Event Manager in London

Location: London SE1 8BF

Job Type: 3 months Contract

Function: Marketing

Work Type: Hybrid – onsite 3 days per week

At our company, you’ll collaborate and grow alongside some of the industry’s most respected experts. You’ll work with leading brands and be exposed to world-shaping innovations. You’ll apply your energy and intellect to helping clients be faster to market and faster to revenue.

The organisation is seeking senior-level Event Managers on a contract basis to deliver large-scale, high-profile Canalys Forum events across EMEA, the US and APAC. These are premium, insight-led B2B conferences supported by a strong sales and sponsorship function and backed by significant budgets.

The successful candidate needs to own and deliver events end-to-end through Q4 (October–December peak delivery period). There is potential for conversion to permanent roles if the fit is right. The roles are UK-based (London preferred), with regular office attendance and international travel.

The Event Manager is responsible for managing all events within their designated region while maintaining a global perspective. This role is critical in enhancing Omdia's brand recognition within the IT channel industry, supporting its research and insights, and contributing to the company's revenue and orders targets. Reporting directly to the VP of Global Events, the Event Manager must possess a global mindset, commercial drive, and extensive experience in the events business, preferably within the IT Channel industry.

Areas of Responsibility and Accountability

• Event Planning and Execution: Overseeing the planning, execution, and post-event analysis of regional events in the Americas region. Ensuring five-star event experiences for senior audiences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to set event goals, themes, and target audiences.
• Budget Management: Manage a budget of over $2 million, ensuring cost-effectiveness. Allocate funds to events strategically and track spending. Report budget status to department head and VP of Events.
• P&L Impact: Make resource allocation decisions based on data insights. Understand the impact of events on the company's performance.
• Vendor Management and Negotiation: Source, evaluate, and negotiate vendor contracts for cost optimization. Maintain relationships with key vendors and address concerns. Be the regional point of contact for supplier issues.
• Risk Management: Identify and address potential event-related risks. Develop contingency plans for unexpected issues.
• Industry Knowledge: Working understanding of the IT channel ecosystem, including MSPs, SMBs, resellers, VARs, distributors, vendors, and media. Ability to navigate partnerships and commercial discussions within the channel.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with internal and external stakeholders. Regular communication with C-level executives, internally and externally.
• Measurement and Evaluation: Implement KPIs to measure event success and impact.

Knowledge & Skills

• Familiarity with the event management software/apps, which are an integral part of the event, is required. The processing and integration of the event format in-person and via event apps is essential.
• Good understanding of the IT channel ecosystem, including MSPs, SMBs, resellers, VARs, distributors, vendors, and media.

Skills:

• Highly organized with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines under pressure.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Resourceful and solution-oriented.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work across global time zones and adapt to non-standard hours.

Core Skills

• Strong senior event project management capability.
• Ability to manage complex, multi-component live events with high visibility.
• Excellent stakeholder management, including confidence working with sales teams, sponsorship stakeholders, senior internal leaders, and C-suite audiences.
• Budget management at scale.
• High attention to detail combined with the ability to move quickly and decisively.

Behavioural & Personal Attributes

• Calm and effective under pressure; not fazed by ambiguity.
• Confident asking questions and challenging when information is unclear.
• Pragmatic, proactive and delivery-focused (“roll up sleeves” mentality).
• Positive, energetic, “can-do” attitude with strong personal presence.
• Culturally aware and comfortable working across time zones.
• Resilient and experienced enough to handle last minute changes, failures or crises without escalation.

Experience Required

• 5–10+ years’ experience in event management running large scale commercial events – B2B or B2C experience.
• Background in large-scale commercial events is essential.
• Experience from B2B events is ideal, but strong B2C backgrounds are also acceptable if transferable.
• Particularly valued experience includes major conferences (1,000+ delegates), sporting events or global commercial events, and high-production, brand-led experiences.
• Direct tech or IT background not required – communication and delivery skills are prioritised over sector knowledge.
• Experience must include knowledge of the IT channel, commercial awareness of the IT industry, full event project management, experience with managing dedicated budgets, management of senior event executives, and established supplier relationships.