71 Event Management jobs in the United Kingdom

Job Title: Experiential – Account Director

Location: Hybrid (UK-based with travel across UK & Europe)

Reporting To: Head of Client Services and the Chief Experiential Officer

Contract Type: 13 month FTC – Mat Leave Cover

About brandformula

brandformula is a strategic marketing agency that brings brands to life through impactful, insight-led experiences across events, exhibitions, and activations. We work with ambitious brands in the financial services sector, delivering bold creative thinking and flawless execution.

We are now looking for a confident, commercially driven Account Director – Experiential to lead our growing team, shape strategic direction, and deliver standout experiences across the UK and Europe.

The Role

As the Experiential – Account Director, you’ll oversee the day-to-day management of the Experiential team while driving growth, ensuring operational excellence, and acting as a senior client lead. Reporting into the Head of Client Services and the Chief Experiential Officer, you will work strategically across the agency, helping to integrate experiential thinking into broader client solutions and collaborating with other departments on upsell and cross-sell opportunities.

This is a role for a strong leader who is not only strategically minded but also comfortable making confident decisions, leading from the front, and mentoring others.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Experiential team (3 direct reports), providing daily support, development, and performance oversight
• Be the key client contact for dedicated accounts, while supporting wider relationship management across all experiential projects
• Drive sales and growth within the Experiential function, identifying new opportunities and leading cross-agency upsell initiatives
• Oversee and manage end-to-end project delivery, from client brief through to final execution
• Confidently pitch and present to senior stakeholders, articulating strategic thinking and creative direction
• Maintain regular reporting and performance metrics, providing insight to the Executive Director and wider leadership team
• Work closely with suppliers, ensuring timely delivery, cost management, and creative integrity
•  Collaborate with exhibition designers and builders, demonstrating a solid understanding of materials, build methods, finishes, costs, and technical language
• Ensure full financial oversight of the team’s work, including budget creation, estimate development, invoicing and reconciliation
• Champion innovation within the team – identifying fresh formats, technologies, and experiential trends
• Support team development – act as a mentor, provide training and advice, and create an environment for growth and learning
• Travel as required across the UK and Europe to oversee live event delivery (including occasional weekend travel during peak periods)

What You’ll Bring

• A minimum of 8 years’ experience in experiential marketing, events, or exhibitions
• Strong background in managing both client relationships and internal teams
• Proven experience in cross-functional collaboration and growing business through upselling
• A confident, strategic mindset – not afraid to make big decisions or challenge the status quo
• Deep understanding of exhibition build processes, with fluency in materials, finishes, and build costs
• Skilled in supplier and budget management, with strong commercial acumen
• Proficient in Microsoft 365, particularly Excel and Canva 
• Excellent presentation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to work at pace, meet tight deadlines, and manage multiple workstreams effectively
• Passionate about delivering industry-leading experiences and supporting team development

Why Join brandformula?

• At brandformula, you’ll be part of a collaborative, ambitious, and supportive team that’s passionate about creating exceptional work. You’ll have the autonomy to shape ideas, drive growth, and lead exciting projects across Europe and beyond.

• Develop and refine innovative, high-quality menus for a variety of events, including corporate functions, private parties, and virtual gatherings.
• Manage all aspects of food sourcing, procurement, and supplier relationships, negotiating the best possible terms and ensuring premium quality ingredients.
• Oversee food preparation standards, ensuring consistency and excellence in execution across all catering orders, often involving coordination with external partners for final plating and delivery.
• Maintain stringent food safety and hygiene standards, adhering to all relevant regulations and best practices, even in a remote setting through detailed training and oversight.
• Collaborate closely with the event management team to understand client briefs, deliver on culinary visions, and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
• Lead virtual cooking demonstrations or masterclasses as part of client engagement strategies.
  
• Manage budget adherence for all culinary operations, optimising costs without compromising on quality.
• Stay abreast of current food trends, culinary techniques, and market demands to continuously innovate and enhance our offerings.
• Provide guidance and support to junior culinary team members and external catering partners.

• Significant experience in a Head Chef or equivalent senior culinary role, preferably with experience in catering or large-scale event food service.
• Demonstrable expertise in menu design, food styling, and presentation.
• Excellent understanding of food safety regulations and HACCP principles.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage and motivate a team effectively, remotely.
• Proficiency in budget management and cost control.
• A passion for food innovation and a commitment to delivering outstanding customer experiences.
• Adaptability and resourcefulness in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Experience with virtual event platforms and digital communication tools is advantageous.

• Developing and refining the strategic vision for outdoor pursuits and event offerings.
• Overseeing the planning, organisation, and delivery of diverse sporting and recreational events.
• Managing event budgets, ensuring financial targets are met and maximising return on investment.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with vendors, sponsors, and community partners.
• Implementing robust risk management and safety protocols for all activities and events.
• Leading and motivating a remote team of event coordinators and outdoor activity specialists.
• Conducting market research to identify emerging trends and opportunities in the leisure and sports sector.
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and legal requirements.
• Designing and executing marketing and promotional campaigns to drive participation and attendance.
• Continuously evaluating event success and identifying areas for improvement.

