Senior Event Production Manager (Planning)

Please note: candidates must currently reside in the UK and be able to work in the UK without sponsorship.

Convene Hospitality Group (CHG) operates a global portfolio of lifestyle brands focused on creating places and experiences that bring people together. The company designs, develops, and operates hospitality-driven destinations to host gatherings of all kinds, ranging from small corporate meetings to immersive brand activations and beyond. We love bringing people together in person, and that passion for great experiences extends to our employees as well. If you're interested in creating inspiring moments of connection, consider joining our team.

The Senior Event Production Manager (Planning) is responsible for overseeing the planning and execution of events, ensuring seamless coordination between clients and internal teams. Acting as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the planning process, this role ensures that all aspects of an event – from logistics and technical production to catering and on-site operations – are delivered to the highest standard. The role requires strong leadership, project management, and communication skills to ensure client expectations are met while maintaining operational efficiency.

Key responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead and manage the Events Team, ensuring effective staff scheduling and resource allocation.
• Conduct biannual appraisals and regular one-to-one meetings with direct reports, providing training and professional development plans.
• Ensure all team members adhere to company policies and procedures, including compliance with statutory Health & Safety training requirements.
• Maintain high standards of performance and service delivery within the team.
• Ensure strong cross-functional collaboration with other departments, including Sales and Operations.
• Oversee team performance management, including probation reviews, performance improvement plans, and disciplinary procedures where required.

Events Planning & Coordination: 

• Oversee the planning and execution of events across physical, hybrid, and virtual formats.
• Act as the main client liaison during the planning phase, ensuring clear communication and alignment with their requirements.
• Develop and maintain detailed event documentation, including Programme Execution Orders (PEOs), room layouts, event timelines, and client deliverables.
• Conduct client kick-off meetings, providing guidance on deadlines, requirements, and production schedules.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including AV production, catering, and operations, to finalise event logistics.
• Ensure all pre-event planning milestones are met, providing regular updates to stakeholders.
• Manage client expectations regarding event capabilities and work with Product and Design teams on potential platform improvements.
• Facilitate pre-event and post-event debriefs with internal teams and clients, ensuring continuous improvement.

Operational Excellence:

• Work closely with the Sales Team to support pre-sales activities, advising on event feasibility, logistics, and timelines.
• Assist in the creation of event proposals, room diagrams, and other pre-sales materials.
• Oversee event budget management, ensuring accurate cost calculations, approvals, and final invoicing.
• Supervise on-site event operations, ensuring smooth execution and addressing any challenges in real time.
• Ensure the team adheres to company service standards and hospitality protocols at all times.
• Lead weekly event meetings and Programme Execution Order (PEO) discussions, ensuring alignment across all stakeholders.

Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Extensive experience in event planning and production, with a strong background in physical, hybrid, and virtual event formats.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Excellent client relationship management and communication skills.
• Knowledge of AV production, catering logistics, and event operations.
• Proficiency in event management software and project management tools.
• 2 years experience in large-scale corporate event planning.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with virtual event platforms and livestream production.
• Budget management experience within an events setting.

We’re Here For You:

At Convene Hospitality Group, we want you to feel supported in every part of your life. Here’s what you can expect:

• Health & Wellness: Private medical insurance, subsidised fitness and eye care, plus well-being and personal support programs. Because your well-being matters, inside and outside of work.
• Time Off & Balance: 25 days annual leave, bank holidays, and company sick pay.
• Financial Benefits: Bonus scheme, interest-free loans for rail travel or further education, and a Cycle to Work program. We invest in you so you can grow personally and professionally.
• Growth & Recognition: Career development opportunities and programs to celebrate your achievements.
• Community & Impact: Volunteer, donate, and make a real impact through your work.

At Convene Hospitality Group, we believe great teams are built by bringing together people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Our values of GRIT (Genuine, Relentless, Integrity, and Teamwork) shape how we show up for each other every day. We want everyone here to feel welcome, supported, and free to be themselves. If you’re excited to grow, learn, and make an impact, we’d love to have you on the team.

Convene Hospitality Group is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.