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- Tasks: Lead and innovate large-scale events across the UK, USA, and Europe.
- Company: Join Oxford Global, a leader in life sciences events and partnerships.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, gym membership, and wellness programmes.
- Why this job: Shape impactful events and enhance attendee experiences in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in event management with strong budgeting and leadership skills.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for international travel and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
At Oxford Global, our passion is driving innovation, expertise, and partnership within the life sciences industry. We are on a mission to empower professionals to accelerate research and achieve impactful results through cutting-edge, curated events, industry insights, and educational resources. Join us in shaping the future of the life sciences industry.
We are looking for an experienced Events Professional to join our Event Operations team and take ownership over a number of established/large-scale live events held in the UK, USA and Europe. You will work on the entire event timescale, and have the opportunity to build relationships with venues, suppliers and attendees as well as creating innovative projects to improve our customer experience. As Head of Event Operations, you will manage live events on-site (international travel required) to ensure the success of our Conferences, Awards Dinners and Exhibitions. Working closely with the Event Director, you will also be responsible for leading an Event Operations team and working strategically to create and implement key project, innovations, and improvements in the department.
Role Responsibilities:
- Lead the end-to-end planning and delivery of conferences, exhibitions, and networking events, ensuring seamless execution at every stage.
- Design and propose innovative networking concepts and social experiences.
- Serve as a key point of contact for event sponsors, delivering responsive, high-quality support and ensuring sponsor objectives are met.
- Collaborate closely with venues to oversee event set-up, logistics, and on-site operations. Proactively resolving issues to optimise attendee flow and engagement.
- Own and manage event budgets, ensuring financial performance aligns with forecasts and business objectives.
- Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives across events and the wider business, negotiating effectively with suppliers and venues to maximise value.
- Lead pre-event briefings and training sessions for event staff, ensuring clarity of on-site expectations.
- Take full responsibility for on-site delivery of large-scale live events, coordinating teams and maintaining operational excellence under pressure.
- Partner closely with Event and Portfolio Directors to resolve operational challenges and support the strategic delivery of all events.
- Continuously evaluate and enhance the end-to-end attendee journey, proposing and implementing improvements to elevate the overall event experience.
- Conduct comprehensive post-event debriefs, translating insights and feedback into actionable strategies for future events.
- Leading a high performing Event Operations team - providing coaching, training, and performance management through regular reviews. This includes setting and monitoring monthly KPIs and yearly objectives/deliverables.
- Troubleshooting and implementing new systems and processes to enable effective time management and smooth running of the department.
- Working closely with the Event Director in the achievement of the overall company strategy for the Event Operations department – creating and implementing key projects, innovations, and improvements.
We are looking for someone with:
- Minimum 5 years Head of/event management experience, including experience in the planning and delivery of Exhibitions and Trade Shows.
- Strong budgeting skills and ability to handle large scale costs. Confident to liaise and negotiate with venues/suppliers.
- A customer-centred attitude with experience in creating memorable networking moments, and who is well-versed in onsite branding.
- Extremely organised, adaptable and resilient. A proactive and versatile working approach, with the ability to move between different projects with ease.
- Experienced in leading a team – including day to day responsibilities, performance management, and providing comprehensive support and guidance to team members.
- Proven experience of working at a strategic level to drive improvements and efficiencies for events and at a department level.
- Comfortable travelling for work as needed (national & international travel required).
More about the role:
- Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 per annum.
- Location: All our roles are hybrid (a mix of remote and in office). Our offices are located on the Botley Road in Oxford, with shops/restaurants within walking distance and easy access into Oxford City Centre.
- Job Type: Full time (37.5 hours a week).
Top perks:
- Flexible/home/remote working – Flexible working and 2 days remote working a week (after induction/on-boarding). Please note, additional office days will be required around busy event periods, to organise event materials etc.
- Holidays – Increment of holiday from 24 days up to 28 days per annum plus bank holidays.
- One day of paid Birthday leave (on successful completion of probation).
- Gym membership – Monthly membership to Brookes Sports Facilities.
- Travel Schemes - Save on the purchase of a new bike or electric car, Public Transport Loan Scheme.
- Healthcare – 10 days full pay sick leave (additional 5 discretionary), reimbursement of eye tests, free flu jabs.
- Enhanced company maternity & paternity pay (eligibility based on length of service).
- Wellness Programme – Company Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), Time to Talk sessions, wellness projects and other initiatives.
- Plus: Frequent social activities, free on-site parking, free office food & drink, external training.
Head of Event Operations employer: Oxford Global
Contact Detail:
Oxford Global Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Event Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, connect with fellow professionals on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy to reach out for informational chats. Building relationships can open doors that job applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website highlighting your past events and achievements. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its events. Be ready to discuss how you can enhance their operations and share innovative ideas that align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Oxford Global.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Event Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Event Operations role. Highlight your relevant experience in event management, budgeting, and team leadership to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of successful events you've managed. We love seeing quantifiable results, so if you improved attendee engagement or saved costs, let us know!
Be Personable: We’re looking for someone with a customer-centred attitude, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for creating memorable experiences and how you build relationships with sponsors and attendees.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us directly, apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get you on the path to joining our awesome team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Global
✨Know Your Events Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Oxford Global's past events. Familiarise yourself with their themes, formats, and any innovative concepts they've introduced. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision.
✨Showcase Your Budgeting Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience managing large-scale event budgets. Bring examples of how you've successfully negotiated with suppliers or implemented cost-saving initiatives. This will demonstrate your financial acumen and strategic thinking, which are crucial for the Head of Event Operations role.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Experience
Since this role involves leading a team, share specific examples of how you've managed and developed teams in the past. Discuss your approach to performance management and how you've fostered a high-performing culture. This will reassure them that you're ready to take on the leadership responsibilities.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle on-site challenges or unexpected issues during an event. Think of scenarios from your past experiences where you had to troubleshoot effectively. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain operational excellence under pressure.