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 utilised three flexible delivery models: Embedded teams, Corporate Campus operations, and a Full-Service Agency. Managing over 37,000 events & projects annually across 110 countries, FIRST serves 130+ brands, specialising in Fortune 500 companies within the Financial Services, Technology, Healthcare, Media, and Professional Services sectors. Consistently recognised for excellence, recent honours include 2026 Chief Marketer Agency of the Year, the Ad Net Zero Award for sustainability, and more.

The Project Manager is responsible for supporting clients with both internal and client-facing events and conferences, delivering exceptional service through effective project management and creative solutions. This role involves overseeing all aspects of event operations, from initial briefing to post-event reconciliation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing project plans, collateral, registration, transportation, hotel accommodations, entertainment, food and beverage, audio/visual needs, webcasts, staging, speaker coordination, and event execution.
• Full life-cycle planning and execution of multiple key events in a virtual, in-person and hybrid capacity.
• Financial management, including budget development and management, expense management and invoice processing, timely post-meeting reconciliation and final financial reporting.
• Sourcing, negotiating and managing site selections, contract management for venues and suppliers.
• Coordinating registration, food and beverage, transportation, hotel accommodations, entertainment, gift selection, audio/visual needs, webcasts, staging and speaker selection for all programs; strong focus on vendor management.
• Working seamlessly with key internal partners on event deliverables.
• Virtual event planning and project management, including confirming the appropriate virtual platform, creation of timelines, invitation process, thorough and regular communications to attendees, suppliers and stakeholders.
• Co-planning with colleagues and the client on larger-scale programs; strong team player.
• Ensuring adherence to the client's standards of operation and policies, and that compliance and risk guidelines are followed.
• Travel when applicable for site inspections and on-site management of live events to ensure full coordination of logistics and on-site teams for in-person events.
• Post-event wrap-up, including final attendees, budget reconciliation, observations, as well as client debriefs for year over year improvements.
• Sharing knowledge of best practices, new suppliers, services and venues.

What We Are Looking For:

• 5–7+ years' event management experience, preferably in a corporate or financial environment.
• Experience in events, conferences, meeting and production management.
• Experience in working with and managing senior clients.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications such as PowerPoint and Excel.
• Motivated, self-starter, ability to work independently and project plan, ability to think innovatively.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Virtual event experience preferred – Webex and Zoom experience a plus.
• Leadership/influencing/negotiation and decision-making skills.
• Adaptable and resourceful individual able to follow guidance while working independently.
• Customer focus, approachable; ability to adjust to client needs and style.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ambitious, proactive and highly organised.
• Willing to travel to various locations for site-visits and on-site management of events.
• Experience working with large and complex databases preferred, Cvent experience preferred.
• Knowledge of venues and suppliers in key UK cities.

At FIRST, we believe that the passion, creativity, and commitment of our teams drive our success. That’s why we offer a range of benefits and perks to support your personal and professional growth:

• Private Medical Insurance with BUPA from day one.
• 28 Days Annual Leave PLUS Bank Holidays.
• 20 Days of Sick Pay each Year.
• Enhanced Parental Leave (Maternity & Paternity).
• Wellness Stipend.
• Complimentary access to Headspace, Rocket Lawyer & Maven.
• Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Season Ticket Loan.
• Pension Scheme Enhancements.
• Discretionary Bonus Structure.
• Global Opportunities: With a presence in 7 countries worldwide, including headquarters in London, New York, and Singapore.

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.