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Conference Events Manager

Organisation Description

LEAD Network is a non-profit and volunteer-led organisation committed to attracting, retaining and advancing women in the Consumer Goods and Retail sector in Europe. Our Vision is of workplaces with a diverse and equitable workforce where everyone can contribute and grow, and where organisations thrive. Our mission is to attract, retain, and advance all women in the Consumer Goods and Retail industry, creating sustainable business value. We have over 23,000 Members, from 81 countries, partner with over 70 companies from our industry and have over 430+ Volunteers who actively help drive our mission forward.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic and highly organised Conference Events Manager for our Annual Conference which will be held in Milan on 8th and 9th October 2025. You will manage all operational aspects of the Annual Conference, including logistics, scheduling, and communication with stakeholders.

The position is available immediately, until the end of November 2025. You will need to be flexible and available 16-18 hours a week, rising at peak times leading up to the Conference. In addition to being on site in Milan for the Conference, between Monday 6th to Friday 10th October, you will need to conduct 1 or 2 site visits to Milan before the Conference. You will be reimbursed for travel and accommodation within agreed limits.

Our ideal Conference Events Manager will be adaptable, resilient, with a solutions-driven, client-centered mind with an overall positive attitude. A genuine interest in LEAD Networks mission and vision is a plus.

What you will do as Conference Events Manager

You will act as the main point of contact for all stakeholders, providing timely updates and addressing inquiries and will be responsible for the Project Management of the following elements of the event, working closely with other stakeholders and members of the central team, both virtually and onsite:

  • Event coordination
  • Conference branding – management of printed onsite materials
  • Accommodation
  • Conference logistics
  • Photographer
  • Transfers from hotels and conference venue
  • Technical equipment
  • Food & beverages
  • Furniture
  • Operational management/implementation of conference sponsorship

What you bring to the role

  • Previous operational/management experience of organising Conferences and/or Events.
  • Enthusiastic team player, able to work closely with a wide range of people, including other employees and contractors in the Central Team, Stakeholders and Sponsors.
  • Highly organised professional, with keen attention to detail.
  • Project Management experience; ideally gained as a PM for Conferences/Events.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Able to uphold high standards of professionalism and customer service.
  • Verbal and written fluency in English.
  • Experience of managing stakeholders – for example caterers, photographers and sponsors.
  • Skilled in using Microsoft 365 Suite and collaborative communication tools. You must have your own computer and have relevant licences/security in place.

To apply, you must be a self-employed contractor based in Europe, with the right to operate from the Country where you are based (evidence will be sought if an offer is made). We do not provide sponsorship or relocation support. You must be willing and able to work remotely from your own home, and meet the on-site commitments set out above.

We positively encourage Volunteers of LEAD Network to apply for this role.

What it’s like to work at the LEAD Network

We are a dynamic, vibrant, and fun team, made up of a mix of employees, contractors, and volunteers.  We share passion for our purpose and mission of promoting gender equity within our industry.  We live and work in different places, in Europe, and we embrace flexible working practices.  We collaborate, learn, and grow together, all in the name of achieving our goals!

How to apply

Motivated candidates interested in this role are welcome to send a CV and cover letter to operations@theleadnetwork.net no later than Friday 24th January 2025.

Learn more about LEAD Network here Home – LEAD Network

LEAD Network Core Values

By the Members, for the Members – Our Members and Partners are at the heart of everything we do. United in the journey towards a gender-equitable industry, we collaborate, grow, and succeed together. 

Doing, not trying - As a movement of passionate and curious advocates, we experiment, challenge the status quo and commit to action. We measure progress, share learning, and make an impact.

Cultivating safe spaces - We invite dynamic exchanges of ideas, and welcome varied and opposing viewpoints. We create an open, supportive environment where all the voices of our community are respected and valued.