WSET: Events Manager

Role: Events Manager

Reports to: Head of Events

Department: Marketing

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET and WSET Awards) is an awarding body and registered charity devoted to the development and delivery of qualifications and courses in wines and spirits. Established in 1969 for the UK wine trade, WSET has since grown to become the global industry leader with offices in London and Hong Kong.

Our qualifications are available through a network of over 700 Approved Programme Providers (APPs) working in over 70 countries and 17 languages.

Overview of the role

The Events Manager role is a pivotal position within the newly centralised Events Team. We are looking for a confident and self-motivated individual with a strong team working ethic to join us and undertake responsibility for the operational delivery of a range of consumer and trade events both in the UK and internationally. The post holder will have specific responsibility for managing the delivery of all UK Tier 1 and Tier 2 events, as well as several events from the global portfolio.

This role is best suited to a flexible and highly organised team player who has experience of delivering successful tradeshows, managing a number of events concurrently and developing relationships at all levels.

The post holder will be responsible for implementing the full event journey from brief to evaluation, adopting the new processes that have been introduced to support a high performing events function. Working with the Head of Events you will contribute to the overall development of the events programme and a centralised pool of shared content and resources.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Event Management

Reporting to the Head of Events, support the Events Team to deliver WSET’s event programme by being responsible for the end to end event management of your own portfolio of approx. 20 events

Work in collaboration with regional Business Development Teams to develop, deliver and measure event activities within their major markets (specific focus on UK events).

Adopt and implement central event processes using approved templates to manage the full event lifecycle and to maintain consistency across team activities

Logistics: coordinating and delivering all aspects of event logistics including staffing and resourcing, stand requirements, branded materials, sourcing samples, equipment, AV, shipping and carrying out all associated events admin

Supplier management: source external suppliers when necessary and develop strong relationships to ensure high standards and reliable delivery of goods and service, adhering to institutional procurement and financial procedures

Budget management: providing realistic income forecasts and keeping accurate records of expenditure related to each event

Stakeholder briefings: ensure that appropriate briefings are provided for staff attending events, event follow up is conducted on time and outcomes are presented as appropriate

Content and programming: Identify and engage speakers, ensuring event content is relevant to objectives

Data management: ensuring data capture and processing is compliant with agreed processes and confidentiality is maintained at all times

Carry out contingency planning, risk assessments and communicate health and safety procedures in relation to events

Evaluation and reporting: implement post event de-brief activity and produce an evaluation measuring against KPIs for every event within the agreed timescales.

Ensure regular status updates are scheduled into the event plan and carried out with relevant business stakeholders to update on progress

Events Support

Support the delivery of Tier 3 events in an advisory capacity, providing consultancy and booking out event banners and equipment.

Events Team

• Responsibilities as a member of the Events Team will require the post holder to support the following areas:
• Manage the events mailbox to ensure enquiries are responded to and dealt with in a timely manner
• Manage the booking and loaning of centralised events materials
• Inventory management of marketing publications
• Add listings to the global events calendar
• Positively contribute to team performance, undertake job relevant training and represent the Events Team during wider business updates as required

Person Specification

Experience

• A strong background in an events or project management role
• Demonstrable experience of planning and delivering successful events – tradeshow experience essential
• Drinks industry experience
• Programming and presenter liaison
• Budget forecasting and reporting
• Developing effective business relationships with individuals at all levels
• Producing inspiring and engaging copy, in print and online
• Knowledge of social media channels
• Working knowledge of CRM databases and data management best practice
• Willingness to travel internationally and work outside of standard office hours on some occasions
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and event management software e.g. Eventbrite and Mailchimp

Personal attributes

• Excellent communication skills, transparency and the ability to adapt language and tone to suit a variety of different audiences
• Punctual, highly organised with the ability to achieve deadlines and objectives
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• The ability to act with tact and diplomacy and maintain professional conduct at all times
• A proactive mindset, positive attitude and strong work ethic
• A team player who is committed to contributing to the success of a team

Desirable skills and experience

• International events experience
• Fluency in a second language
• WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits or higher

Benefits Package

WSET employees benefit from an inclusive and supportive work environment in addition to the following:

• 35 days holiday (rising to 37 with long service) inclusive of statutory bank holidays
• A generous contributory pension scheme
• Fantastic private health, medical and death in service package
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

To apply for this position you must first fill out the WSET application form, please download by clicking HERE. Please send this application form alongside your CV to the email address at the bottom of the form, alternatively click HERE