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- Tasks: Plan and deliver exciting events that connect the UK defence community.
- Company: Join Make UK Defence, a leading trade association in the defence sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, health cover, and up to one day's paid volunteering leave.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic role while supporting vital industry connections.
- Qualifications: Experience in event management and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 ÂŁ per year.
Home based with travel - Midlands
Permanent, Full time
Competitive salaries and excellent benefits including up to one day's paid leave each year to undertake volunteering opportunities.
Make UK Defence is a growing trade association representing the UK’s defence manufacturing sector. We work with government, industry leaders, and supply chain organisations to strengthen the UK’s defence capability and support business growth across the sector.
We’re seeking an Events Manager to support a high-profile and varied events portfolio that sits at the heart of our member engagement and industry influence.
The Role
This is a fast-paced, hands-on role responsible for delivering a diverse programme of events that support our strategic objectives and bring our network together. You’ll lead on the end-to-end delivery of conferences, exhibitions, networking events, webinars and “Meet the Buyer” programmes ensuring every event is professional, engaging and delivers real value to our members and partners. From major exhibitions like DSEI to smaller, targeted networking sessions, you’ll be central to creating impactful experiences that reflect the strength of the UK defence sector.
Key Responsibilities
- Event Planning & Delivery
- Manage the full lifecycle of events (in-person, hybrid and virtual), from concept through to delivery.
- Develop programmes, schedules and logistics plans aligned to organisational goals.
- Oversee venues, suppliers, AV, catering, branding and event operations.
- Ensure seamless on-the-day delivery and high-quality delegate experience.
- Coordinate Make UK Defence’s presence at major exhibitions.
- Support member companies within shared pavilion spaces.
- Manage logistics, exhibitor liaison and post-event reporting.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong relationships with internal teams, members, sponsors and suppliers.
- Collaborate closely with colleagues to maximise engagement and attendance.
- Support the development of networking opportunities tailored to member needs.
- Marketing & Communications
- Work with marketing teams to promote events across multiple channels.
- Manage registrations and delegate communications.
- Gather feedback and produce post-event insights and reports.
- Financial Management
- Develop and monitor event budgets, ensuring all activities are delivered within agreed cost parameters.
- Prepare financial reports, reconcile expenses, and track sponsorship income.
About You
You’ll be an organised and proactive events professional who thrives on delivering high-quality experiences in a dynamic environment.
Essential:
- Proven experience managing events from concept to completion.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience managing budgets and working with external suppliers.
- A hands-on, collaborative approach with the ability to work independently.
Desirable:
- Experience within a membership organisation, trade body, or defence/manufacturing environment.
- Exposure to large-scale exhibitions or trade shows.
- Familiarity with CRM systems and event platforms.
Personal Attributes
- Professional, confident and approachable.
- Calm under pressure with a solution-focused mindset.
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
- Flexible and willing to travel or support events outside standard hours when required.
Why Join Make UK Defence?
This is an opportunity to play a key role in connecting and supporting one of the UK’s most important industrial sectors. You’ll work closely with industry leaders, contribute to high-profile events, and be part of a collaborative and purpose-driven team. With over 125 years of experience, Make UK is a leading provider of essential business support and a champion for manufacturing industry in the UK. Make UK has the close ear of Government and is a trusted provider of essential services for world leading manufacturing companies across the country. Everything we do is designed to inspire British manufacturers to compete, innovate and grow.
Make UK staff enjoy a good benefits package and values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Benefits to include, but not limited to: no bank holiday/weekend work, flexible hours, health cover, matched pension contributions up to 8%, and life assurance.
We are committed to supporting the Armed Forces Community and we recognise the contribution that Service personnel, both regular and reservist, veterans and military families make to our organisation and have pledged to support this by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant.
Due to volume of applications, if you do not hear back within 5 working days please assume that you have been unsuccessful at this time.
Events Manager in England employer: Make UK Defence
Contact Detail:
Make UK Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Events Manager in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, and local meet-ups to connect with people in the defence sector. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Events Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your past events, including photos, feedback, and any metrics that highlight your success. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Reach out directly to companies you're interested in, even if they haven't advertised an Events Manager position. A friendly email expressing your interest can go a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that suit your skills. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our team at Make UK Defence.
We think you need these skills to ace Events Manager in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Events Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in managing events, especially those that align with our mission at Make UK Defence. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past experiences to show how you've successfully managed events from start to finish. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges and delivered high-quality experiences.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the defence sector, and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Make UK Defence
✨Know Your Events Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of events Make UK Defence hosts. Research their past events and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss specific examples of events you've managed from start to finish. Highlight your ability to juggle multiple priorities and how you’ve handled challenges in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your communication skills by discussing how you’ve built relationships with various stakeholders in previous roles. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve collaborated with teams, sponsors, and suppliers to enhance event experiences.
✨Budgeting Brilliance
Since financial management is key for this role, come prepared to talk about your experience with budgeting for events. Share how you’ve tracked expenses, reconciled budgets, and maximised sponsorship income in your previous positions.