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. For 30 years, we have utilized three flexible delivery models: Embedded teams, Corporate Campus operations, and a Full-Service Agency.

Managing over 37,000 events & projects annually across 110 countries, FIRST serves 130+ brands, specializing in Fortune 500 companies within the Financial Services, Technology, Healthcare, Media, and Professional Services sectors. FIRST is part of the broader Encore family of companies. Encore is a global leader in event production and technology.

Consistently recognized for excellence, recent honors include 2026 Chief Marketer Agency of the Year, the Ad Net Zero Award for sustainability, and more.

Learn more at www.firstagency.com

What You Would Get To Do

The Director of Event Services is responsible for the overall management of the Event Management and Event Production team within a specific remit (regional and/or by campus). The ideal candidate will motivate colleagues in ways that enhance working relationships, foster a team-based approach to situations, and embody the FIRST brand, working as an embedded team member at a well-known Fortune 500 technology company.

Your Contributions

Client Management

Primary point of contact for the client, overseeing the Event Management Program and responsible for regular reporting to the client, including weekly team and program status updates
Identify new and alternative ways of approaching FIRST’s service offering to clients by collecting feedback, identifying trends, and implementing change
Develop a strategy for growth and ensure FIRST is seen to be a strategic advisor, providing proactive (or forward-thinking) guidance and direction

Partner with leadership and delivery teams to conduct quarterly account reviews with account leadership and client stakeholders

Proactively look for ways to streamline processes, identify best practices, and new solutions

Meet with key stakeholders to build and maintain effective working relationships through weekly meetings and management of the event pipeline

Work closely with the Global Account Director and with the wider agency office for additional services outside of the in-house remit

Report status and manage client expectations on production escalation and issues

Support the roll out of the event management program as per remit - ensuring processes are in place, teams are properly onboarded and trained

Provide input for programmatic improvements and enhancements, and build relationships with other support teams to ensure appropriate communication across all support functions

Team Management

Serve as the primary escalation point for the Event Management and Event Production teams in the region.
Serve as a local expert on FIRST processes, and assist teams in navigating successful support from clients and FIRST
Infuse the FIRST brand by creating a positive mindset within the team and lead the integration of wider agency skills and resources into relevant projects and events
Provide support and mentorship to Event Production and Event Management Team Leads
Be solutions-driven and support the wider team
Monitor day-to-day challenges to identify ways to improve efficiencies and processes, as well as implement training for both Event Management and Event Production teams
Ensure the team is providing value to clients and offering value-adds where possible
Manage regional team engagement and budget
Provide regular updates to the client on recruitment status for open roles
Partner with the FIRST People & Culture team on all company initiatives and employee relations matters

Focus on retention of talent through maintaining team welfare, gathering feedback, and enhancing a positive working atmosphere

Staffing Management

Monitor & forecast team capacity levels to ensure proper staffing and reporting
Support key projects on-site as needed to evaluate staffing levels
Support in monitoring and re-engineering of current teams by identifying gaps and/or opportunities, driving efficiencies, and implementing best practices
Provide reports that aid in optimum resourcing and staffing

Data, Commercials & Finance

Understand data requirements and actively collaborate with the Data team to ensure delivery of accurate reports
Collaborate with the Account Operations team to ensure charges to the client are accurate and make adjustments to fees as appropriate
Review and approve freelancer and supplier invoices and time-worked entries
Troubleshoot any invoice issues with suppliers, freelancers, and the Finance team

What We Are Looking For

10+ years of experience in a similar role
Experience overseeing a large team and working in a global organisation
Strong change management background
Bachelor’s Degree required
Excellent project and task management skills, including experience in conference planning, experiential events, digital events, and/or production
Experience managing direct reports and processes in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
Experience implementing and maintaining SOPs
Self-directed with ability to work independently

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

Private Medical Insurance with BUPA from day one

28 Days Annual Leave PLUS Bank Holidays

Personal Volunteer Day

20 Days of Sick Pay Each Year

Enhanced Parental Leave (Maternity & Paternity)

Wellness Stipend

Complimentary access to Headspace, Rocket Lawyer & Maven

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Cycle to Work Scheme

Season Ticket Loan

Mobile Phone Allowance

Pension Scheme Enhancements

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.

FIRST is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. FIRST is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We stand firm: FIRST will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. If any candidate feels that they are unable to meet the requirements of the role, please get in touch to discuss adjustments or other suitable roles.

This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with FIRST, so check their own site for the current details.

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Director, Event Services

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