Lead Events Producer

This job is with AQA, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

At AQA, we're committed to advancing education and we're committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it's our people who make this happen.

Lead Events Producer

Manchester: £40,806 - £47,530

Guildford, London or Milton Keynes - £42,489 - £49,490

Permanent

Hybrid Working

Are you ready to take the lead in creating exceptional event experiences?

In this role, you will manage the planning, development, and delivery of events across face-to-face, digital and hybrid formats. Your work will focus on aligning every event with customer needs, product and service objectives and AQA's strategic goals.

You will collaborate closely with a range of internal teams and external partners to bring these events to life, ensuring they are engaging, impactful and seamlessly executed. From overseeing logistics and budgets to evaluating success and identifying opportunities for improvement, you will play a vital role in ensuring every event exceeds expectations.

Beyond events, you will champion AQA's values and behaviours, setting a positive example while contributing to the organisation's success. This is also a role where personal growth matters-you will have the opportunity to take ownership of your development and thrive in an environment where your contributions truly make a difference.

What's in it for me?

• You will have access from day one to an incredible pension scheme with employee and employer contributions jointly totalling, up to 18.5%

• 25 days annual leave, rising a day per year for your first five years with Bank Holidays and additional closure days at Christmas.

• AQA work in a smart hybrid way. This team are in the office for a minimum of two days per week or as business dictates - meetings are more productive in person, so you will need to live within a commutable distance of the Guildford, Manchester, Milton Keynes or London office

• You will also benefit from Private Medical Insurance and a Health Care Cash Reward Plan as well paid volunteering days.

• You will working in our newly refurbished office spaces and have access to a gym, a games room and a yoga studio at our Manchester office as well as discounts at a variety of eateries at our Guildford office.

What Do I Need to Be Successful?

• Demonstrable previous experience in event management, including virtual and hybrid events.

• Excellent project management and logistical planning skills.

• Strong communication and negotiation skills with stakeholders and suppliers.

• Knowledge of event technologies and industry trends.

• A track record of delivering events on time and within budget.

What Next?

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 8th December just follow the link to apply, uploading your most recent CV and a cover letter explaining how your skills and experience match the job description.

Interviews will be via Teams in the week beginning 16th December

#CRE23

Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description

Summary

Main role purpose:

Manage the planning, development and delivery of customer events across multiple formats ie face to face, digital and hybrid aligned to customer needs, the product, service and customer objectives and wider AQA strategic objectives. Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to produce industry leading events. Role model AQA's behaviours and values, actively contribute to the success of the business and take responsibility for personal development and growth.Key accountabilities:

Section 1

Customer - External or Internal
Demonstrates commercial flexibility by undertaking other responsibilities which are of a commensurate level as business needs change.
Customers' experience at individual events perceived as high quality and events projects support the achievement of AQA strategic objectives.
Builds good relationships with our internal and external stakeholders, supporting the team in consistently delivering a best in class service that meets our customers' needs.

Finance
Projected costings for event projects are accurate which contributes to effect budget setting.
Direct costs for event projects are effectively monitored and managed, ensuring delivery to financial targets.
Project manage multiple events within the programme, ensuring delivery to time, budget and quality and provide direction to the Events Co-ordinator and Administrator in the end to end delivery of events.
Create and manage project budgets including ensuring direct costs are recorded and controlled effectively.

Product and internal processes
Ensures AQA is safe and legally compliant by applying AQA's policies and other legislative requirements including but not limited to HSE, Equality, GDPR and ISMS.
Manages the delivery of AQA events that are viewed as best in class through agreed best practice and processes.
Manage all the logistical activity for events including: creating and maintaining project plans and other documentation, working collaboratively with other internal teams, as necessary, to ensure the successful delivery of events eg Marketing Brand, Social Media, Facilities, manage pre and post event engagement with delegates to maximise ROI, conduct site inspections to ensure venues are fit for purpose, manage and run pre & post event briefing sessions for staff, compile and analyse post event data to determine whether objectives have been met.
Report on impact and ROI and identify opportunities for Continuous Improvement.
Ways of working and processes are adhered to ensuring a consistent high-quality experience for customers. Support team by sharing best practise and contributing positively to continuous improvement activities.
Work with team of, Event Co-ordinator(s) & Administrator(s), driving continuous improvement and team development to ensure that team can respond to emerging needs quickly and flexibly.
Research opportunities for AQA to take part in external events that are aligned to our strategic objectives, support the Marketing and Brand strategy and/or provide opportunities for thought leadership.
Liaise with a broad spectrum of contractors and suppliers in the delivery of events. Research and bring on board new suppliers as needed.

