Events Manager, Urban20 London 2027

About the team

Events for London delivers some of the capital's most significant and high-profile events on behalf of the Mayor of London. From major public celebrations and cultural programmes to international summits, the team brings together partners from across London, the UK and around the world to showcase the capital, support Mayoral priorities and create lasting economic, social and cultural impact.

As part of the External Relations unit, the team leads the planning and delivery of events that strengthen London's global reputation, convene influential leaders and organisations, celebrate the capital's diversity, and create opportunities for meaningful engagement on the issues that matter most to Londoners and cities around the world.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the planning and delivery of the Urban20 (U20) London Summit 2027, one of the most significant international engagements hosted by the Mayor of London. As Events Manager, you will play a central role in ensuring London successfully fulfils its responsibilities as Chair and host city of the U20 network, delivering a world-class programme that showcases London's leadership on the global stage.

Working closely with the Project Lead, UCLG, C40 Cities, event suppliers, venues and stakeholders across London and internationally, you will oversee all aspects of event delivery, from logistics and operations through to delegate experience, stakeholder engagement and governance. You will manage complex projects, budgets and partnerships, ensuring the Summit and associated events are delivered safely, professionally and to the highest standards.

This role is ideal for an experienced event professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys working with a wide range of stakeholders and is passionate about delivering high-profile international events that create lasting impact.

What your day will look like

You’ll be at the centre of planning and delivering a major international summit, coordinating activity across multiple workstreams, partners and stakeholders to ensure London is ready to host city leaders from across the globe. One day you may be leading discussions with UCLG and C40 on programme development and delegate requirements, while the next you could be reviewing supplier performance, working with venues on operational plans, preparing briefings for senior leaders or coordinating logistics for international delegates.

You will work closely with colleagues across the GLA, external partners and contractors to ensure every aspect of the Summit is progressing to plan. From managing budgets and procurement processes to overseeing stakeholder engagement, risk management and event operations, you will play a key role in bringing together the many elements required to deliver a successful international summit.

As the event approaches, you will become increasingly involved in operational readiness, ensuring plans are in place for the safe and seamless delivery of the Summit and associated programme, while maintaining a strong focus on delegate experience and the reputation of London and the Mayor.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the planning and delivery of the Urban20 London Summit 2027 and associated event programme.
• Manage event production suppliers, venues and operational partners to deliver agreed outcomes on time and within budget.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement across the GLA, UCLG, C40 Cities and a wide range of national and international partners.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, delivery schedules, risk registers and operational plans.
• Oversee delegate experience, logistics, travel and accommodation arrangements for international participants.
• Manage procurement activity, contract performance and supplier relationships.
• Ensure robust governance, reporting and financial management arrangements are in place throughout the project lifecycle.
• Build effective relationships with London-wide agencies and statutory partners to support event delivery.
• Prepare briefings, reports and advice for senior leaders, Mayoral Directors and the Mayor.
• Identify and develop partnership and sponsorship opportunities that support the objectives of the Summit.
• Monitor event performance, budgets and risks, implementing corrective actions where required.
• Support live event operations and work within established command and control arrangements during delivery.
• Contribute to the creation of a positive legacy from London's U20 Chair year and strengthen the city's international profile.

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Significant experience of managing complex, multi-stakeholder events either in the public sector or in a commercial contract management setting with first-hand experience of contract negotiation, budget management and performance monitoring.
• Experience of managing high-value suppliers, procurement processes and operational partners.
• Experience of building and managing successful project sub-groups and teams.
• Experience of delivering commercial partnerships within events.
• Ability to work collaboratively to effectively resolve complex issues across stakeholders.
• IOSH or higher-level health and safety qualification.

This role is based at City Hall, Royal Docks (Kamal Chunchie Way, London, E16 1ZE).

Equality, diversity and inclusion

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share.

Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.

GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.

In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days' annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.