Events Lead

RMB - Rand Merchant Bank; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

RMB - Rand Merchant Bank in Johannesburg is seeking an Events Lead to develop, lead and execute integrated client and employee engagement strategies aligned with our business objectives. You will translate objectives into premium event experiences, manage complex programs from concept to post-event reporting, and partner with Marketing, Sponsorship, Communications and Research teams to maximise impact.

This role requires leadership, budget control and hands-on delivery across the bank’s

Qualifications

• Relevant degree required and substantial experience in marketing, client engagement, events or experiential marketing.
• Minimum of 10 years' experience in marketing, client engagement, events or experiential marketing roles.
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale, high-profile client and employee engagement initiatives.
• Experience in premium, relationship-based marketing environments.
• Strong understanding of client-centric engagement strategies, B2B marketing principles, and corporate and investment banking environments (advantageous).
• Proven ability in strategic event management and experiential marketing.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Collaborate with Marketing Head, Sponsorship, Communications, Research and Digital teams to ensure events are integrated into broader plans.
• Manage budgets, procurement, logistics, risk and stakeholder communications for events.
• Provide post-event reports and strategic recommendations demonstrating business impact.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Project management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Communication skills

Event management

Education

Relevant degree in Marketing, Communications, Business or a related field

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.

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 decision‑making.

Measurement and insights

• Define success measures and objectives for engagement activities and events
• Partner with the Research and Insights team to evaluate performance and return on investment
• Develop post‑event reports and strategic recommendations that demonstrate business impact and identify opportunities for future enhancement

Team leadership and capability building

• Act as a mentor and subject matter expert within the Events team, contributing to the continuous development of team capability and professional standards
• Support the growth of team members by providing guidance, constructive feedback, knowledge sharing and on‑the‑job coaching
• Foster strategic thinking and best practice event management across the team
• Create opportunities for team members to broaden their experience and build confidence through exposure to increasingly complex projects and stakeholder engagement
• Champion a culture of continuous learning, innovation, accountability and excellence
• Lead by example, balancing strategic leadership with a hands‑on approach that encourages collaboration and shared ownership of outcomes

Additional Requirements

• Strong understanding of marketing, communications and client engagement principles
• Proven experience developing and delivering integrated engagement and experiential marketing strategies
• Knowledge of financial services, Corporate and Investment Banking, markets and competitor environments would be advantageous
• Understanding of macroeconomic trends, industry dynamics and client landscapes
• Strong people leadership and stakeholder management capability
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining exceptional standards

Qualifications And Experience

• Relevant degree in Marketing, Communications, Business or a related field
• Minimum of 10 years' experience in marketing, client engagement, events or experiential marketing roles
• Demonstrated experience leading large‑scale, high‑profile client and employee engagement initiatives
• Experience in premium, relationship‑based marketing environments
• Strong understanding of:
• Client‑centric engagement strategies
• B2B marketing principles
• Corporate and Investment Banking environments (advantageous)
• Strategic event management and experiential marketing

KEY COMPETENCIES

Strategic Capabilities

• Strategic and big‑picture thinking
• Innovation and creativity
• Ability to identify opportunities and connect ideas across the business
• Strong business judgement and decision‑making

Leadership and relationship management

• Influencing and stakeholder management
• Building strategic partnerships
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Executive presence and credibility
• Strong communication and presentation skills

Delivery excellence

• Exceptional project and programme management
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Results orientation and accountability
• Organisational agility and adaptabilityAbility to manage complexity and competing priorities

Personal attributes

• Hands‑on and willing to roll up their sleeves when required
• Comfortable moving between strategic thinking and operational execution
• High levels of ownership and accountability
• Service‑oriented mindset
• Resilient, proactive and solutions‑focused
• Passion for creating exceptional client and employee experiences

Key Success Factor

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable in the boardroom shaping long‑term engagement strategy as they are behind the scenes managing event delivery, solving operational challenges and ensuring that every detail contributes to an exceptional experience

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All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group’s Employment Equity plan. The Bank supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities. In order for us to fulfill this purpose, candidates can disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis. The Bank will keep this information confidential unless we are required by law to disclose this information to other parties.