Project Director

MCI Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

mci group seeks a senior leader to head the Live Events team, guiding project delivery and nurturing client relationships across multiple projects. You will set project standards, mentor staff, and partner with the Commercial Director on proposals to drive annual growth.

The role requires strategic oversight, strong budgeting discipline, and excellent English communication. It offers a front-row seat in a globally connected agency network with UK presence.

Qualifications

• Five+ years of management experience in live/digital/hybrid events.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent qualification.
• Proven ability to contribute at a strategic level.
• Experience planning, developing and delivering live, digital, and hybrid events.
• Strong client relationship management with business development experience.
• Excellent knowledge of UK destinations and events landscape.
• Proven budget monitoring and financial management experience.
• Track record delivering large-scale projects in a service environment.
• Fluent written and spoken English; eligible to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Live Events team to deliver multiple projects on time, on budget and to high quality.
• Act as senior client contact for key accounts; lead meetings and present client priorities.
• Support and mentor Senior Event Project Managers and Coordinators.
• Set profitability targets with Directors of Events and monitor budgets from concept to reconciliation.
• Report project progress and risks to the Director of Events and propose solutions.
• Ensure all project documentation and financial processes follow internal standards.
• Collaborate with Content & Creative teams to align event messaging and branding.
• Develop strong supplier relationships; negotiate favorable terms.
• Support new business through proposals, budgeting, and client pitches.
• Represent MCI UK at industry events; participate in account development.

Skills

Leadership

Client Relationships

Budget Management

Strategic Thinking

Live Events

English Fluency

UK Work Eligibility

Proposal Development

Team Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

CRM software

Budgeting tools

Job description

We are an independent global marketing communications group with a human-first approach. We connect strategy, creativity, technology and operations to help brands and organisations grow with purpose. Our global network supports more than 1,200 clients across 34 countries, backed by over 35 years of experience. Under the mci group umbrella, our agencies bring together world-class talent in strategy, creative development, account leadership, technology, production and research to shape meaningful, lasting impact.

Job Objective

Supporting the Director of Events in leading the Live Events team and cultivating a collaborative, productive and fun working environment, you'll set the standard of project and process management and lead by example whilst overseeing the seamless delivery of client projects.

Providing guidance, and a supportive culture for the team, you'll inspire and encourage them to embrace an entrepreneurial mindset and put creativity at the heart of what we do.

Be pro-active in the development of client relationships in order to maintain and increase account growth. Take ownership of client satisfaction, proactively develop strong relationships and work directly with the Commercial Director to support proposals for your client base, ensuring business is retained year on year.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the team responsible for the delivery of multiple projects and events, ensuring first class management of timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Act as the senior client contact for assigned key accounts, managing relationships and ensuring consistent high standards of service. Lead client meetings and presentations, understand the client's current business priorities and act as the voice of the client within the agency.
• Support and mentor team members, including (Senior) Event Project Managers and Coordinators, providing leadership, direction, and motivation.
• Collaborate with the Directors of Events to set profitability targets for each client and project. Oversee project budgets from conception through to reconciliation, monitoring progress, maintaining profitability and reporting on CRM.
• Report project progress and any potential risks to the Director of Events, proactively identifying solutions.
• Ensure all project documentation and financial processes are accurate, on time, and in line with agreed internal processes. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, training the team on updates as required.
• Collaborate with the Content & Creative team to align event messaging, event branding and production elements, ensuring client communication objectives are met.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships, negotiating favorable terms to benefit both client and agency.
• Support new business efforts, including proposal development, budgeting, and attending client pitches.
• Represent MCI UK at industry events as required.
• Actively participate in account development and networking to maximize revenue opportunities.
• Contribute to recruitment and training of junior team members.

Relationships

Liaise with internal staff at all levels, clients, suppliers, trade and professional associations, and industry bodies.

Requirements

• Minimum five years' relevant experience with management responsibilities.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional qualification.
• Proven ability to contribute at a strategic level.
• Experience in planning, developing, and delivering live, digital, and hybrid events.
• Strong client relationship management skills, including business development and account growth.
• Excellent destination knowledge (UK and overseas).
• Proven experience in budget monitoring and financial management.
• Track record of managing large-scale projects in a service environment.
• Fluent in both written and spoken English
• Eligible to work in the UK

Personal Attributes

• Natural relationship builder with strategic insight and problem-solving instincts.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to manage pitches and complex stakeholder networks.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, strategic and lateral thinker.
• Impeccable written and verbal communication skills, confident presenter, active listener, and persuasive speaker.
• Ability to quickly learn client brands and industries to provide strategic vision and creative energy.

mci group is where you can bring your true self to work and be proud of what you do. Join us and make a difference!