Senior Project Manager, Portfolio Specialist

Firstagency; City of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global brand experience agency is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead complex events and provide exceptional service to clients. The role requires 8–10 years of event coordination experience, strong project management skills, and the ability to work collaboratively. The ideal candidate will enhance client satisfaction through innovative solutions and manage budgets effectively. Opportunities for travel to various locations for site visits are included.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

28 Days Annual Leave

Wellness Stipend

Life Insurance

Discretionary Bonus Structure

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years’ experience in event coordination within corporate environments.
• Extensive experience working with senior clients.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of complex events.
• Manage budgets and financial reporting for events.
• Mentor and manage a team to ensure client satisfaction.

Skills

Event coordination experience

Advanced project management skills

Leadership/influencing skills

Excellent communication skills

Customer focus

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Cvent

Job description

FIRST is a leading global brand experience agency serving clients in various industries, including financial services, technology, new & traditional media, aerospace, healthcare, and professional services. FIRST has received numerous accolades, including being listed among the 2025 Most Innovative Marketing Agencies of the Year by Chief Marketer, named Top Agency of the Year 2024 by Event Marketer, highlighted as a Global Agency of the Year, over 100 Employees by C&IT, and listed among the "200 Top Marketing Agencies" in 2024, 2023, & 2022 by Chief Marketer.

The Senior Project Manager, Portfolio Specialist will consistently deliver exceptional service to our high-touch clients through excellent project management and creative solutions. This position will lead and support virtual, in-person, and hybrid events, including but not limited to internal programs, client-facing events (including conferences), hospitality, thought leadership, sporting, and cultural programs. As a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in a specific line of business or event type, the Portfolio Specialist provides consultative guidance and hands‑on support to ensure the successful design, execution, and delivery of events. Collaborating with cross‑functional teams, this seasoned professional drives innovation, efficiency, and alignment with client goals.

There is a requirement for on-site events to travel domestically or abroad as required.

Your Contributions

• Full life‑cycle planning and execution of multiple key events in a virtual, in‑person and hybrid capacity
• Virtual event planning and project management, including confirming the appropriate virtual platform, creation of timelines, invitation process, thorough and regular communications to attendees, suppliers and stakeholders
• Financial management, including: budget development and management, expense management and invoice processing, timely post‑meeting reconciliation and final financial reporting
• Sourcing, negotiating and managing site selections, contract management for venues and suppliers
• Coordinate registration, transportation, hotel accommodations, entertainment, gift selection, audio/visual needs, webcasts, staging and speaker selection for all programs; strong focus on vendor management
• Work with the team to ensure adherence to the client’s standards of operation and policies; ensure compliance and risk guidelines are followed
• Post‑event wrap‑up, including final attendees, budget reconciliation, observations, suggestions for the following year, as well as client debriefs for year‑over‑year improvements
• Lead on a larger scale, programs that are highly complex and/or require white glove service levels with high‑level stakeholders; strong team player
• Mentor or manage a team, which may include up to 5 direct reports. Management responsibilities, if applicable, include:
  • Managing vacation schedules for direct reports, ensuring coverage for the client at all times, including providing coverage when team members are out of the office on vacation or for an event
  • Oversee the workload of the team, ensuring a day‑to‑day understanding of capacity/pressure points
  • Management of staffing assignments considering individual team members’ capacities and capabilities
  • Management of personal development reviews for direct reports
  • Lead and motivate direct reports, encouraging a productive and positive atmosphere
  • Review and approve monthly expense reports
• Subject Matter Expertise
  • Act as the go‑to expert for a specific event type, industry vertical, or area of expertise.
  • Contribute to the development of standardised processes, tools, and templates for your area of expertise.
  • Identify opportunities to enhance operational efficiencies and client satisfaction.
  • Partner with team management to identify opportunities for enhancing operational efficiencies and client satisfaction, refining delivery models and supporting account growth.
• Create and closely monitor value‑adds at every opportunity, and demonstrate commercial awareness.
• Share knowledge of best practices, new suppliers, services and venues
• Deepen relations with existing clients and maximise all opportunities to generate new business

What We Are Looking For

• 8-10+ years’ event coordination experience, in a corporate or financial services environment
• Advanced experience of events, conferences, meetings and production management, including but not limited to C‑level executive events, cocktail receptions and dinners, meetings and multi‑day events
• Extensive experience in working with and managing senior clients
• Advanced project management skills, including: budget creation, management and reconciliation
• People management experience preferred, but not required
• Motivated, self‑starter, ability to work independently and project plan; ability to think innovatively
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; proven ability to work well under pressure to meet established deadlines
• Virtual event experience is a plus
• Proven ability to mentor team members, development operations, organisational systems and processes
• Proven ability to think innovatively to bring events/programs to fruition
• Leadership/influencing/negotiation and decision‑making skills
• Resourceful individual with the ability to take direction and work independently; be proactive with ideas and creative solutions
• Customer focus, approachable; ability to adjust to client needs and style and deepen relationships in support of their programs; adapt to ever‑changing demands and different client work styles
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ambitious, proactive and highly organised
• Willing to travel to various locations for site visits and on‑site management of events
• Experience working with large and complex databases preferred, Cvent experience preferred
• Proficient with Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of venues and suppliers in key UK cities

At FIRST, we believe that the passion, creativity, and commitment of our teams drive our success. That's why we offer a range of benefits and perks to support your personal and professional growth

• Private Medical Insurance with BUPA from day one
• 28 Days Annual Leave PLUS Bank Holidays
• 20 Days of Sick Pay each Year
• Enhanced Parental Leave (Maternity & Paternity)
• Wellness Stipend
• Complimentary access to Headspace, Rocket Lawyer & Maven
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Season Ticket Loan
• Pension Scheme Enhancements
• Discretionary Bonus Structure
• Global Opportunities: With a presence in 7 countries worldwide, including headquarters in London, New York, and Singapore, you may have the opportunity to work on exciting projects across different locations.

FIRST is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. FIRST is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We stand firm: FIRST will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. If any candidate feels that they are unable to meet the requirements of the role, please get in touch to discuss adjustments or other suitable roles.

FIRST is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. FIRST is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We stand firm: FIRST will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. If any candidate feels that they are unable to meet the requirements of the role, please get in touch to discuss adjustments or other suitable roles.

Please note that all candidates who are extended an offer for a role at FIRST will be required to undergo a background check. Subject to local laws, this may include verification of employment history, educational history, criminal background checks and certain financial disclosure depending on your role. Failure to pass such background check will result in your offer being rescinded. Please acknowledge your agreement to continue your application.