We are a global media group delivering exceptional content through events, digital, data & insight. From agribusiness, ingredients and food processing, to retail, hospitality & fine dining – we provide the inspiration, insight and connections to power our customers’ success.

We have offices in Gatwick, Brighton and London, UK; Montpellier, France; Singapore and Chicago, US. In line with the Company’s current Agile Working Policy, the successful candidate would be eligible to work part of the week from our Gatwick office and to work remotely for the rest of the week.

Position

Position: Full time – permanent

Location: Gatwick / Hybrid

We’re hiring an Events Executive Apprentice to support our Event Managers in delivering a varied programme of live events, including awards, conferences, roundtables, dinners, and study tours. This role offers a great opportunity to build your experience in event planning while working closely with a collaborative and supportive team.

As part of your apprenticeship, you’ll learn how to manage logistics, build timelines and budgets, and liaise with suppliers and venues. You’ll be developing practical skills on the job, gaining insight into the events industry and contributing to the smooth running of events that make a real impact.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the event logistics for breakfasts and roundtables, including sourcing and managing the venue for around 20 attendees, under the direction of the Head of Events or Senior Event Manager.
• Coordinating the full entry and judging process, including drafting and managing correspondence with entrants, guests, sponsors, and judges, and arranging judge invitations and catering with approval from the Event Manager
• Liaising with finalists and delegates throughout the awards process, sending outcome communications, chasing assets for presentations, confirming award collectors, and logging finalist and winner details
• Overseeing guest logistics by maintaining the booking system, compiling guest lists, managing dietary requirements, inviting VIPs, and producing table plans where needed
• Managing the design, briefing, and approval of event materials such as tickets, menus, signage, brochures, and other print items, as well as researching and coordinating trophy sourcing, sign-off, and delivery
• Supporting on-site delivery by checking branding, setting up trophies and place cards, managing registration desks, briefing hosts, assisting rehearsals, and liaising with sponsors, venues, and guests
• Contributing to general event operations by assisting with event planning, budget management, attending meetings, assisting with research and entertainment planning, raising purchase orders, participating in post-event debriefs, and updating the website when required

Requirements

What you’ll need

• Excellent attention to detail to ensure accuracy with guest lists, communications and event materials
• Strong organisational and multitasking skills to manage several moving parts across multiple events
• A proactive approach and the ability to stay calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal stakeholder management and communication skills
• Previous experience of working successfully in an administration role in a busy and complex work environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel with the ability to manage data and use basic formulas confidently. Previous experience using Access is desirable, but not essential
• No prior events experience is required, but a genuine interest and enthusiasm, eagerness to learn, and passion for events is essential

Other information

Company Benefits and Initiatives Include:

• 25 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays – increasing by one additional day after 6 years, up to a maximum of 30 days.
• An additional day of leave for you to take on a cultural celebration day or on your birthday if you like. A day for you! At William Reed, we call this our “MeDay”.
• A volunteer day to take for supporting a chosen charity and giving back to the community.
• Opportunity for hybrid working
• Contributory Pension
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Group Income Protection
• Enhanced family-friendly leave pay entitlements
• Wellbeing benefits, including: A health care cash plan, Employee assistance programme, Virtual GP service and Access to health & wellbeing resources and tools.
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme

Why work for us

We provide a supportive work environment and are committed to maintaining a healthy work/life balance for all of our employees. Working for William Reed means that you will be joining a stable organisation that is committed to developing its employees and brands.

We warmly welcome and encourage applications from talented individuals of all backgrounds and characteristics.

If you need any support in accessing this opportunity, please do not hesitate to discuss this with us.