People and culture
Produces high levels of performance from direct reports and teams by modelling leadership behaviours with confidence and providing clarity, challenge, feedback, coaching and development in line with business objectives.
Role models being a good AQA citizen, working collaboratively and in line with AQA values and behaviours at all times.
Actively builds positive relationships across the business, with managers, colleagues and Associates
Participates in professional development, role-modelling continuous learning and knowledge sharing within own areas and across the organisation to ensure continuous improvement.
Establish and maintain effective collaborative relationships with internal business partners to provide expert event support and advice, as required through our business partnering approach.
Manage internal & external Subject Matter Experts to create event content in line with event brief and objectives.

Technology
Confidently engages with technology solutions that support the effective delivery of events and a seamless customer experience.
Uses enabling technology to plan and track own workload.
Build and host events on digital platform(s)

Government and external
As the postholder may be visiting our customers, including schools and colleges, he or she is required to complete a Child Safeguarding Declaration in line with the AQA Child Protection Policy.
All customer training complies with relevant Ofqual Conditions of Recognition as well as all AQA's policies and other legislative requirements, including but not limited to HSE, Equal Opportunities and ISMS.

Section 2 - Key relationships and performance

Key internal relationships:
Events Team
Colleagues within the wider Product Support Team
Teams across Customer and Sales particularly Curriculum and Sales and Account Management
Product management
Market Strategy
Campaign Delivery

Key external relationships:
Conference and exhibitions organisers
3rd party suppliers and contractors
Education/specialist organisations that provide subject matter expertise
Associates
Customers

Key performance indicators:
Delivery of high-quality events to deadline and budget and that contribute to the achievement of AQA's strategic objectives.
Effectively builds and manages collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Effective post event review activity takes place to enable the measurement of the wholistic performance of the events programme in supporting the achievement of strategic objectives.

Section 3 - Person profile

Assessment key
A - application (it is essential to provide evidence on application for shortlisting purposes)
I - interview
T - test (or work sample)
P - probation

Skills & Experience
High level of education and/or equivalent professional experience - A
Detailed knowledge of event production and delivery with good project management skills including budget creation, logistics planning and management - A/I/P
Knowledge of industry best practice and trends related to events management and curation - A/I/P
Knowledge of current technologies used for event delivery - A/I/P
Broad understanding of the political, educational and business context within which AQA works - A/I/P
An events professional with solid event management skills and ability to task manage a team to deliver in person, virtual and hybrid events. - A/I/P
Ability to use a range of software to deliver virtual and hybrid events. - A/I/P
Good interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders including subject matter experts. - A/I/P
Good negotiation skills - ie the ability to negotiate with internal colleagues and 3rd parties - A/I/P
Ability to proportionately apply project management tools as appropriate. - A/I/P
Ability to established detailed costings at an event project level to support programme budget creation. - A/I/P
Strong communication skills with the ability to write clearly and concisely. - A/I/P
Ability to contribute to the development and implementation of effective systems and processes, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. - A/I/P
Organisational skills - the ability to deliver a number of activities to time and budget - A/I/P
Prioritisation skills - the ability to manage multiple demands and make judgements - A/I/P
Ability to work independently, to take initiative and be proactive. - A/I/P

Our AQA Values
Customers front and centre - I/P
Step up - I/P
Work and learn together - I/P
Shape tomorrow - I/P
Results matter - I/P

Leadership Habits
Leading with integrity and authenticity - I/P
Enabling performance, learning and growth - I/P
Enabling operational excellence - I/P
Setting vision, direction and providing clarity - I/P#LI-DNI

Location: Guildford, GB

Posted Date: 11/27/2024