• Develop comprehensive event plans, including timelines, budgets, and logistical arrangements.
• Source and manage relationships with vendors, venues, and suppliers.
• Coordinate event registration, attendee communication, and engagement strategies.
• Manage event budgets, track expenses, and ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Oversee the setup and execution of virtual event platforms and technologies.
• For hybrid/in-person events, coordinate on-site logistics, staffing, and troubleshooting.
• Create event marketing materials and promotional campaigns in collaboration with the marketing team.
• Conduct post-event analysis, gather feedback, and prepare comprehensive reports.
• Ensure all events align with Our client's brand and objectives.
• Proactively identify and mitigate potential event risks.

• Proven experience in event planning and management, with a portfolio of successful events.
• Strong understanding of event logistics, venue management, and vendor coordination.
• Experience with virtual event platforms and technologies (e.g., Zoom, Hopin, Cvent).
• Excellent organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.
• Proficiency in budget management and financial tracking.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, essential for remote collaboration and client interaction.
• Creative problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a remote setting.
• Knowledge of the hospitality and tourism industry is a plus.
• A relevant degree or certification in Hospitality Management, Event Management, or Marketing is desirable.

• Conceptualize, develop, and refine innovative menus for various event types (weddings, corporate functions, private parties) and cuisines.
• Collaborate with the sales and event planning teams to understand client requirements and tailor menu offerings accordingly.
• Source high-quality ingredients and establish strong relationships with reliable suppliers, negotiating pricing and ensuring timely delivery.
• Develop and maintain standardized recipes and plating guides to ensure consistency across all events.
• Oversee food safety and sanitation protocols, ensuring compliance with all relevant health regulations, even in remote operations.
• Conduct regular quality control checks on food preparation and presentation for events.
• Manage food costs and contribute to budget planning for culinary operations.
• Train and provide guidance to off-site culinary teams and kitchen staff remotely.
• Stay abreast of current culinary trends, dietary needs, and innovative food presentation techniques.
• Develop and implement cost-effective solutions for menu engineering and waste reduction.
• Create detailed prep lists and production schedules for event catering execution.
• Contribute to the overall strategy and vision of the catering company's culinary offerings.
• Work closely with event managers to ensure seamless execution on event days, providing remote support as needed.

• Minimum of 8 years of experience as a Head Chef, Executive Chef, or Senior Sous Chef in high-volume catering or fine dining establishments.
• Demonstrated expertise in menu development, food costing, and inventory management.
• Extensive knowledge of diverse cuisines, dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, allergies), and current food trends.
• Proven ability to manage multiple culinary projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to motivate and guide teams remotely.
• Excellent understanding of food safety regulations and best practices.
• Proficiency in culinary software for recipe management and cost control is a plus.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage responsibilities effectively in a fully remote setup.
• Culinary degree or recognized apprenticeship is highly preferred.
• A portfolio showcasing diverse and innovative menu creations is essential.

• Design and develop innovative, seasonal menus tailored to various event types and client specifications.
• Source high-quality ingredients, establishing relationships with reliable suppliers.
• Develop detailed recipes, costing, and portion control guidelines for all menu items.
• Ensure all menu offerings meet current food safety and hygiene standards.
• Collaborate with the event planning team to provide culinary expertise and solutions for client requirements.
• Develop menu proposals and present them to clients, adapting them based on feedback.
• Manage food costs effectively, ensuring profitability while maintaining exceptional quality.
• Stay updated on culinary trends, new ingredients, and innovative cooking techniques.
• Provide guidance on presentation and plating standards for event food service.
• Occasionally participate in remote tastings or consultations with clients.

• Professional Chef qualification or equivalent industry experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in professional kitchens, with a significant focus on menu development and high-end event catering.
• Proven ability to create diverse and appealing menus, catering to various dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies).
• Strong understanding of food costing, inventory management, and supplier negotiation.
• Excellent culinary creativity and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in using digital tools for recipe management, costing, and communication.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively remotely.
• Proactive and self-motivated with a keen eye for detail.
• Passion for food and delivering exceptional dining experiences.

• Develop and implement strategic catering plans for various events.
• Manage relationships with food suppliers and negotiate contracts.
• Oversee menu planning, costing, and presentation standards.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and hygiene regulations.
• Coordinate catering logistics, including staffing, equipment, and transportation.
• Monitor event execution and client feedback to ensure satisfaction.
• Manage catering budgets and control food costs.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues during events.
• Train and mentor catering staff through virtual platforms.

• Extensive experience in catering management, event hospitality, or a related field.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and complex logistical challenges.
• Strong understanding of culinary arts, food safety, and event production.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in event management software and remote collaboration tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a remote team.