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Team Lead, Corporate Events

Employment Type: Full-time
Location: London
Work Site Type: Hybrid

Building a Brand Starts with a Story

FIRST is a leading global brand experience agency serving clients in various industries, including financial services, technology, new & traditional media, aerospace, healthcare, and professional services. FIRST has received numerous accolades, including being listed among the 2025 Most Innovative Marketing Agencies of the Year by Chief Marketer, named Top Agency of the Year 2024 by Event Marketer, highlighted as a Global Agency of the Year, over 100 Employees by C&IT, and listed among the "200 Top Marketing Agencies" in 2024, 2023, & 2022 by Chief Marketer.

What You Would Get To Do

The Team Lead is responsible for collaborating with the Team Manager on a dedicated account, understanding the strategic approach to the client's account, and providing on-the-ground insight into the client's business and potential opportunities. This role will manage several company and client initiatives simultaneously, supporting C-level and senior stakeholders, and will also be responsible for key business relationships and team management. This role may be required to support a book of work for planning, venue sourcing, attendee data management, roadshow management or event technology, depending on the role alignment.

Your Contributions

Collaborate with the Team Manager to understand the strategic approach to the client account, providing on-the-ground insight into the client's business and opportunities, while offering input on key challenges and driving the business with a strong understanding of the larger organizational picture
Mentor and develop 5-12 direct reports, conducting performance development conversations and managing the process
Oversee the team's workload, ensuring a clear understanding of capacity and pressure points through regular 1:1 meetings. Field questions and offer advice to team members to assist with creative problem-solving and knowledge sharing. Manage vacation schedules and approve monthly expenses.
Ensure the team maintains strong, positive relationships with clients
Collaborate with the Team Manager to ensure development opportunities, effective business coverage, and continuity, including succession planning.
FIRST ambassador; participate and engage with FIRST initiatives and extracurricular activities where possible
Lead and motivate the team to work efficiently, fostering positive communication and an open, inclusive environment that ensures good team morale.
Liaise with the Team Manager and P&C team on talent development and recruitment for open direct report roles, while overseeing the onboarding and offboarding processes
Active training and development of the FIRST Team. Encourage direct reports to be knowledgeable of best practices, new suppliers, services, and venues and to be proactive with ideas and creative solutions
Liaise with stakeholders to refine workstreams for efficiency, meet evolving business requirements, and proactively assist with ad hoc projects, troubleshooting problems and optimizing workflows, particularly during periods of change
Refine and drive best practice; ensure team adheres to firm’s SOP and compliance requirements
Manage up; raise and escalate potential concerns and successes to management on a regular reporting basis
If applicable, this role may be required to support a book of work for planning, venue sourcing, attendee data management, roadshow management or event technology, depending on the role alignment within a specific client account, which includes end to end project management for the book of work assigned
Work seamlessly with key internal partners and stakeholders on event deliverables and to understand and drive event objectives forward; consistently maintain excellent client relations even in challenging situations
Travel for on-site management when necessary
What We Are Looking For

People management experience preferred
Advanced experience of events and conferences, including but not limited to C-level executive events, cocktail receptions and meetings and conferences
Experience with venue sourcing, including extensive knowledge in contracting, negotiation and commission collection, may be required
Experience with event and registration technology, particularly Cvent and Dealogic / Conference Manager, may be required
Experience with virtual platforms, including but not limited to Zoom, Webex and On24, may be required
Extensive experience in working with and managing senior clients
Strong leadership experience; both leading and motivating colleagues in a manner that enhances working relationships and encapsulates the company brand and values
Advanced project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Excellent written and oral communication skills at all levels
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, specifically Excel
Extensive industry knowledge of new suppliers, venues, services, and best practices
Strong client management skills with the ability to influence and lead by example, fostering a positive environment
Ability to create best practices and take on new initiatives independently
Client-centric, approachable, ability to adjust to client needs and style and deepen relationships in support of their business and programs; adapt to ever-changing demands and different client work styles
Motivated, self-starter, ability to take direction and work independently; ability to think innovatively
Leadership/influencing/negotiation and decision-making skills
At FIRST, we believe that the passion, creativity, and commitment of our teams drive our success. That's why we offer a range of benefits and perks to support your personal and professional growth

Private Medical Insurance with BUPA from day one
28 Days Annual Leave PLUS Bank Holidays
Personal Volunteer Day
20 Days of Sick Pay each Year
Enhanced Parental Leave (Maternity & Paternity)
Wellness Stipend
Complimentary access to Headspace, Rocket Lawyer & Maven
Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Cycle to Work Scheme
Season Ticket Loan
Mobile Phone Allowance
Pension Scheme Enhancements
Discretionary Bonus Structure
Global Opportunities: With a presence in 7 countries worldwide, including headquarters in London, New York, and Singapore, you may have the opportunity to work on exciting projects across different locations.
#LI-TS1 #LI-hybrid

FIRST is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. FIRST is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We stand firm: FIRST will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. If any candidate feels that they are unable to meet the requirements of the role, please get in touch to discuss adjustments or other suitable roles.

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