Graduate Event Operations Executive (6-month fixed term contract)

About Us The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide. At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world. In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing. Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere. Build a newsworthy career at the FT. Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups. The Role FT Live is the conferences and events division of the Financial Times and its group publications. Its mission is to bring global executive audiences the latest knowledge and opinion while creating opportunities for influential leaders to connect. Chaired by senior FT journalists, FT Live’s portfolio includes more than 200 events, strategic forums and digital webinars each year. These events bring together leading public- and private-sector decision-makers, visionaries and strategists for agenda-setting discussions on the defining issues facing global economies and industries. From distinctive audience experiences such as the FTWeekend Festival to senior-level business summits including the award-winning Global Boardroom, FT Live is one of the FT Group’s most successful and fastest-growing divisions. We are seeking an enthusiastic Event Operations Executives to support the delivery of FT Live’s portfolio of in-person, digital and hybrid events. Working closely with Event Managers and colleagues across the wider team, you will contribute to event planning and delivery while providing audiovisual and digital production support where required. This role is a 6-month fixed-term contract opportunity ending in September 2027. Key Responsibilities Support Event Managers in delivering high-quality in-person, digital and hybrid events. Liaise professionally with speakers, sponsors, clients and other event partners. Create and maintain pre-event webpages, digital event spaces and sponsor hubs. Support the delivery of digital roundtables, webinars and virtual sessions for senior and VIP audiences. Coordinate the ordering, production and delivery of event branding and supporting materials. Assemble and arrange the shipment of materials required for events. Create, update and accurately maintain guest and attendee databases. Provide on-site and remote audiovisual support where required. Assist with the recording, editing and production of video content for digital and hybrid events. Respond proactively to operational issues and help identify practical solutions before and during events. Work collaboratively with internal teams and external suppliers to support a seamless attendee experience. Travel internationally when required to support event delivery. Required Skills and Experience Strong organisational skills, with the ability to handle several tasks and deadlines simultaneously. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Confidence communicating with senior speakers, clients, sponsors and colleagues. A careful and methodical approach, with strong attention to detail. Good numerical skills and confidence working with event data, budgets or attendance information. A proactive, solutions-focused approach to problem-solving. The ability to learn new systems, processes and technical skills quickly. A willingness to take ownership of tasks and accept responsibility for their successful completion. Confidence contributing ideas and making practical recommendations. The ability to remain calm, organised and professional in a fast-paced event environment. Flexibility and willingness to travel internationally as required. Desirable A degree or equivalent experience in Event Management, International Event Management or a related field. Previous experience supporting conferences, corporate events, webinars or digital productions. Familiarity with virtual event platforms, content management systems or event registration tools. Basic experience of audiovisual equipment, video recording or video-editing software. Experience working with senior executives, speakers, sponsors or VIP guests. What’s in it for You? Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here. We’ve embraced a 50% hybrid working model (averaging two to three days onsite) that fosters trust and remote adaptability while encouraging in-person camaraderie and peer learning. Additionally, we are open to accommodating specific flexible working pattern requests for all roles where feasible. Accessibility We are a Disability Confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments or personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email [email protected] and a member of our team will be happy to help. Further Information At the FT, we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may use AI tools as part of their job application process. Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application, it is essential that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills, experience, and qualifications. Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all. Please beware of fraudulent job postings and offers claiming to be from the Financial Times. All legitimate opportunities will direct you to apply through the official Financial Times careers site, and the FT will never ask for financial information, payments, or referrals to third parties during the hiring process. If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of a job posting or suspect any scam activity, please contact [email protected]. Interested in the FT but don’t see the right role yet? Join our Talent Community to receive exclusive updates, featured jobs, and insights into working at the FT. #LI-SM1