Head of Events (12-month maternity cover)

12-Months Maternity Cover | Full-Time | Remote Working

The Learning and Performance Institute (LPI) is looking for an experienced Head of Events to take ownership of our established portfolio of high-profile industry events, including the prestigious Learning Awards, LEARNING LIVE, LEARNING LIVE: AI Edition and LEARNING LIVE Networks.

This is a 12-month maternity cover position, and we need someone who has the experience and capability to hit the ground running.

Our events attract influential business leaders, learning professionals, global organisations and industry partners. They're central to the LPI's reputation and commercial success, and expectations are high.

This is a senior, hands-on role with considerable responsibility. You'll be taking charge of a busy events calendar, managing complex projects and ensuring every event meets the standards our audiences expect.

What you'll be responsible for

• End-to-end event delivery: Taking ownership of multiple high-profile events, from planning and production through to on-site execution.
• The Learning Awards: Managing the entire awards programme, including entries, shortlisting, judging and the annual awards ceremony.
• LEARNING LIVE and other events: Taking full responsibility for the end-to-end management and delivery, including conference logistics, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, venues and suppliers.
• Budgets and commercial management: Managing expenditure, negotiating contracts and delivering against financial objectives.
• Stakeholder relationships: Working confidently with senior executives, industry leaders, sponsors, judges, speakers and external partners.
• Team coordination: Leading delivery activity across internal teams and external suppliers, keeping everyone aligned and deadlines on track.

What we're looking for

We're looking for proven experience, not just potential.

You'll need

• 7–10 years' experience in professional event management, including significant responsibility for large-scale, high-profile events.
• A strong track record of independently delivering complex conferences, awards ceremonies or major corporate events.
• Exceptional organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage several demanding deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong commercial judgement, budget management and supplier negotiation experience.
• The confidence to work with senior stakeholders and represent the LPI professionally.
• The ability to make decisions quickly, solve problems independently and remain calm under pressure.
• A meticulous eye for detail, a proactive attitude and a willingness to get personally involved in delivery.
• Experience of managing major industry awards programmes would be a significant advantage.

We particularly welcome applications from experienced interim Heads of Events, freelance Events Directors and senior events professionals who are comfortable stepping into established operations and taking immediate responsibility. If you're used to working on fixed-term contracts, quickly getting to grips with complex event portfolios and delivering results without a lengthy handover, we'd be especially interested in hearing from you.

The reality of the role

This is a demanding position. There will be competing priorities, tight deadlines and periods of considerable pressure, particularly around our major events.

As this is maternity cover, the successful candidate will step in and take responsibility for delivery straightaway. You'll be joining an established events operation with an active calendar, so substantial, directly relevant experience is essential.

If you thrive on responsibility, enjoy the intensity of live events and take pride in delivering exceptional experiences, this is an opportunity to lead a respected and highly visible events portfolio.

Working arrangements

• Contract: 12-month fixed-term maternity cover
• Hours: Full-time
• Location: Remote working, with required on-site attendance at LPI events
• Travel: Attendance at event venues, including preparation and live delivery, is an essential part of the role

Interested?

If you have the experience, judgement and confidence to take on this challenge, we'd like to hear from you.