Here at AIS, we have an exciting opportunity available for an Head of Events to join our Toys team based in Solihull. We offer hybrid working on-site and from home. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis.

AIS is the UK and Ireland’s leading buying and services group for fashion, home and leisure for independent retail. The business is now entering an exciting time of change, with a new Managing Director at the helm and a transformational agenda to bring a more commercial and customer-focused approach to this well-established and successful organisation.

As our Head of Events, you will support the Director of Events executing the development and growth strategies for trade shows; maximise the earning potential for Cranmore Park, building its reputation as a premier destination for exhibitions, conferences and meetings; take responsibility for the day-to-day supervision of the Event Sales and Business Development team and lead the planning and organisation for all event types, ensuring smooth and successful delivery.

Key responsibilities as our Head of Events

Align and integrate event operation procedures to support the broader strategic objectives

Liaise and collaborate with internal category and show management stakeholders to set goals and objectives for trade shows

Develop annual operation plans for external events to support the marketing and sales strategy for Cranmore Park

Ensure that event assets and resources are identified and managed to facilitate all event types

Lead, motivate and support the Event Sales and Business Development Managers

Recognise achievements, provide guidance, mentorship and training to team members

Manage and delegate tasks and responsibilities effectively, ensuring efficient workflow and resource allocation.

Conduct regular performance evaluations and develop objectives and sales targets for the team and individuals

Review process and procedures and identify improvements to ensure smooth delivery of events.

Establish and report on a key set of KPI’s and metrics to measure success of internal and external events.

Monitor event progress, troubleshoot issues, and make real-time decisions to ensure successful outcomes.

What we’re looking for in our Head of Events:

Extensive knowledge and experience managing, running and planning events

Commercially minded with a sales and business development background

Ability to look at the bigger picture and align strategies with company objectives

Enjoys networking to promote the brand and event spaces

Highly creative to curate bespoke experiences for visitors 

Ability to interpret consumer insights and market trends within the events space

Proven sales skills with a track record of growing revenues, ideally in B2B exhibitions

Commercially focused with proven experience in managing and delivering budgets

Solid negotiation, time management and organisational skills

Clear understanding and delivery of core event KPIs and delivering profitable accounts

Personable and approachable creative talent with charisma and the ability to build and maintain relationships

Demonstrate a proven record of understanding sales, negotiation, the sales cycle, driving revenue and team success

Well-developed questioning and probing skills with an analytical approach enabling the interpretation of answers

Experience in effectively communicating priorities, delivery expectations, risks and concerns to management

IT literate - Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) Internet and Social Media. Momentus/CRM and Priava experience preferred

If you feel you have the skills and experience needed to become the  Head of Events at AIS, then please click ‘apply’ today! We’d love to hear from you

Or check similar jobs