Events Lead

FirstRand Bank; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

FirstRand Bank's RMB division seeks an Events Lead to develop and execute integrated client and employee engagement strategies that support business objectives, strengthen relationships and elevate brand positioning. The role requires strategic thinking and hands-on delivery across concept through to post-event reporting.

You will partner with marketing, sponsorship, communications and external partners to deliver flagship events across the Institutional Portfolio, including Global Markets, with

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement integrated client and employee engagement strategies aligned to RMB's objectives and target audiences.
• Lead the conceptualisation, planning and execution of flagship, sponsorship, client and employee events across the Institutional Segment and the bank as required.
• Translate business objectives into compelling event experiences that resonate with target audiences and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Challenge briefs to uncover opportunities for innovation, differentiation and enhanced engagement.
• Ensure end-to-end management of multiple complex projects with strong execution and governance.

Job description

Job Description

The Events Lead is responsible for developing, leading and executing integrated client and employee engagement strategies that support RMB's business objectives, strengthen client relationships, enhance brand positioning and create meaningful engagement opportunities. This role requires a strategic thinker who can connect business priorities, market opportunities, client needs and brand objectives to develop impactful engagement platforms. Equally important, the successful candidate must possess exceptional executional capability, demonstrating a hands‑on approach to managing complex projects and delivering premium experiences from concept through to implementation and post event reporting.

The role is responsible for the Institutional portfolio, including Global Markets. This will include business sponsorships, conferences and bespoke client and employee engagement initiatives. They will also be responsible for flagship client and employee events where required. Working in partnership with business stakeholders, marketing specialists and external suppliers, the Events Lead will identify opportunities to drive business growth, deepen client relationships, showcase RMB's expertise and create memorable experiences that deliver measurable impact.

Integration across the marketing value chain

The Events Lead should play a key role in ensuring that events do not operate in isolation but are connected into the broader marketing and communications ecosystem. This includes working closely with the Marketing Head to understand strategic priorities, partnering with Sponsorship to activate relevant rights and opportunities, collaborating with Communications to support content and amplification plans, and engaging Research, Digital and business teams where required. The role is not expected to own these specialist disciplines, but rather to ensure that event planning and delivery enables seamless integration, clear accountability and maximum value from each engagement.

Strategic engagement and planning

• Develop and implement integrated client and employee engagement strategies aligned to RMB's business objectives, brand priorities and target audiences
• Take a holistic view of the business, identifying opportunities to leverage engagements, sponsorships and events to strengthen relationships, generate content and drive awareness.
• Assess market trends, client needs, competitor activity and broader environmental factors to inform engagement strategies and recommendations
• Partner with business stakeholders to develop annual engagement plans that support business growth and relationship‑building objectives
• Identify opportunities to connect engagement activities across business units, products and client segments to maximise impact and value

Event strategy, design and delivery

• Lead the conceptualisation, planning and execution of flagship, sponsorship, client and employee events across the Institutional Segment and the bank as required
• Translate business objectives into compelling event experiences that resonate with target audiences and deliver measurable outcomes
• Challenge and interrogate business briefs to uncover opportunities for innovation, differentiation and enhanced engagement
• Ensure the successful end‑to‑end management of multiple complex projects, balancing strategic intent with flawless execution
• Maintain a strong personal involvement in planning and delivery, stepping into operational detail when required to ensure excellence

Stakeholder and relationship management

• Build trusted relationships with senior business leaders and key stakeholders across RMB and the wider FirstRand Group
• Work in close partnership with the Marketing Head, Sponsorship, Communications, Research and Digital teams to ensure events are integrated into broader marketing and communication plans, with clear opportunities identified for sponsorship leverage, content amplification, client engagement and post‑event follow‑up. Work closely with agencies, production partners and suppliers to develop and deliver premium experiences that meet RMB's standards
• Support the Sponsorship team and Marketing Head by providing event‑specific input into sponsorship planning, feasibility, audience experience, delivery requirements and activation opportunities.

Project budget and operational management

• Lead all aspects of event planning and delivery, including timelines, governance, procurement, logistics, risk management and stakeholder communication
• Develop and manage engagement and event budgets, ensuring effective allocation of resources and strong financial discipline
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance processes, systems and ways of working
• Implement best practices and operational standards to ensure consistency, efficiency and excellence across all engagements

Ensure robust measurement and reporting processes are in place to evaluate effectiveness and support future decisi