• Senior Leadership Opportunity
• Manage and Develop a Team of Four
• Drive Operational Excellence in Global Events
• Hybrid Working & Excellent Benefits

Are you an experienced leader in event operations and sponsorship delivery, ready to lead a vital function that ensures flawless execution of partner visibility for a global luxury brand?

The Company

This leading international authority is renowned in the global gastronomy, international drinks, and premium travel space, for showcasing worldwide trends and highlighting great restaurants, bars, hotels, and vineyards.

For more than 20 years, the organisation has provided unrivalled guidance through its lists and events to gourmets, cocktail lovers, and discerning travellers, inspiring consumers to explore diverse establishments and cultures. The commitment remains steadfast in unveiling up-and-coming talent, exploring trends, and highlighting the complexity of global cuisines and drinks cultures.

Its impressive portfolio includes some of the world's most influential and high-profile lists within hospitality.

The role offers hybrid working and is based out of the London and West Sussex (near Gatwick) offices.

The Role

We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Head of Partner Operations to lead the partner operations and logistics function within our event programme. This is a full-time, permanent position.

You will manage a team of four, providing direction, leadership, and operational excellence in planning and executing sponsor logistics on the ground. This role is for someone who thrives on delivering operational excellence in a dynamic, high-profile environment, combining strategic oversight with a proactive approach.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Strategic Partner Delivery

Oversee end-to-end delivery of sponsor visibility and assets at events, ensuring contractual obligations are delivered on time, in full, and to brand standards.

Oversee all partner logistics at events linked to partner activations-installations, product integration, and brand visibility.

Act as the bridge between account management and operations to execute contractual obligations.

You will be responsible for close cross-functional coordination, working closely with logistics, production, marketing, and creative teams to deliver partner activations to the highest standard. This involves liaising with venues, agencies, and suppliers to align resources.

As a leader, you will lead and develop the Partner Logistics team, fostering a high-performance culture. This includes working closely with the Operations Director to shape and execute logistics strategy across the event calendar and building strong relationships with internal stakeholders to align logistics with wider business objectives. A key part of the role involves contract oversight and compliance, which requires you to review partner agreements and translate obligations into project plans.

You must also ensure compliance with health & safety, sustainability, and regulatory requirements in all logistics operations. In terms of issue and escalation management, you will lead resolution when partners raise concerns and implement escalation frameworks, while also protecting sponsor relationships while managing operational realities. Finally, the role focuses on reporting and evaluation.

 You will implement efficient processes, tools, and reporting to track progress, manage budgets, and deliver consistent sponsor experiences. Furthermore, you will drive continuous improvement by reviewing post-event feedback and identifying opportunities for innovation.

The Candidate

The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader with a proven track record in event operations and team management:

What you'll need:

• Proven experience in logistics, event operations or sponsorship delivery, ideally within a live events environment.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing teams.
• Excellent organisational and project management abilities, with attention to detail and the ability to work to competing deadlines.
• Effective communicator and relationship builder, comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders and external partners.
• Ability to adapt to fast-changing environments and problem-solve in real time.
• Account management experience considered beneficial.

The company offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including:Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing up to a maximum of 30 days after six years of service.

"MeDay": An additional day of leave for a cultural celebration or your birthday.

Volunteer Day: A volunteer day to support a chosen charity.

Pension & Protection: Contributory Pension, Life Assurance, and Group Income Protection.

Enhanced Leave: Enhanced family-friendly leave pay entitlements.

Wellbeing: Wellbeing benefits, including a health care cash plan, Employee assistance programme, Virtual GP service, and access to health & wellbeing resources and tools.

Schemes: Cycle to Work and Electric Car Schemes.

 In return this agency is giving you the opportunity to take your career to the next level, working with some of the best in the business!

As a specialist events recruitment agency we help our clients build the most talented and diverse teams in the UK. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, embracing diversity across all intersecting dimensions, including ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, well-being, abilities, and neurodiversity.

We are dedicated to ensuring a supportive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any adjustments or accommodations for any reason, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Vacancy Ref - 16131MR