Events Manager

British Council; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

32 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Job summary

The British Council is seeking an experienced events professional to design, plan and deliver externally focused virtual, hybrid and in-person events and visits. You will work across the Cultural Engagement department, coordinating with teams in the UK and globally to ensure high-impact experiences.

You will lead on budget management, supplier negotiations and safeguarding, while enhancing inclusion and accessibility for diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in planning and delivering complex events for diverse stakeholders.
• Experience with event technology and delivering virtual events on at least two platforms.
• Ability to design accessible and inclusive events for diverse audiences.
• Strong budget management and supplier procurement experience.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection standards.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan and deliver visits and events from concept through completion.
• Manage multiple projects, timelines, and deliverables with stakeholder satisfaction.
• Oversee event operations, logistics, registrations and on-the-day coordination.
• Provide expert guidance to ensure compliant, safe and inclusive event delivery.
• Lead and support external Visit Event Coordinators (VECs) and partners.

Skills

Event management

Stakeholder management

Budgeting & procurement

Virtual events platforms

Accessibility & inclusion

Leadership & mentoring

Data analysis

Education

First degree or equivalent experience

Project/Events management qualification

Tools

Eventsforce

Office 365

Event platforms (virtual/hybrid)

Job description

As a valued employee of the British Council, you already help us deliver our mission to support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For over 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.You are part of our organisation in over 200 countries and territories and where we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.We connect. We inspire.Role PurposeResponsible for the design, development and delivery of externally focused virtual, hybrid and in person events and visits on behalf of the Cultural Engagement department, working closely with colleagues across a varied range of programmes and functions, both in the UK and globallyRole AccountabilitiesLeadership & ManagementShare insights and recommendations to enhance the impact, efficiency and effectiveness of event delivery.Contribute to continuous improvement and innovation across the events portfolio.Strategy & PlanningDesign, plan and deliver visits and events from concept through to completion, ensuring successful outcomes and stakeholder satisfaction.Manage multiple priorities, timelines and deliverables to ensure effective delivery of projects and activities.Consultancy, Analysis & Problem SolvingDefine project objectives, develop delivery plans and monitor progress against agreed milestones.Embed Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) principles across all visits and events.Advise stakeholders on compliance, safeguarding and risk management requirements to ensure safe and successful delivery.Sector Expertise – EventsProvide expert event management guidance to colleagues and stakeholders to support high-quality event delivery.Act as the main point of contact for participants, partners and suppliers, ensuring an excellent stakeholder experience.Manage digital and hybrid event platforms, including setup, content management, speaker preparation and live event support.Oversee event operations, logistics, registrations and on-the-day coordination to ensure seamless delivery.Financial ManagementPrepare and manage event budgets, ensuring value for money and effective use of resources.Procure, negotiate and manage suppliers in line with organisational policies and regulatory requirements.Relationship & Stakeholder ManagementBuild and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders across the global network.Partner with event commissioners and stakeholders to design impactful events and identify the most effective delivery methods.Manage and support external Visit Event Coordinators (VECs) to ensure successful event and visit delivery.Qualifications and Work ExperienceQualificationsEssential:First degree or equivalent experienceDesirableProject or Events Management qualification or equivalent experienceWork ExperienceEssentials:Substantial experience in managing and delivering complex events on behalf of diverse stakeholders.Experience of managing a range of events within varying budgets.Substantial experience with event technology tools and of delivering virtual events on at least two platforms.Understanding of Child Protection and Safeguarding standards.Experience of designing events that are accessible and are inclusive for people from diverse equality backgrounds or, of working with diverse audiences.Understands and promotes ethical conduct, and able to ensure that own behaviour and the behaviour of others is consistent with these standards and values of the British Council including those set out in our EDI priorities.DesirableExperience of using Eventsforce and Office 365Experience of html, integrations and data analysisExperience of delivering training for colleagues or external stakeholdersExperience of working with SAPImportant InformationLanguage requirements: The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required.Pay Band: Grade 7Department: Cultural EngagementContract type: Indefinite Contract -UK 1Contract Hours: Full time - 36 hours per week, Monday to FridayWorking location: United Kingdom (Hybrid)Proof of Identity requirements/right to work in country : Candidates should ensure they have the pre-existing legal right to live and work in the country where the role is based. Relocation assistance is not provided.Benefits for the UK include, but are not limited to:32 days annual leave, in addition to public holidays3 days volunteering leaveCareer average defined benefit pension schemeClosing Date of Applications:2 Oct 2026 (23:59 IST)/ 19:29 BST)A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.Equality, Diversity and Inclusion StatementWe are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.Safeguarding StatementThe British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email [e-mail]