At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a major conference and transition event delivery to an in-house model.
- Company: Join a leading organisation dedicated to advancing mental health practice in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible part-time hours, and remote work options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on mental health events while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Significant events experience and strong organisational skills required.
Merrifield Consultants are delighted to be partnering with a leading professional membership organisation dedicated to advancing mental health practice across the UK, to recruit an Interim Conference & Events Manager.
Summary of the role
This role is twofold: You will act as the staff lead for a major July 2026 conference and support the transition of event delivery from a volunteer-led model to an in-house function. A fantastic opportunity for an experienced events professional who thrives in collaborative, relationship-focused environments.
Details of the role
- Salary: £38,211 (pro rata)
- Contract: 6-month FTC
- Hours: Part-time, 21 hours (flexibility on days)
- Location: Remote, however attendance at the 3-day July 2026 conference
- Reports to: Head of Membership Services
- Line management: 2
Responsibilities
- Act as the staff lead for the July 2026 Annual Conference, working closely with the volunteer organiser and external PCO.
- Maintain strong relationships with speakers, exhibitors, committees, branches and SIGs.
- Ensure the conference is delivered to a high professional standard.
- Support post-event evaluation and recommend improvements.
- Document processes, capture institutional knowledge and support the shift to an in-house events model.
- Contribute to the broader events calendar and relevant working groups.
Person specification
- Significant events experience across in-person, hybrid and online formats.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and operational detail.
- Financial oversight including budget monitoring.
- Stakeholder engagement with senior leaders, committees, volunteers and external suppliers.
- Experience of evaluation and using data to inform improvements.
- Change or transition experience within events or service delivery.
- Collaborative and calm approach with the ability to build trust quickly.
- Desirable: Relevant qualification in Events Management or similar
- Desirable: Knowledge of professional membership environments
Conclusion
If you are an experienced events professional who can provide confident interim leadership, build strong relationships and support a major transition project, we would love to hear from you. Please apply now to be considered. We practice a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all we work with, irrespective of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or gender. As an organisation, we encourage applications from all backgrounds and will ensure measures are met when required, to allow a fair process throughout.
Conference and Events Manager in Manchester employer: Merrifield Consultants
Merrifield Consultants is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. As a remote role with flexible hours, the Conference and Events Manager position allows for a balanced work-life dynamic while contributing to meaningful projects that advance mental health practice across the UK. With a focus on relationship-building and support during a significant transition, this role provides a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in the events sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Conference and Events Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the events industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or be able to put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your past successes in managing events. Use specific examples that demonstrate your organisational skills and ability to handle multiple priorities.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see an event or conference that interests you, don’t hesitate to reach out to the organisers. Express your enthusiasm and ask if they need any help – it could lead to a job opportunity down the line.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting roles waiting for you. Make sure to check out our listings regularly and submit your application directly to increase your chances of landing that dream job.
We think you need these skills to ace Conference and Events Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in events management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, especially your ability to manage multiple priorities and build strong relationships.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of successful events you've managed. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your achievements, like attendee satisfaction rates or budget savings, even better!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who thrives in collaborative environments, so don’t be afraid to show us your passion for events and your approach to teamwork.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands and helps us keep track of all applicants. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merrifield Consultants
✨Know Your Events Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the details of your past events experience. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, especially in relation to managing in-person, hybrid, and online formats.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to engage with various stakeholders, from senior leaders to volunteers. Think about how you’ve built relationships in the past and be ready to share those stories.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Prowess
Bring along a few examples of how you’ve managed multiple priorities and operational details in previous roles. This could include budget monitoring or post-event evaluations that led to improvements.
✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Approach
Since this role requires a calm and collaborative mindset, think of instances where you successfully worked as part of a team. Highlight how you build trust quickly and support transitions within event delivery.
