Project Manager in London

FIRST is a leading global brand experience agency providing Content, Creative, Digital Technology, Management & Delivery, and Data & Insights services. For 30 years we have utilized three flexible delivery models: Embedded teams, Corporate Campus operations, and a Full‑Service Agency. Managing over 37,000 events and projects annually across 110 countries, FIRST serves 130+ brands, specializing in Fortune 500 companies within the Financial Services, Technology, Healthcare, Media, and Professional Services sectors.

Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage, and execute virtual, hybrid, and in‑person events worldwide, overseeing the full project lifecycle from concept to reconciliation.
• Build and maintain client relationships, manage budgets, negotiate with vendors, and provide team leadership to ensure seamless event execution and profitability.
• Manage and prioritize the execution of small to mid‑sized events while supporting large multi‑day events.
• Source, negotiate, contract, and manage supplier selection to increase profitability.
• Liaise with clients and vendors to ensure all logistics and requirements are fulfilled.
• Maintain all event documentation, including operations decks, timelines, budgets, and staffing plans.
• Coordinate and run virtual events, rehearsals, and technical checks with clients and speakers.
• Work directly with hotels and venues to facilitate meeting requirements in pre‑planning and onsite delivery.
• Manage vendors such as florists, gifting vendors, caterers, musicians, furniture rental companies, and photographers.
• Provide support to other members of the Events & Experiences team in roles such as speaker management, room management, ground transportation, and data entry.
• Collaborate with internal departments—including Venue Sourcing, Event Technology, Technical Production, Creative & Design, and Strategy—providing briefings, progress updates, and feedback to clients.
• Manage event communications, escalating and documenting any issues or changes that may impact events.
• Adhere to FIRST standards and practices for successful project management.
• Create and manage event budgets, including invoicing, reconciliation, and cash‑flow tracking.
• Track time spent on projects to accurately reflect work performed.
• Stay informed about industry trends, suppliers, and best practices through professional networking.
• Act as an ambassador for the FIRST brand, leading by example and demonstrating the company’s core values of Ambition, Creativity, Excellence, Integrity, and Teamwork.

Qualifications:

• 5‑7 years of relevant experience.
• Proficient with G‑Suite, Zoom, and Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Teams, SharePoint).
• Proficient in Excel for budget management and reconciliation.
• Strong presentation creation and formatting skills.
• Familiarity with web‑based event platforms such as Zoom, vFairs, SpotMe, Cvent, GlobalMeet, and lntrado.
• Awareness of Technical Production and Creative Asset Management fulfillment is preferred, not required.
• Cvent experience is preferred.
• SalesForce experience is desirable.
• Very good oral and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues at all levels.
• Strong adaptability to changing demands.
• Highly organized self‑starter with excellent time‑management skills for multiple tasks and strict deadlines.
• Calm and flexible approach to handling pressure and stress at any time.
• Flexible and willing to work outside normal business hours and travel (40–60% of the time) for site‑visits and on‑site event management.
• Resourceful individual who can take direction, work independently, and proactively solve problems.
• Strong knowledge of venues and suppliers in key cities.

Benefits:

• Private Medical Insurance with BUPA from day one.
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Personal Volunteer Day.
• 20 days of sick pay each year.
• Enhanced parental leave (maternity & paternity).
• Wellness stipend.
• Complimentary access to Headspace, Rocket Lawyer, and Maven.
• Life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Season Ticket Loan.
• Mobile phone allowance.
• Pension scheme enhancements.
• Discretionary bonus structure.
• Global opportunities to work on projects across different locations.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

FIRST is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. FIRST is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. FIRST will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. If any candidate feels that they are unable to meet the requirements of the role, please get in touch to discuss adjustments or other suitable roles.