Head of Events & Experiences

The Head of Events & Experiences is responsible for leading the planning, coordination, and execution of all Events and Exhibition-related projects.

This role involves managing and developing a team, developing event strategies, and ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality events and exhibitions that align with the Orchard standard.

The role will require tactical decision-making to accomplish the company strategy.

This role will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to promote integration, and ensure all teams and employees work together to achieve Orchard’s end goals and objectives.

The successful candidate should possess a strong ability to work proactively, and implement current and emerging trends to prepare the Activations solution area for the future and create ongoing action and growth plans accordingly.

General responsibilities and targets:

Event and Exhibition Management:
- Oversee the planning and execution of all events and exhibitions, ensuring they meet quality standards and objectives.
- Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to ensure smooth event delivery, including overseeing the management of 3rd party contractors across all Activations jobs.
- Manage event logistics, including venue selection, catering, transportation, and accommodation.
- Ensure CRM and forecasting systems are kept up to date to provide company with sufficient data for decision making.
- Account manage key clients and key events.

Team Leadership:
- Lead, mentor, and manage the Activations Team Leaders.
- Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
- Conduct regular Oppraisals and 1:1s, and encourage and provide regular professional development opportunities.
- Define future strategy for team staff requirements.

Commerciality:
- Foster and develop relationships with clients and partners to generate repeat business
- Be the visible face of Orchard Activations and maintain the visibility and professional reputation of the team
- Work closely with Director of New Business and Tenders Team to identify, source and approach prospects and create leads.
- Work closely with Senior Leadership Team to identify and create opportunities to cross-sell from existing client base.
- Create compelling, fully costed proposals and tender responses that deliver required gross and net profit, in line with agreed Solution targets.
- Play an active part in pitching as required.
- Create Case Study and marketing Collateral to help future credentials and pitch work.

Budgeting and Financial Management:
- Deliver Jobs on Target (both Gross & Net Profit), whilst mitigating all third-party costs where possible.
- Deliver Jobs on time and to the highest quality, with the best client experience possible.
- Monitor time and expenses across all jobs.
- Prepare financial reporting where necessary, in collaboration with key stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement:
- Build and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including sponsors, vendors, partners, and attendees.
- Act as the primary point of contact for all event-related inquiries.

Evaluation and Reporting:
- Conduct post-event evaluations to assess success and areas for improvement (internally and externally).
- Push for progress by reporting on new industry and client trends.
- Prepare detailed reports on event outcomes, including attendance, revenue, and participant feedback where required.

Skills & Attributes:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple, complex events and exhibitions.
- A proactive approach to problem-solving, and an ability to adapt to challenging situations.
- Proactive and results-oriented mindset.
- Strong business acumen and strategic thinking.
- High level of integrity and ethical standards.
- Adaptability and willingness to embrace change.

Flexible, hybrid working.

10-4 core hours.

A comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, pension plan, and wellness programs.

Enhanced family friendly policies.

25 days annual leave.

A flexible and supportive work environment.

A generous training budget to support professional development.

A dynamic and collaborative culture, with regular team events and social activities.