Who we are

We are William Reed.

We are the leading expert in the global Food & Drink industry.

From manufacturing through to retail and hospitality – we provide the inspiration, insight and connections to power our customers’ success.

We have offices in Gatwick and London, UK; Montpellier, France; Singapore and Chicago, US. In line with the Company’s current Agile Working Policy, the successful candidate would be eligible to work at least three days (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) a week alongside colleagues in our Crawley office and to work remotely for the rest of the week.

Position

Are you an experienced Events Manager with a passion for international events? We are looking for an Events Manager to join our 50 Best team, responsible for project managing international event programmes within the 50 Best portfolio but also supporting the Operations Director in sourcing and securing venues and production agencies.

Reporting to the Operations Director, you will be willing to travel, passionate, dedicated, ambitious and knowledgeable about best practice event management and first-rate production.

50 Best is the global leader in premium gastronomic awards events, widely recognized as the leading innovator within our field. Our brand portfolio now includes The World’s 50 Best Hotels, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, 50 Best Discovery, as well as The World’s 50 Best Bars and Asia’s 50 Best Bars.

Since the list was created in 2000, we’ve hosted event programmes across the globe, to name a few: Thailand, Australia, Spain, Singapore, France, Colombia, Peru and America.

What you’ll be doing

  • Managing and collaborating with external partners, ensuring smooth coordination and effective communication.
  • Building creative event concepts in collaboration with the Operations Director and event agencies.
  • Using task management tools to create and manage project scheduling and key milestones. Ensuring all elements are carried out on time and in accordance with the critical path and communicating regular updates to key stakeholders.
  • Working alongside the Operations Director to source and select suitable venues for the delivery of 50 Best events.
  • Organising and leading international recce trips, liaising with venue and attending site visits.
  • Ensuring the fulfilment of all supplier requirements onsite. Such as confirming all Audio Visual (AV) equipment is in place, overseeing registration of guests, liaising with suppliers, ensuring show is run to time, troubleshooting / problem solving, remaining on site until close and coordinating rehearsal.
  • Producing, briefing, managing and delivering all AV specifications. Such as booking, briefing and managing event suppliers such as AV/ Graphics / Catering / stand builders etc.
  • Collaborating with other departments within 50 Best to advise on the event program, highlighting any potential issues.
  • Overseeing travel and hotel arrangements for staff, speakers and guests for relevant project.
  • Responsible for the delivery of all signage, event documentation and marketing collateral.
  • Booking and managing talent for relevant projects.
  • Sponsor liaison such as: writing comprehensive operations manual for sponsors to use as a how to guide in the lead up to the event and on site, attending sponsor meetings and organising site visits.

Requirements

What you’ll need:

  • Proven track record in managing multiple events, specialising in awards ceremonies and large-scale events.
  • Demonstrable experience of managing all staff on-site at events.
  • Ambitious and highly organised with a strong desire to succeed.
  • Comfortable working in high-pressure environments and demonstrating effective problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a focus on customer care.
  • A team player with the ability to collaborate effectively.
  • High level of IT competency, particularly in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to handle confidential information with efficiency and sensitivity.

Other information

Company benefits include

  • 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.

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