Area Events Manager
£26,000 - £30,000 plus benefits
Reports to: Divisional Event Manager
Directorate: Marketing, Fundraising & Engagement
Contract: 12 month fixed-term contract
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
Location: Location Home-based areas of work will be within Hampshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Dorset, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall
Closing date: 15th March 2026 23:55
This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found, therefore we strongly recommend that you apply early to avoid disappointment. Please let us know if there is anything about the recruitment process that you would like to discuss, in particular if there are any changes or adjustments that would make it easier for you to apply. Please contact or as soon as possible.
Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
Recruitment process: Competency based interview
The successful candidate must be able to attend compulsory training on 14/15th April in Stafford
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.
We are professionals with purpose, beating cancer every day. But we need to go much further and much faster. That’s why we’re looking for someone talented, someone who shares our vision, someone like you.
Do you want to create moments of joy and hope, raise vital funds, celebrate and educate by producing top class events for the UK’s largest charity?
We have an exciting opportunity for you to join us as an Area Event Manager and become part of an ambitious, bold and fun team working together to bring forward the day that cancer is cured.
You will organise and deliver a variety of Cancer Research UK events, including our flagship outdoor mass participation events Race for Life 5km, 10km and Pretty Muddy. You may also deliver Shine Night Walk, indoor staff and supporter conference and engagement events, as well as virtual online events. Although the focus of this role is delivering our events, the majority of the role will see you work from home approx. 75 percent of your week with 25 percent out in the field.
Our team has raised circa 26 million pounds so far this year through mass participation events. We are looking for someone passionate about our cause to continue this success.
What will I be doing?
You will plan and deliver Cancer Research UK events. Your main delivery will be outdoor mass participation events alongside some staff and supporter conferences and engagement events, as well as virtual online events.
*Following processes, guidelines and deadlines - you are given a guide or process to follow when producing Cancer Research UK Events.
*Venue Research - find and assess suitability of new venues for mass participation outdoor events and indoor events. This also includes building strong relationships to negotiate event approval and costs.
*Suppliers - research, negotiate, book, plan, brief and ensure high standards are met. Suppliers include PA, first aid, caterers, florists, traffic management and stewards.
*Volunteers - build relationships with longstanding volunteers and recruit new volunteers. Manage volunteer welfare and experience on event day.
*Event Staff - brief staff on their role and manage them throughout the event offering feedback and coaching.
*Supporter experience - ensure that events are fun and enjoyable by booking entertainment and overseeing the supporter experience.
*Event day - lead and manage your event team (staff, volunteers, suppliers) to set up the event site and course, oversee welfare of supporters and team and deal with issues that may arise to ensure smooth operation of the event.
*After the event - gather feedback and complete post-event administrative tasks.
What are we looking for?
*Passion for events.
*People person with great interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships.
*Organised and ability to multitask.
*Proactive with a can do attitude.
*Proven problem solving skills.
*Ability to work autonomously and self-motivate.
*Ability to lead and motivate a group of people.
*Happy to work approximately 10 weekends outside in all weathers.
*Able to do a physical role - walking courses, moving some event equipment.
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.
Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination
Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism
Human: Act to have a positive impact on people
Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively
We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.
If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we’d still love to hear from you.
What will I gain?
We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.
You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.
How do I apply?
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.
For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us.
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