers including expanding the team’s supplier network of diverse and sustainable vendors
• Research new venues and unique client experiences aligned with business objectives, conduct site visits, select and secure appropriate venues that elevate Dechert’s event program and process contracts in consultation with the Procurement team.
• Manage the design and production of event-related materials including invitations, signage, branded swag, promotional items and client gifts.
• Attend in-person events as appropriate and manage on-site logistics including on-site hospitality support, production and audio-visual logistics, etc.
• For hosted events and sponsorships, develop plans for attention-grabbing, branded booths and/or other set ups, including logistics (transportation, booth management, set up and de-rig).
• Understand process of CLE and industry accreditation for seminar and webinars.
• Ability to respond calmly, confidently, quickly and reliably to both planned and unplanned events and to make wise decisions.
• Any other ad hoc duties as reasonably requested by the Associate Director, Global Events.
• Team Management
• Oversee direct reports on day-to-day planning and execution of events, as well as long-term event-related projects.
• Develop annual performance goals and evaluate performance of direct reports.
• Share and implement best practices for events.
• Serve as mentor to direct reports.
• Budgeting and Cost Management
• Negotiate contracts with external vendors and venues to ensure favorable terms and cost savings for the firm.
• Develop and manage event budgets and acquire requisite partner/practice group approvals.
• Ensure pre-set budgets are vigorously adhered to, tracked, and reported on.
• Outline budgetary and cost guidelines and ensure policies are followed.
• Provide regular reports to internal customers on event spend.
• Manage sponsorship relationships as required.
• Provide regular updates to stakeholders with event outcomes.
• Capture ROI data in CRM and Circa ASAP following live event.
• Operations
• Maintain data of all events in a timely manner via i Manage and Events Hub (Circa).
• Track and analyze post-event data and ROI.
• Understand fully the firm’s compliance, data sharing, and privacy requirements, ensuring event processes and co-hosted events managed personally or by direct reports meet such requirements.
• Build systems and processes for better organizing event-related information.
• Oversee purchase and usage of promotional items and gifts.
• Plan signature events including dinners, receptions and other social attorney-client gatherings including diversity and talent client events.
• Demonstrate confidence in technology, exhibit an innovative approach, and contribute to the team's capabilities and knowledge.
• Essential Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Job-Related Competencies
• Degree preferred
• 8-10+ years of event planning experience including experience with people management
• Self-motivated and confident with a can-do, professional attitude.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience in project management of high-profile high-touch conferences and relevant experience in all areas of virtual, hybrid and in-person events at an equivalent level within an in-house, international professional services environment.

• Detail-oriented and excellent organizational skills.
• Strong problem-solving and leadership skills
• Ability to manage and motivate a small team.
• Demonstrated proficiency in all aspects of event planning including the ability to multi-task whilst working on multiple events simultaneously.
• Proficient with CRM database (Inter Action or similar CRM platform).
• Excellent venue knowledge coupled with established relationships with key vendors and DMCs.
• Specialized knowledge of wine and wine pairings for high profile client events preferred.
• Ability to travel and work outside of office hours as required.
• Excellent people skills with professional, and positive manner.
• Proven proficiency with contract negotiation.
• Ability to perform and remain calm under pressure.
• Creative with the ability to design new and improved processes.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to function in a collaborative organization and be a team player.
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