Who we are
We are William Reed.
We are the leading expert in the global Food & Drink industry.
50 Best is the leading authority in global gastronomy and the international drinks scene, showcasing worldwide trends and highlighting great restaurants and bars from all corners of the Earth through its events programmes, digital channels, and global communications and marketing campaigns.
Over the past 20 years, 50 Best has earned its legitimacy as a compass for the latest and future trends in the industry. The launch of The World’s 50 Best Hotels in 2023 is the next step in the brand becoming the ultimate curator of the whole consumer experience – from travel and hotels to dining and drinking.
Position
Location: Hybrid (2 days per week at our Crawley office)
We are seeking a dedicated, creative and ambitious Event Manager with 3 years minimum experience in event management and production.
The successful candidate will not only be responsible for project managing international event programmes within the 50 Best portfolio but also supporting the Group Operations Manager in sourcing and securing venues and production agencies.
The successful candidate will report to the Operations Director. You will be willing to travel, passionate, dedicated, ambitious and knowledgeable about best practice event management and first-rate production and have proven and comprehensive experience leading and working in and across event teams.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities
- To manage and understand working with external partners.
- Act as the company representative for the operations department and present a confident and professional manner at all times.
- In collaboration with the Group Operations Manager and event agencies build creative event concepts.
- In collaboration with the Group Operations Manager create a critical path, manage the critical path and hold regular client update meetings. Ensure all elements are carried out on time and in accordance with the critical path. Reporting regular updates to the Group Operations Manager.
- Ensure that all events run smoothly either by attending on the day or by ‘walking through’ events.
- To deliver events in their entirety as and when required by the business.
- Ensure that the timelines created by the Group Operations Manager are achievable and practical, co-ordinate briefs and debriefs of the team and wider business as appropriate.
- In collaboration with the Group Operations Manager source and select suitable venues for the delivery of 50 Best events.
- Liaise with venue and attend site visits.
- Take responsibility for delivering all aspects of the project during event.
- Ensure the fulfilment of all supplier requirements onsite. Such as: Ensure all Audio Visual (AV) equipment is in place, oversee registration of guests, liaise with suppliers, ensure show is run to time, troubleshoot/problem solve, remain on site until close, coordinate rehearsal.
- Produce, brief, manage and deliver all AV specifications. Such as booking, briefing and managing event suppliers such as AV/ Graphics / Catering / stand builders etc.
- Collaborate with other departments within 50 best to advise on the event program, highlighting any potential issues.
- Oversee travel and hotel arrangements for staff, speakers and guests for relevant project.
- Manage temporary and onsite staff for your project.
- Proof, approve, print and arrange delivery of all event marketing collateral.
- Organisation of signage and all event documentation.
- Book and manage talent for relevant projects.
- Sponsor liaison such as: write comprehensive operations manual for sponsors to use as a how to guide in the lead up to the event and on site, attend sponsor meetings and organise site visits.
Required Skills
- Ability to manage multiple events, with at least 3 years’ event experience in large-scale events.
- Be able to demonstrate and have experience of managing all staff on-site at events.
- Ambitious, initiative, organised, driven to succeed.
- Experience of working in high pressure environment.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent customer care skills.
- Willing to travel and work unsocialable hours.
- A natural team player.
- High level of IT competency – must have strong computer skills including excel, word and power point
- Ensure efficient and sensitive handling of confidential information
Other information
Company Benefits Include:
- A competitive salary
- 25 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays- increasing by one additional day after 6 years, up to a maximum of 30 days.
- An additional day of leave for you to take on a cultural celebration day or on your birthday if you like. A day for you! At William Reed, we call this our “MeDay”.
- A volunteer day to take for supporting a chosen charity and giving back to the community.
- Opportunity for hybrid working
- Contributory Pension
- Life Assurance Scheme
- Group Income Protection
- Enhanced family-friendly leave pay entitlements
- Wellbeing benefits, including: A health care cash plan, Employee assistance programme and a 12-month wellness calendar for company-wide health, wellbeing, diversity & inclusion awareness dates.
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Electric Car Scheme
Why work for us:
We provide a supportive work environment and are committed to maintaining a healthy work/life balance for all of our employees. Working for William Reed means that you will be joining a stable organisation that is committed to developing its employees and brands.
We warmly welcome and encourage applications from talented individuals of all backgrounds and characteristics. If you need any support in accessing this opportunity, please do not hesitate to discuss this with us.