Team Lead, Corporate Events (12 Month FTC) 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. This role is primarily responsible for leading and managing a team of corporate event planners, overseeing delivery across multiple client and company initiatives, and supporting C-level and senior stakeholders. The Team Lead works closely with the Team Manager on a dedicated client account, providing strategic and on-the-ground insight into the client’s business.

Your Contributions:

• Collaborate with the Team Manager to understand the strategic approach to the client account, providing on-the-ground insight into the client's business and opportunities, while offering input on key challenges and driving the business with a strong understanding of the larger organisational picture.
• Mentor and develop 5-12 direct reports, conducting performance development conversations and managing the process.
• Oversee the team's workload, ensuring a clear understanding of capacity and pressure points through regular 1:1 meetings. Field questions and offer advice to team members to assist with creative problem-solving and knowledge sharing.
• Manage vacation schedules and approve monthly expenses.
• Ensure the team maintains strong, positive relationships with clients.
• Collaborate with the Team Manager to ensure development opportunities, adequate business coverage, and continuity, including succession planning.
• Participate and engage with FIRST initiatives and extracurricular activities where possible.
• Lead and motivate the team to work efficiently, fostering positive communication and an open, inclusive environment that ensures good team morale.
• Liaise with the Team Manager and P&C team on talent development and recruitment for open direct report roles, while overseeing the onboarding and offboarding processes.
• Encourage direct reports to be knowledgeable of best practices, new suppliers, services, and venues, and to be proactive with ideas and creative solutions.
• Liaise with stakeholders to refine workstreams for efficiency, meet evolving business requirements, and proactively assist with ad hoc projects, troubleshooting problems and optimising workflows, particularly during periods of change.
• Refine and drive best practice; ensure team adheres to firm’s SOP and compliance requirements.
• Manage up; raise and elevate potential concerns and successes to management on a regular reporting basis.
• If applicable, this role may be required to support a book of work for planning, venue sourcing, attendee data management, roadshow management or event technology, depending on the role alignment within a specific client account, which includes end-to-end project management for the book of work assigned.
• Work seamlessly with key internal partners and stakeholders on event deliverables and to understand and drive event objectives forward; consistently maintain excellent client relations even in challenging situations.
• Travel for on-site management when necessary.

What We Are Looking For:

• Advanced experience of events and conferences, including but not limited to C-level executive events, cocktail receptions, meetings and conferences.
• Experience with venue sourcing, including extensive knowledge in contracting, negotiation and commission collection, may be required.
• Experience with event and registration technology, particularly Cvent and Dealogic / Conference Manager, may be required.
• Experience with virtual platforms, including but not limited to Zoom, Webex and On24, may be required.
• Extensive experience in working with and managing senior clients.
• Strong leadership experience; both leading and motivating colleagues in a manner that enhances working relationships and encapsulates the company brand and values.
• Advanced project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills at all levels.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, specifically Excel.
• Extensive industry knowledge of new suppliers, venues, services, and best practices.
• Strong client management skills with the ability to influence and lead by example, fostering a positive environment.
• Ability to create best practices and take on new initiatives independently.
• Client-centric, approachable, ability to adjust to client needs and style and deepen relationships in support of their business and programs; adapt to ever-changing demands and different client work styles.
• Motivated, self-starter, ability to take direction and work independently; ability to think innovatively.
• Leadership/influencing/negotiation and decision-making skills.

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, you may have the opportunity to work on exciting projects across different locations.

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.