Event Manager

Job Title: Event Manager

Based: Claygate, Surrey

Contract type: Permanent

Reports To: Director, Hippo Events

Salary: £35,000 per annum + Bonus

Hours: Full-time, Permanent, Office-Based, Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:30.

Overtime being away from home will be required from time to time when on-site at events or networking. This will include early starts and late evenings, and occasionally weekends.

About Hippo Events

Hippo Events is a full-service event agency offering end-to-end Event Project Management and Global Venue Finding. The foundation of the company is to build strong lasting relationships with every one of our clients, and treat their events with the time, focus and detail that they deserve. A client-focused mentality is at the centre of our principals.

We work on a range of event types including Conferences, Training, Meetings, Incentives and Gala Dinners, among others, with events ranging from 50 – 500 in size, predominantly taking place in the UK.

Job Summary

The Event Manager will manage Venue Finding enquiries and the end-to-end management and delivery of multiple live events.

Candidates should be highly personable, outgoing self-starters with a demonstrated ability to build strong, trusted relationships with clients and suppliers. This role rewards proactivity, organisation, attention to detail, enthusiasm, and drive. The ideal candidate will also have a proven track record in successfully leading on event management projects.

As part of a small, close-knit team, we’re looking for someone adaptable, collaborative, and willing to roll up their sleeves to support colleagues and contribute across different areas when needed.

The role is an office-based position, with the obligation to attend live events on-site when required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Receiving and writing up detailed initial event briefs from current and potential clients
• Venue Sourcing, researching and approaching venues & suppliers, obtaining and negotiating quotations
• Writing Venue Proposals for clients, organising site visits & contracts
• Leading on events from concept to completion, including sourcing, contacting, liaising and negotiating with suppliers and venues.
• Supporting the Company Director and Operations Director on large-sized events.
• Acting as the main point of contact for the client
• Logistics & Ops planning, H&S, Risk Assessments
• Updating event budgets with related costs, monitoring costs in line with budgets
• Work to deadlines for critical paths, client and supplier deadlines.
• Supporting the delivery of events on-site
• Attending site visits, networking events and familiarisation trips to develop your destination and venue knowledge (this will involve occasional evening and weekend time)

Ensuring excellent customer service and delivery quality

Client follow-up calls to obtain feedback

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Minimum 3 years of Agency or Corporate event experience
• A positive cheerful personality with a self-motivated ‘can do’ attitude
• Strong interpersonal skills with the talent to build strong lasting relationships
• Ability to be proactive, multitask, learn quickly, and stay organised
• Be a confident and clear communicator, with both strong written and spoken skills
• Strong computer literacy in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word and Outlook)
• Fluent English, both spoken and written
• Attention to detail in all areas
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and within a small team
• Availability to travel both domestically and international when required
• A valid UK driving licence with access to a personal vehicle

Perks / Benefits

• Free Car Parking
• UK Bank Holidays + 20 Days Annual Leave (increased by 1 day per year, up to 25 days)
• Performance-related Bonus
• Christmas to New Year office closure (not taken out of annual leave)
• Birthdays Off
• Weekend work (e.g. when on-site for events) will be compensated as time off in lieu
• Any work-related travel expenses covered
• A unique opportunity to work directly with an experienced Company Director with 1-2-1 guidance.

Interested applicants should send by email your Covering Letter and CV to Karen Benson: karenbenson@hippoevents.co.uk.

If you have any questions in relation to this role, please feel free to contact Steve directly on the email address above.

Application Deadline: Friday 10 October 2025