Event Operations Manager

Founders Forum Group is a global community and group of businesses empowering entrepreneurs at every stage of their journeys. Since 2005, we have convened the world's most inspiring entrepreneurs, global leaders, CEOs, investors and thinkers at our events. Our forums are invite-only, free to attend for founders, and centred around fuelling game-changing innovation.

We are looking for an Event Manager to work on the production and logistics of our flagship forums, ecosystem events at Founders Forum, working closely with the Senior Event Operations Manager. You will have the opportunity to work with passionate colleagues, host events in some of the coolest cities and venues globally, whilst helping to deliver new and existing events for our community of some of the world's leading entrepreneurs.

Responsibilities

• Own the operational planning and delivery of relevant Founders Forum events including large scale conferences, gala dinners, event experiences and new ecosystem events working under the direction of the Senior Event Operations Manager
• Use Asana project boards to track tasks and timelines, ensuring alignment across internal and external stakeholders
• Support budget management for assigned events, including cost tracking and reconciliations
• Source, negotiate and manage  relationships and contracts with venues and key suppliers
• Coordinate logistical planning including production, catering, event flow and layout, staffing, accommodation and travel
• Lead on-site operations for assigned events, proactively managing issues, troubleshooting in real time, and maintaining a calm, professional delivery environment
• Produce comprehensive event documentation, including running orders, production schedules, staff briefs and contingency plans
• Support the development of scalable processes, templates and best practices across the events programme
• Contribute creatively to enhancing guest experience, identifying opportunities to elevate production, flow and impact
• Support the identification of in-kind partnership opportunities to elevate events and help reduce costs
• Support post-event wrap-ups and evaluations, capturing learnings and helping implement improvements for future events
• Work closely with key stakeholders and the wider events team (Content, Marketing, Community and Partnerships) to ensure smooth operational delivery of their objectives and responsibilities. 

Is This You?

• You're a meticulous planner who has experience coordinating and project managing end -to-end event operations and logistics, with exposure to budget tracking
• You have the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously whilst maintaining a high standard of work and strong attention to detail
• You're skilled in sourcing and negotiating with vendors and suppliers
• You're personable and quick to build strong and positive relationships with various stakeholders including entrepreneurs, partners, sponsors, corporates, agencies and suppliers
• You're a problem solver with a proactive attitude
• You have entrepreneurial drive, meaning you're creative, resilient and self-driven
• You enjoy working with a fun dynamic team and are genuinely collaborative
• You get a buzz from working in a fast-paced environment
• Events are your passion and you pride yourself on creating memorable experiences  which not only look good, but also run seamlessly

• Significant proven experience as an Event Manager
• Extensive experience managing suppliers, vendors and contracts
• Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to juggle multiple events at once
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable using project management tools (e.g. Asana) and standard office software including Google Workspace
• Knowledge of the Tech ecosystem in the UK is advantageous 
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours around event dates, including some evenings/weekends
• The right to work in the UK

• 25 days contractual annual leave
• Enhanced discretionary leave provision, including an additional day off for your birthday and leave between Christmas and New Years Day
• The option to work remotely anywhere in the world for 3 weeks/year (1 week at Easter and 2 weeks during July and August)
• Private healthcare package
• Mental health, wellbeing, and learning and development stipends
• Lunch 1x/week, office snacks, and regular team drinks
• Quarterly team activities and annual team trip/day out
• We currently have a hybrid working model with 4 days spent in the office and 1 day with the option to work remotely/from home
• Access to the Founders Forum Group network of businesses and wider tech ecosystem

Company Values

Community first

More than just fellow founders. Everything we offer is centred around the founders we work alongside. A goldmine of information, support and opportunity for our community. Our experience and connections allow us to offer unparalleled guidance, advice and events. We are committed to being there for the highs, the lows and everything in between. A trusted ally, driving positive action by championing the people behind great ideas and building real relationships.

Entrepreneurial to our core

Preserving our startup mentality is the key to being able to empathise with and fully support our growing community. Just like the founders we work with, entrepreneurship runs through our veins. We drive change and unearth new ways of thinking by reframing the way we approach an idea. We look at the possibilities of business through a new lens. Seeking out potential in every aspect of life, passionately pursuing new ideas.

Founding the future

We are forward thinkers. Always at the forefront of innovation. Our foot is firmly planted on the accelerator as we gain understanding of what tech is coming and new trends that will shape our lives. We have a hunger for knowledge and find joy in discovery, paving the way for a new way of thinking. This is the room of people you want and need to be in, to drive yourself and your business forward.

Excellence without ego

We don't take ourselves too seriously, but are proud of what we do. We work together, recognising the expertise of those around us, and understand the value in differing points of view. We are committed to excellence and always hold ourselves to the highest standard.