At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the production of exciting live events from concept to delivery.
- Company: Join The Observer, a progressive and independent journalism leader.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, competitive salary, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and creative environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact by creating memorable experiences that engage diverse audiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in live event production and strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.
Fixed-term 12-month contract, Monday to Friday, with the flexibility to work remotely one day a week.
Who are we?
The Observer’s promise is in the name. The Observer bears witness; the best of journalism being curious minds at work. It loves the arts and ideas, both for their own sake and because they can change lives. It’s proudly progressive, but has no party allegiance. It’s open to different arguments and its editorial independence is non‑negotiable. We are building a new Observer across print, audio and digital. We’re here to build journalism that lasts.
At The Observer, our aim is to be proudly progressive and independent, with no party allegiance. We take the same approach to hiring — ensuring that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We’re building a workplace that is fair, curious and forward‑thinking, where people from all walks of life are genuinely supported to develop, contribute and succeed.
What’s the job?
The Observer delivers a broad mix of live experiences across the year, including editorial newsroom events, forums and a myriad of commercial events. We’re looking for a live events producer to plan, manage and deliver projects across our portfolio. This is a hands‑on production role for someone who can take ownership from concept through to delivery, working across logistics, stakeholders, suppliers, budgets and live event execution. You’ll be responsible for bringing ideas to life, ensuring events are well organised, well produced and delivered to the highest standard for both editorial and commercial partners.
What You’ll Do
- Lead the end‑to‑end production of live events, from initial brief and planning through to delivery and post‑event wrap‑up
- Produce a range of projects including editorial events, forums, bespoke brand activations, and active/challenge events
- Build and manage project plans, timelines, budgets and delivery schedules
- Coordinate venues, suppliers, freelancers, production partners and operational logistics
- Ensure our events strategy is aligned with driving Observer subscriptions growth and retention, with a clear, practical approach to hit our ambitious subscription goals
- Support venue management and wider stakeholder coordination for challenge or participation‑led events
- Act as a confident day‑to‑day contact for internal stakeholders, commercial partners and clients where needed
- Work closely with editorial, commercial and external teams to translate ideas into well‑executed live experiences
- Oversee on‑site delivery, troubleshoot in real time and ensure events run smoothly, safely and professionally
- Lead post‑event reconciliation and debriefs, capturing learnings for future projects
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone who loves bringing events to life and is ready to take real ownership of the portfolio. You will be comfortable working with Editorial teams as well as commercial partners. You may already be producing projects end‑to‑end, or you may have built strong hands‑on experience across smaller‑scale events and now be ready to step into a broader production role with more responsibility.
You’ll likely bring:
- Experience producing or managing live events, experiential activations, conferences or branded experiences
- Confidence managing multiple projects at once in a fast‑moving environment
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to keep budgets, timelines and logistics on track
- Experience working with venues, suppliers, technical teams and external stakeholders
- A calm, practical approach to on‑site delivery and problem‑solving
- Strong communication skills and confidence working with internal teams and clients
For active/challenge events, experience in route planning, venue operations and stakeholder management would be particularly valuable.
Ideal Experience
- Experience across brand activations, internal conferences and live events
- Comfortable producing projects end‑to‑end
- Confident in client‑facing delivery
Head of Events in London employer: The Observer UK
Contact Detail:
The Observer UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Events in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the events industry. Attend relevant events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best event productions. Include photos, videos, and testimonials from past clients or colleagues. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching The Observer’s recent events and initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your responses to show you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of The Observer team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying to express your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Events in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Events: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for live events shine through! Share specific examples of events you've produced or managed, and explain what you loved about the process. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about bringing ideas to life.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the Head of Events role. Highlight your experience with editorial and commercial events, and how you’ve successfully managed logistics and budgets in the past. This shows us that you understand what we’re looking for and that you can hit the ground running.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your experience and skills. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can manage multiple projects, so clarity in your application is key!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about The Observer and our values before you hit send!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Observer UK
✨Know Your Events Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into The Observer's recent events and projects. Familiarise yourself with their style and objectives. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your experience aligns with their vision.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed live events from start to finish. Highlight your organisational skills, budget management, and how you’ve coordinated with various stakeholders. Use metrics to demonstrate your success!
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle real-time challenges during an event. Think of past experiences where you had to troubleshoot on the spot. Be prepared to explain your calm approach and problem-solving strategies in detail.
✨Engage with Their Values
The Observer prides itself on being progressive and independent. During the interview, connect your personal values with theirs. Discuss how you can contribute to a fair and inclusive workplace while driving subscriptions growth through innovative events.