Event Manager

About the role

At Reed & Mackay, we are more than a global leader in travel and event management; we are a team united by passion, care, and entrepreneurial spirit. As a unique brand within the Navan Group, we provide deep sector expertise and customised programmes from offices across the globe. You will own the end to end management of diverse events, ranging from group flight only bookings to complex full onsite event delivery, ensuring every detail aligns with client expectations. This role demands a versatile team player who thrives on variety and takes responsibility for the complete event lifecycle. You will be accountable for safeguarding profitability while championing innovation and service excellence across all client interactions. Your work will directly influence how clients perceive Reed & Mackay, making your role integral to our reputation and growth.

Key facts

What you'll do

Manage a portfolio of clients with a focus on retention, expansion, and identifying new growth opportunities at every turn.

Own specific client event budgets from initial planning through to final reconciliation, applying sharp commercial acumen to secure agreed profitability.

Collaborate seamlessly with the Operations Manager and wider Events team to design and deliver a seamless, professional service that exceeds client expectations.

Coordinate closely with the group travel team to align requirements, ensuring travel components integrate perfectly with the overall event strategy.

Lead events comprehensively from initial concept and strategic planning through to on site execution and post event review.

Proactively identify opportunities to enhance the value of existing relationships and secure new business through insightful recommendations.

Work with the team to build, nurture, and maintain a robust pipeline of events that supports the Reed & Mackay business strategy and long term goals.

Support colleagues through mentoring and guidance, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and shared success.

Introduce innovative initiatives to capture client feedback, using insights to refine service standards and operational processes consistently.

Strive to become a centre of excellence within the team, recognised for outstanding client satisfaction and delivery excellence.

Ensure a thorough understanding of health and safety legislation and evaluate its impact on all Reed & Mackay events, conducting or coordinating appropriate risk assessments for venues and hotels.

Adopt a disciplined, budget focused mindset, constantly seeking practical ways to achieve cost savings for clients without compromising quality.

Maximise Reed & Mackay profit across all event opportunities through careful negotiation and strategic commercial decisions.

Champion the consistent application of company standards, ensuring every event reflects the brand promise and operational excellence.

Requirements

Demonstrate experience with group accommodation, meetings, offsite events, team building activities, conferences, and venue finding within a professional environment.

Show excellent business development capabilities, including the ability to identify up sell opportunities and secure future business through persuasive communication.

Possess strong product knowledge and maintain awareness of UK and overseas properties, ground handlers, and destination specifics relevant to event planning.

Cultivate robust supplier knowledge and develop long term relationships that enable favourable terms and reliable service.

Exhibit positive people skills, forming and maintaining strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and suppliers at all levels.

Communicate effectively in writing, producing clear, accurate, and professional documentation for clients and internal stakeholders.

Apply strong negotiation skills to achieve optimal outcomes for clients while protecting Reed & Mackay margins.

Display good business acumen and commercial awareness, understanding financial implications and market dynamics.

Act as a mentor and coach, guiding team members towards improved performance and professional development.

Influence others through effective communication, ensuring alignment and commitment to event objectives.

Always maintain a client centric perspective, placing client needs and expectations at the heart of decision making.

Lead events with confidence, directing client decision making and managing expectations throughout the project lifecycle.

Remain self motivated, creating a sense of enthusiasm and enjoyment that energises colleagues and clients alike.

Thrive in a pressurised multi tasking environment, managing competing priorities and deadlines with composure.

Use Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint proficiently, leveraging these tools to manage information and deliver polished presentations.

Demonstrate strong client facing and presentation skills, conveying confidence and expertise in every interaction.

Identify commercial opportunities and articulate their value clearly to stakeholders to drive incremental growth.

Take responsibility for managing end to end event logistics, ensuring smooth execution and high levels of client satisfaction.

Embrace continuous learning, adapting quickly to new requirements, technologies, and industry best practices.