Project Manager, Corporate Events in London

FIRST is a leading global brand experience agency serving clients in various industries, including financial services, technology, new & traditional media, aerospace, healthcare, and professional services. FIRST has received numerous accolades, including being listed among the 2025 Most Innovative Marketing Agencies of the Year by Chief Marketer, named Top Agency of the Year 2024 by Event Marketer, highlighted as a Global Agency of the Year, over 100 Employees by C&IT, and listed among the "200 Top Marketing Agencies" in 2024, 2023, & 2022 by Chief Marketer.

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 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 of event management experience, preferably in a corporate or financial environment.
• Strong leadership skills together with extensive, advanced project management experience of events and production management.
• Ambitious, proactive, and highly organised, with excellent writing and oral communication skills.
• A calm and flexible approach to handling pressure and stress.
• Client-centric, approachable, ability to adjust to client needs and style and deepen relationships in support of their business and programs.
• Knowledge and understanding of audio-visual requirements, internal and external speaker management.
• Demonstrate excellent and consistent leadership and work intelligently.
• Working knowledge of suppliers and delivering events across EMEA.
• Experience in building excellent relations through positive, precise, clear verbal and written communications.
• Possesses strong self-awareness and empathy for each member of the project team.

At FIRST, we believe that our success is driven by the passion, creativity, and commitment of our teams. 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.