Project Manager, Corporate Events

Building a Brand Starts with a Story

FIRST is a leading global brand experience agency providing Content, Creative, Digital Technology, Management & Delivery, and Data & Insights services. Operating as a full-service agency partner or through embedding specialist talent into client teams, FIRST brings brands and people together through creative, connected experiences.

FIRST works with clients across various industries, including financial services, technology, new & traditional media, aerospace, healthcare, and professional services. FIRST has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the Top 150 Event Organizers & Agencies in the USA by Eventex, being listed among the "200 Top Marketing Agencies" in 2023, 2022 & 2021 by Chief Marketer, being recognized as one of the "50 Top Event Companies" by Special Events, being included in the Top 100 "Best Places to Work in NYC" by Crain's New York Business, and being listed as one of the "1000 Companies to Inspire Britain" by The London Stock Exchange Group.

FIRST also understands that businesses worldwide, including ours, need to adopt more sustainable and socially responsible practices. Our vision of sustainability at FIRST is about fostering a People-centric, Purpose-driven & Planet conscious culture.

Learn more at www.firstagency.com

Our story started over 25 years ago growing through collaboration, innovation, strong culture, and a focus on people, specifically our people. Our people inspired, developed, and grew FIRST to the incredible brand experience creator it is today. 

And our hope is that you become the next page of our story in developing how our agency connects more people beyond what they thought was possible.

A welcoming, creative and ambitious workplace that offers personal and professional growth for all individuals. 

At FIRST, you'll find:

• A welcoming workplace that fosters diversity and belonging with a focus on team members feeling valued, respected, and supported. 
• An experiential organization that cares about the development and career experience of each employee, focusing on excellence and flexibility with the right balance of structure to thrive.
• Creative teams that enjoy challenging work with an ability to make an impact on those around them.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The ideal candidate would represent the FIRST brand as a dedicated resource within our Solutions division and assume the role of Project Manager.

The Project Manager will consistently deliver exceptional service to our clients through excellent project management and will be responsible for managing, supporting and/or executing the coordination of conferences and events. They will be responsible for managing several internal and client-facing programs at a time.

• End-to-end delivery of all assigned conferences, events, and on-campus events from inception through execution to on-site delivery and post-event debrief
• Full management responsibility for assigned project budget creation, budget approval process enquiries, costs and contract negotiations with suppliers, timely invoice processing, final reconciliation and database reporting
• Creation and management of project timeline and reporting to internal clients as required on progress, key milestones, and any client team deliverable deadlines
• Working closely with Event Tech Coordinators/ Managers to ensure the event website, registration and reporting process runs smoothly and efficiently and tech updates are communicated to event hosts in a timely manner
• Management as well as knowledge and understanding of audio-visual requirements, internal and external speaker management, collection and program order collation of all presentations, food and beverage requirements including menu tastings when appropriate
• Preparation of all detailed on-site event management documentation as well as verbal briefing of support staff, venue, and all suppliers directly responsible for delivering the event or conference
• Domestic and International travel for site inspections as well as on-site management of live events
• Contribute to the creation and deepening of a knowledge bank of venues, hotels, destinations and services that ensure the FIRST team are providing expert advice and recommendations to clients;
• Assist in training and monitoring of new starters within the team as assigned by the Team Manager

QUALIFICATIONS, KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Extensive event management, project planning, leadership and negotiation skills
• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent practical experience
• Demonstrated first-hand knowledge and experience of venues and destinations in EMEA
• Strong network of supplier contacts and established working relationships
• Strong knowledge of registration, conferences, meetings, F&B, and production management
• Experience in working with and managing Senior clients
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Good/advanced working knowledge of the MS Office Suite
• Experience with Cvent a plus

ADMINISTRATION & GENERAL

• Build excellent relations with clients and colleagues through positive communications
• Work intelligently and ensure that Regional Operations is aware of problems or issues which negatively affect productivity
• Adhere to, meet, and exceed SLA’s and KPIs consistently across all work
• Flexible and willing to work long hours (evenings, weekends) and travel
• Strict and accurate adherence to company’s time tracking policies and systems
• FIRST ambassador; participate and engage with FIRST initiatives and extracurriculars where possible
• Assume responsibility for own environment, ensuring adherence to health and safety policies while having clean smart surrounding

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Strictly adhere to and comply with all operational policies and processes as required by the Solutions client

#LI-TS1