Team Lead

Building a Brand Starts with a Story

FIRST is a leading global brand experience agency serving clients in various industries, including financial services, technology, new & traditional media, aerospace, healthcare, and professional services. FIRST has received numerous accolades, including being listed among the 2025 Most Innovative Marketing Agencies of the Year by Chief Marketer, named Top Agency of the Year 2024 by Event Marketer, highlighted as a Global Agency of the Year, over 100 Employees by C&IT, and listed among the "200 Top Marketing Agencies" in 2024, 2023, & 2022 by Chief Marketer.

Learn more at www.firstagency.com

What You Would Get To Do

The Team Lead is responsible for collaborating with the Team Manager for a dedicated account, understanding the strategic approach to the client account, while providing on-the-ground insight into the client business and potential opportunities. This role will manage several company and client initiatives at a time, supporting C-level and senior stakeholders and will also be responsible for key business relationships and team management. This role may be required to support a book of work for planning, venue sourcing, attendee data management, roadshow management or event technology, depending on the role alignment.

Your Contributions

• Collaborate with the Team Manager to understand the strategic approach to the client account, providing on-the-ground insight into the client business and opportunities, while offering input on key challenges and driving the business with a strong understanding of the larger organizational picture
• Mentor and develop 5-12 direct reports, conducting performance development conversations and managing the process
• Oversee the team's workload, ensuring a clear understanding of capacity and pressure points through regular 1:1 meetings.
• Field questions and offer advice to team members to assist with creative problem solving and knowledge sharing. Manage vacation schedules and approve monthly expenses.
• Lead and motivate the team to work efficiently, fostering positive communication and an open, inclusive environment that ensures good team morale.
• Liaise with the Team Manager and P&C team on talent development and recruitment for open direct report roles, while overseeing the onboarding and offboarding processes
• Active training and development of the FIRST Team.
• Encourage direct reports to be knowledgeable of best practices, new suppliers, services, and venues, and to be proactive with ideas and creative solutions
• Liaise with stakeholders to refine workstreams for efficiency, meet evolving business requirements, and proactively assist with ad hoc projects, troubleshooting problems and optimizing workflows, particularly during periods of change.
• Refine and drive best practice; ensure team adheres to firm’s SOP and compliance requirements
• Manage up; raise and escalate potential concerns and successes to management on a regular reporting basis
• This role will be required to support a book of work for planning, venue sourcing, attendee data management, roadshow management  or event technology, which includes end-to-end project management for the book of work assigned
• Work seamlessly with key internal partners and stakeholders on event deliverables and to understand and drive event objectives forward; consistently maintain excellent client relations even in challenging situations
• Travel for on-site management when necessary

What We Are Looking For

Please be aware that we know experience does not always look like we describe it. If you believe you would be an excellent fit for this role, please apply - we would love to see how you could fit at First.

• 8-10+ years’ event management experience, preferably in the financial services industry or a corporate environment
• People management experience
• Advanced experience of events and conferences, including but not limited to C-level executive events, cocktail receptions and meetings and conferences 
• Experience with venue sourcing including extensive knowledge in  contracting, negotiation and commission collection
• Experience with event and registration technology, particularly Cvent and Dealogic / Conference Manager
• Experience with virtual platforms including but not limited to; Zoom, Webex and On24 may be required
• Extensive experience in working with and managing senior clients
• Strong leadership experience; both leading and motivating colleagues in a manner that enhances working relationships and encapsulates the company brand and values
• Advanced project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Extensive industry knowledge of new suppliers, venues, services, and best practices
• Strong client management skills with the ability to influence and lead by example, fostering a positive environment
• Ability to create best practices and take on new initiatives independently.
• Client-centric, approachable, able to adjust to client needs and style and deepen relationships in support of their business and programs; able to adapt to ever-changing demands and different client work styles
• Leadership/influencing/negotiation and decision-making skills

At FIRST, we believe that our success is driven by the passion, creativity, and commitment of our teams. That's why we offer a range of benefits and perks to support your personal and professional growth:

• Private Healthcare (Medical) from day 1 
• Annual Health Screening
• 20 Days Annual Leave PLUS Public Holiday
• Employee Assistance Program including 24/7 support, counselling, and legal consult
• Complimentary Access to Headspace, Maven & more
• Wellness Stipend
• Personal Volunteer Day
• Life Insurance
• Mobile Phone Allowance
• Discretionary Bonus Structure
• Global Opportunities: With a presence in 7 countries worldwide, including headquarters in London, New York, and Singapore, you may have the opportunity to work on exciting projects across different locations.

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