About The Role

We at PEI Group are looking for a ‘Head of Event Operations, EMEA’ to join our diverse, and growing team based here in London. Successful candidate will lead the EMEA Event Operations team through 9+ conferences plus smaller ancillary events and work alongside their global counterparts in APAC and US.

Your main responsibilities will include:

Leadership & Team Management

• Manage and develop a team of Event Managers and Coordinators (4 direct reports and 3 indirect reports), conducting regular performance reviews and managing workload planning to foster a high-performance team culture
• Accountable for all EMEA-led events including smaller ancillary events: lead the EMEA Event Operations team in the end-to-end delivery of all events
• Planning yearly event resourcing: assess the annual event portfolio and allocate team resources to ensure effective capacity planning across the year
• Planning onsite staffing: determine staffing requirements per event, coordinating internal team members and external staff to ensure seamless onsite delivery
• Champion best practice processes and constantly seek to improve delivery, introducing efficiencies where required

Stakeholder Management & Reporting

• Updating Senior Management: provide regular feedback and updates on event progress to the Global Head of Event Operations and Directors
• Collaboration with internal stakeholders: work closely with Associate Directors, Regional Heads, Sponsorship Managers, Head of Networks, Commercial Directors and the Global Head of Event Operations to ensure quality of delivery across all events
• Work with the Regional Heads of Event Operations and Global Head of Event Operations to ensure alignment and consistent application of best practice across all events
• Partner with sponsorship and commercial teams to build sponsorship inventories and manage the fulfilment of deliverables for each event
• Prepare and deliver recommendations on venue options – taking into consideration commercial risks and cost implications – to senior internal stakeholders, providing informed guidance to support decision-making

Budget & Financial Management

• Budget setting: full responsibility for budget management (up to $1million) and post-event P&Ls, including setting the budget for each event and reforecasting three times a year, reviewing revenue forecasts against current budgeted costs
• Ongoing budget management: achieve budget goals through close monitoring of revenue and expenses, working closely with all departments to ensure spending remains within budget
• Invoicing: process all invoices to ensure prompt payment and accurate facilitation of post-event P&L accounts

Venue & Supplier Management

• Venue contracting: lead venue search and contracting, cost comparisons
• Negotiating with and managing contractors: oversee third-party vendors including app developers, AV suppliers, caterers, photographers, printers and designers
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key contractors and suppliers, ensuring consistent service quality and reliable partnerships to support event delivery

Event Planning & Delivery

• Team timelines: develop and communicate detailed event timelines to the conference team, ensuring all workstreams are on track
• Onsite management: oversee all pre-event and live event operations, working with venues and managing onsite staff to deliver a seamless experience
• Leadership onsite: oversee the full onsite experience including registration, signage, meal functions, customer service, and event production across plenary and breakout rooms
• Evaluating event performance: produce post-event reporting on the onsite experience, capturing learnings and best practices to inform future events
• Lead key workstreams for the business's flagship global conference, taking ownership of defined project areas and working with the Head of Event Delivery to drive cross-functional collaboration and ensure world-class delivery

About You

Qualification & Experience

• A minimum of 10 years' experience in event operations, ideally gained within a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• At least 5 years' experience working within a B2B conference and/or exhibitions business, with a strong understanding of the full event lifecycle.
• Proven experience managing and leading a team of 7 or more, with the ability to inspire, develop and performance-manage both direct and indirect report
• Commercially minded, with the ability to understand and contribute to the financial performance of events, including budget management, cost control and revenue awarenes

Personal Attributes

• A hands-on, sleeves-rolled-up operator who is equally comfortable thinking and acting strategically - able to shift between the detail and the bigger picture with easy.
• A confident and experienced leader who leads by example, motivating and developing their team while maintaining high standards of delivery across all events.
• A strong all-rounder with broad event operations knowledge spanning staff management, workload planning, stakeholder engagement, budget and P&L management, sponsorship fulfilment, delegate registration, event logistics and on-site delivery.
• Commercially astute, with a sharp eye for value - a skilled negotiator who consistently achieves best value from venues, suppliers and contractors.
• Up to date with the latest event industry trends, supplier landscapes, venue costs, event technology and innovative event formats and concepts.
• Confident working with and influencing a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, from commercial and sponsorship teams through to senior leadership.
• Practical, resourceful and solutions-focused - able to remain calm and diplomatic under pressure while keeping events on track.
• Highly motivated and positive, with a genuine can-do attitude and the drive to deliver world-class events consistently.

About Us