Senior Project Manager – Events

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. The Senior Project Manager is a key member of FIRST’s global Events & Experiences team, delivering exceptional service through superior project management. This role leads, manages, and executes virtual, hybrid, and in-person events worldwide, overseeing the full project lifecycle from concept to reconciliation.

Your Contributions

• Manage, prioritise, and oversee the execution of multiple key virtual, hybrid and in-person events globally.
• Lead the full project lifecycle from creative concept and development through initial briefing, to planning, execution and reconciliation.
• Maintain client relationships and ensure scope and agreements are monitored and achieved throughout the project planning process.
• Lead clients on how best to deliver virtual, hybrid and in-person meetings, conferences, and events.
• Manage the project team to ensure adherence to the client and all FIRST standards and practices connected to successful project management.
• Create and manage budgets for assigned events, including invoice management, cash flow and timely budget reconciliation.
• Create and closely monitor profitability at every opportunity, liaising with the Project Accounting and Account Director.
• Track and maintain project team time spent on projects to accurately reflect the work being done.
• Manage venues, vendors, clients, project team members and project timelines within the assigned total budget.
• Sourcing, negotiating, contracting and managing supplier selection, increasing profitability where possible.
• Work closely with the Account Director and develop client relationships and widen business opportunities.
• Mentor and manage project team members, demonstrating leadership on project delivery.
• Collaborate with the various internal departments such as Venue Sourcing, Event Technology, Technical Production, Creative & Design and Strategy teams on project elements; by briefing, directing, and keeping track of progress to be constantly aware and able to present feedback and updates to clients.
• Capture key intelligence to enable knowledge sharing, efficiency, and future improved performance.
• Ensure continual improvement of our supplier base by seeking new event industry innovations, deepening of supplier and venue relationships.
• Act as an ambassador for the FIRST brand, leading by example and displaying the company’s core values (Ambition, Creativity, Excellence, Integrity, Teamwork) to our clients, partners, and colleagues.

What We Are Looking For

• 8+ years of experience in end–to–end event management (ideally corporate).
• Proficient with G Suite, Zoom and Microsoft Office Suite (including Outlook and Excel, Teams and SharePoint).
• Proficient in budget management and reconciliation.
• Excellent presentation creation and formatting skills.
• Familiarity with web-based event platforms such as Zoom, vFairs, SpotMe, Cvent, GlobalMeet, and Intrado.
• Awareness of Technical Production and Creative Asset Management fulfilment preferred, not required.
• Salesforce experience is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues at all levels.
• Strong adaptability to situations and ever-changing demands.
• Highly organised self-starter with excellent time management skills to handle multiple tasks and meet strict deadlines.
• Calm and flexible approach to handling the pressure and stress of ever-changing demands.
• Flexible and willing to work outside normal business hours (evenings, weekends) and travel when required for site visits and on-site management of events.
• Resourceful individual with the ability to take direction and work independently; be proactive with ideas and creative problem solving.
• Requirement to travel: 40-60%.
• This role is hybrid and must go into the FIRST office 2 days per week (Tuesdays are mandatory and one additional day, determined by the team), subject to change at any time.
• Requires the ability to work other shifts and weekends and over 40 hours/week, as necessary.
• Requirement to go on-site domestically and may require international travel when necessary.
• Essential physical requirements include standing, sitting, typing, and handling of materials, including lifting/moving items.

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 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.