Senior Events Manager (12 Month FTC)

We are the UK’s leading premium publisher, home to iconic and influential media brands including Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Country Living. At Hearst UK, we don’t just create content - we shape culture. Our workplace is built on collaboration, creativity, and trust. We champion bold ideas, embrace innovation, and continually evolve to meet the moment - all while celebrating the legacy that’s brought us here. We believe in each other’s potential and push boundaries together to make a meaningful impact, both in the media landscape and in people’s lives. We’re proud of our heritage - but even more excited about making history. Hearst UK operates a hybrid working model of four days per week in the office and one day working from home. Our office is based at House of Hearst, 30 Panton Street, St James’s, London, SW1Y 4AJ, where teams collaborate in person and connect across brands and functions.

At Hearst, we don’t just publish brands - we bring them to life. Live experiences sit at the heart of how we connect with our audiences and partners, creating moments that inspire, excite and build meaningful engagement far beyond the page or screen. From Cosmopolitan and Esquire to ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar and Country Living, we deliver more than 90 standout events each year - from large‑scale flagship moments to premium, talent‑led experiences. Every one of them is designed to reflect the distinct energy and authority of our iconic titles. This is a pivotal senior role within the Hearst Events Team, leading the operational delivery of a portfolio of physical events across multiple brands. You’ll own end‑to‑end execution - turning ambitious concepts into flawlessly delivered experiences - driving operational excellence, managing complexity and ensuring every detail lands to the highest standard.

Main Duties

• Lead the end‑to‑end delivery of large‑scale events across the Hearst portfolio, overseeing projects from initial concept through on‑site execution and post‑event wrap‑up, ensuring operational excellence at every stage.
• Own full budget accountability (up to £750k), including accurate costings within SLA, supplier tenders over £30k, financial reconciliation and regular reporting to Finance, Portfolio Directors and the MD.
• Plan and manage team resource, capacity and freelance support, creating detailed staffing plans and leading large on‑site teams, agencies and multiple stakeholders with strong health and safety oversight.
• Act as senior project lead and client liaison for allocated events, collaborating closely with Editorial (including content curation and talent management), Sponsorship, Marketing, PR, the CEO Office and external partners (production, AV, PR, celebrity management) to deliver contracted sponsor objectives and exceptional audience experiences.
• Issue comprehensive briefs to internal and external stakeholders, proactively manage relationships on site, and provide guidance and support to Event Executives and freelance event managers to ensure consistent high standards across the portfolio.

People Management

• Line manage direct reports, providing clear direction, coaching and ongoing development support through regular 1‑2‑1s, performance reviews and career conversations.
• Foster a collaborative, high‑performing team culture, constructively addressing challenges and partnering with the Event Director on resource planning and workflow management.

Event Development

• Support the development and commercial growth of new and existing events, partnering with Sponsorship and Sales teams on pitches, proposals and costings to deliver profitable, compelling experiential activations.
• Proactively identify new revenue opportunities, contribute to improved processes and ensure all events deliver outstanding audience experiences with measurable results.

Supplier Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers (venues, caterers, production companies and creative partners), leading contract negotiations, securing preferential rates and developing long‑term and contra partnerships to enhance event delivery and commercial return.

What We Are Looking For

• Strong line management experience, with the ability to lead, motivate and develop a high‑performing team.
• Solid knowledge of the media and events industries, with proven experience delivering large‑scale, high‑profile events - particularly exhibitions or similar formats - and managing budgets in the region of £700k.
• Commercially astute, with a clear understanding of production, staffing and talent costs, established knowledge of industry talent and in‑depth familiarity with UK venues - especially across London.
• Highly organised and resilient, able to multitask, stay calm under pressure and maintain exceptional accuracy and standards in both office and live event environments.
• A collaborative team player with a flexible approach to working patterns and time management, comfortable working on‑site for extended periods during large‑scale projects.
• Confident using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and standard digital communication systems.

Benefits

• Hearst Exclusives – Only for You! Get adventurous with Good Housekeeping Taste and Beauty Testing Panels – yes, you could be trying the next big thing in beauty, food & drink. Snag luxe beauty steals at our legendary office sample sales – score big on top brands without breaking the bank!
• Inclusion, Health & Wellbeing: Feel Your Best Stay healthy with Specsavers eye care, a company‑funded Health Cash Plan and access to mental health support. Get active and stress‑free with discounted gym memberships and the Cycle to Work scheme. Embrace flexibility with a Location Flex and Holiday Exchange to take time when you need it. Take time to give back with a Charity Day and access wellbeing resources whenever you need them. Join one of our Hearst ERG Groups.
• Financial Wellness – Boost Your Budget Plan ahead with a generous Workplace Pension, Income Protection, Life Assurance and Season Ticket Loan for easier commuting. Make smarter money moves using Salary Finance tools, Financial Wellbeing sessions and Home Tech benefits to spread costs. Treat yourself with major discounts across London plus everyday savings via the HAPI at Hearst app.

Hearst UK is deeply committed to using our influential brands to reflect the world we want to live in – one that respects, protects, represents and uplifts the voices and opinions of all people. As a business, we recognise the significant benefits of creativity, collaboration and innovation that comes with diverse teams. Not only is diversifying the voices in our organization the right thing to do, but it also helps us to make powerful and exciting content that can be enjoyed by many more people. This is why we’re working to build a sense of true belonging within our business and foster a culture in which everyone feels heard.