Global Operations Leader - Client Meetings and Events Programme

Flight Centre Travel Group; City Of London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global events and travel management company based in the UK is seeking a Global Operations Leader. This pivotal role involves ensuring exceptional service delivery for clients' global meeting and events programs. The ideal candidate will have over five years of experience in operations leadership, a strong background in meetings and events management, and the capability to drive efficiency across operations. The position offers exclusive travel discounts, career development opportunities, and a vibrant company culture.

Benefits

Exclusive Travel Discounts

Career Development

Vibrant Culture & industry-renowned social events

Active Hour

Comprehensive Health Cash Plan

Health & Wellbeing Challenges

Financial Wellbeing Support

Company-matched charitable donations

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a similar client facing operations leadership role.
• Proven experience in meetings and events management, preferably in a global environment.
• Demonstrated ability in financial analysis.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement operational strategies for client meetings and events.
• Manage global supply chain and logistics operations.
• Collect and analyze client data for service improvement.

Skills

Client relationship management

Budget management

Project management

Event management technology

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Tertiary level qualification in related field

Professional certifications in event management or project management

Job description

The Global Operations Leader ensures exceptional delivery of the client's global meeting and events programme through strategic optimisation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. This role defines and implements strategies, methodologies, and processes that drive efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and superior service delivery across all client event operations worldwide. As the primary client-facing operational lead, this position is responsible for governance, risk management, and performance enhancement across the entire programme lifecycle.

About FCM Meeting and Events

Working for FCM Meetings & Events is all about bringing the world together, one event at a time. Attending events is no longer just about "getting together" - it's about reconnecting, relinking, and reopening the globe. Our shared culture, creativity and systems with parent travel management company, FCM, means our clients receive the best of both worlds. Plus, it means our people are offered award-winning work perks. We don't just think outside the box, we dance around it. Join our team to work with the best of the best in a flexible, collaborative events agency.

The Role

• Serve as the primary point of contact for client service components and issues related to meetings and events programme operations
• Develop and implement global operational strategies and policies to drive efficiency and productivity across the client's entire M&E programme
• Drive the optimisation of global budgets and control expenses to ensure cost-effectiveness aligned to the client's global savings targets
• Identify and mitigate risks in operational processes and develop contingency plans
• Collect and analyse client data to provide actionable insights and improve service delivery
• Manage and coordinate global supply chain and logistics operations to ensure year-over-year 3rd party vendor cost and relationship efficiencies
• Monitor and analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to identify areas for improvement
• Oversee daily operations across all regions, ensuring smooth and efficient execution of processes and key service deliverables
• Lead, mentor, and develop a global team of operational team members that support the delivery of programme goals and service excellence
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, such as sales, marketing, finance, and senior leadership, to achieve programme goals
• Lead/sponsor business improvement projects across the client's global network

• 5+ years of experience in a similar client facing operations leadership role
• Proven experience in meetings and events management, preferably in a global environment
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office suite with advanced skills
• Experience with event management technology systems
• Demonstrated ability in budget management and financial analysis
• Industry knowledge of travel, tourism events, groups & meetings
• Project management experience with complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives
• Experience managing global teams across multiple locations and time zones
• Background in client relationship management and stakeholder communicationBackground in Life sciences is advantageous

Qualifications

• Tertiary level qualification in related field
• Professional certifications in event management, project management, or operations preferred

What's in it for you

• Exclusive Travel Discounts: As part of Flight Centre Travel Group, you gain access to exclusive industry rates and discounts through our in-house travel team.
• Career Development: With Flight Centre Travel Groups global presence, spanning 30+ brands in over 20 countries, youll have clear career pathways and the resources you need to achieve your professional goals, including training and support.
• Vibrant Culture & industry-renowned social events: Experience our fun, industry-renowned culture with exciting social events such as monthly awards nights, global conferences, end-of-financial-year balls, and more.
• Active Hour: Prioritise your well-being with an hour dedicated each week to focus on your fitness or personal wellness.
• Comprehensive Health Cash Plan: Get reimbursed for a variety of medical services, including dental, optical, and chiropractic care, with our bronze-level health cash plan.
• Health & Wellbeing Challenges: Stay engaged with monthly health and wellbeing challenges designed to keep you motivated and healthy.
• Financial Wellbeing Support: Access expert financial services, including mortgage advice, regulated financial guidance, and money to help you manage your finances.
• And Much More: Enjoy a range of additional benefits, including company-matched charitable donations, an excellent pension scheme, share options, an electric vehicle scheme, and a variety of salary sacrifice benefits.

Our number one philosophy is Our people. Flight Centre Travel Group's promise is to provide an environment with equality of respect, dignity and opportunity for all our employees. We value an inclusive and supportive workplace which reflects the diversity of our society.

We welcome accommodation requests to help make our hiring and onboarding experience as accessible as possible. Please advise us about accommodation needs at any point by contacting our Recruitment Team at .