Head of Events

Head of Events EMEA - London

The Head of Events EMEA is a pivotal leadership role responsible for driving strategic direction, operational excellence, and financial success of the event division. This role involves leading and developing a team of event directors and senior event managerts ensuring exceptional client delivery and pushing the boundaries of innovation within the events industry. The role will focus on cross-functional integration, effective communication, and alignment between divisions, global resourcing, overseeing operational functions to ensure optimal output in tandem with their North America office.

TEAM MANAGEMENT

*Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Event Directors and Senior Event Managers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

*Oversee team resourcing, work flow, and project allocation in collaboration with direct reports.

*Ensure effective management practices are consistently applied, including regular 1-on-1 meetings, performance reviews, and team development.

*Drive recruitment efforts, including participation in candidate interviews as required.

*Manage and approve team leave and time off in line with company policy.

FINANCIAL ACUMEN

*Provide financial oversight, including review of project forecasts, profitability,and cash flow.

*Manage the budgeting process and approve significant event budgets.

*Negotiate and manage supplier agreements, margins, and commission structures.

*Contribute to departmental budgets and potential event P&L development.

CLIENT DELIVERY & RELATIONSHIPS

*Ensure the development and implementation of robust account structuresto support client relationships.

*Drive a client-centric approach across the event division, ensuring exceptional service delivery and client satisfaction.

*Oversee the delivery of large-scale and new client events, ensuring best practices,key deliverables, and effective resource planning.

*Foster strong, long-term relationships with key clients, acting as a strategic partner and trusted advisor.

OPERATIONAL OVERSIGHT

*Oversee operational functions, ensuring alignment and efficiency across all event-related activities.

*Evaluate and optimise technology ROI and event processes.

*Oversee the onboarding and contracting process for clients and suppliers.

*Drive supplier and vendor performance evaluations to ensure service quality,compliance, and cost-effectiveness.

*Conduct process analysis to identify inefficiencies and develop and implement effective solutions.

*Promote process alignment and synergy across divisions to enhance collaboration and cross-functional effectiveness.

*Maintain and enforce the live event process documentation, ensuring it is current,comprehensive, and consistently followed.

*Work with Operational functions to ensure compliance & health and safety.

GROWTH & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

*Strategic sales alignment for growth working with business development team and directors to develop and execute aligned EMEA growth strategies, targeting new markets and opportunities.

*Winning new business via RFP & pitches by leading compelling RFP response and developing impactful pitch presentations in collaboration with Sales to secure new event business.

*Leveraging events for brand positioning with marketing and sales to strategically utilise events to enhance brand perception and drive new business in EMEA.

*Contributing to sales targets, drive new event business and expand client relationships to contribute to overall sales goals

*Provide market intelligence and competitive insights, collaborate with sales and marketing to monitor the EMEA market and inform growth strategies.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

*Proven senior leadership experience in live event production across the global (8+years), ideally within an agency environment.

*Strong strategic, commercial, and operational acumen, including P&L management, budgeting, and vendor negotiations.

*Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor high-performing teams across regions, with a focus on resourcing, development, and performance culture.

*Excellent client relationship skills with experience managing senior stakeholders and driving growth through pitches and RFP responses.

*Deep understanding of end-to-end event delivery, including technical production,compliance, and operational efficiency.

*Strong collaboration with cross-functional teams including business development, marketing, and operations to align on growth strategy and brand positioning.