Event Operations Manager - Country Living

We are the UK's leading premium publisher, home to iconic and influential media brands including Esquire, Men's & Women's Health, ELLE, Good Housekeeping, Harper's Bazaar, Digital Spy, Cosmopolitan, Red and more. At Hearst UK, we don't just create content – we shape culture.

Our workplace is driven by passion, shaped by authenticity and powered by creativity. We back bold ideas, act with an entrepreneurial mindset and continually evolve to meet the moment – while respecting the legacy that's brought us here. We believe in each other's potential and push boundaries together to create meaningful impact, both across the media landscape and in people's lives.

We're proud of our heritage – but even more excited about making history.

Hearst UK operates an in-office policy with flexible Fridays. Our office is based at House of Hearst, 30 Panton Street, St James's, London, SW1Y 4AJ, where teams collaborate in person and connect across brands and functions.

Salary – £40,000–£45,000
Salary is dependent on experience and will be assessed in line with the candidate's skills, knowledge and relevant expertise.

The Role...

As the Events Operations Manager for Country Living events, you will be responsible for ensuring that any live and virtual events associated with the Country Living brand run smoothly and deliver the quality proposition that consumers and partners expect. The operations of our events are predominantly executed by third party companies, so this role is all about effective stakeholder management rather than heavy operational execution.

Main Duties...

Stakeholder & partner management

• Act as the key point of contact for any Country Living event queries, whether internal or external, and ensure all stakeholder queries are answered efficiently and accurately.
• In the run-up to events and during, work closely with the event organisers and operational partners such as our third-party Ops contractors and third-party stand builders to ensure the smooth running of the event.
• Attend regular meetings and ensure you are always in the loop on the progress of the event’s operations and any challenges. Proactively suggest ways to overcome any challenges.
• Be on hand onsite for the duration of all events as Hearst’s representative. Answer any queries from event organisers, contractors, partners, sellers and consumers. Present Hearst in a professional way.
• Look out for new Country Living event opportunities with new and existing partners.

Sales operations

• Work closely with the Artisan Collective sales team to ensure the operational setup is clear for all sellers at the Country Living live events.
• Ensure sellers conform to any limitations set by the organisers.
• Coordinate with third-party operational management companies to ensure exhibitor stand build runs smoothly.
• Oversee build, welcome sellers onsite and help them to prepare for the event.

Licensing, sponsorship & content operations

• Take the lead on the planning and execution of onsite activations for Country Living’s licensing partners, sponsors and any other non-exhibitor stands. Keep a close eye on the budget and partner experience, and provide regular updates to key stakeholders.
• Represent Country Living with talent partners put forward by the brand, ensuring they are well looked after and have a positive experience onsite.
• Support with the delivery of content onsite at events, such as VIP events, talks and workshops. Ensure these run smoothly and reflect the Country Living brand positively.
• Support on the contract renewal process for Country Living events, including event organisers and suppliers.

Other

• Carry out thorough research onsite and after events to gather feedback from event organisers, operations partners, sellers, consumers and Hearst colleagues. Ensure this feedback is tracked and circulated appropriately, and acted on to drive quality improvements for further events.

What We Are Looking For...

Essential

• Experience in operations and stakeholder management.
• Experience and knowledge of Health & Safety laws and policies.
• Knowledge of the events industry, with good knowledge of the elements involved in preparing for an event and managing its smooth operation onsite. Understanding of how to run live, virtual and hybrid events.
• Impeccable communication and relationship-building skills, with a track record of building and maintaining good rapport with internal and external stakeholders in order to drive the success of projects and events.
• Excellent numerical ability and attention to detail, with the ability to keep accurate records of events budgets, ensure all expenditure is accounted for, and report back on revenue, costs and profit to the business.
• Full, clean UK driving licence.
• Flexible approach – the role entails extended periods of time away from home throughout the year.
• Interest in championing small businesses with a good understanding of the small business sector.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines. Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Flexibility to adapt to a dynamic and fast-paced environment with changing priorities, and the desire to get involved in a wide range of business areas and functions.

Benefits

Your benefits at Hearst UK are more than just extras – they are tools to help you thrive in every part of life.

Hearst Exclusives – Only for You!

• Get adventurous with Good Housekeeping Taste and Beauty Testing Panels – yes, you could be trying the next big thing in beauty, food and drink.
• Snag luxe beauty steals at our legendary office sample sales – score big on top brands without breaking the bank!

Inclusion, Health & Wellbeing – Feel Your Best

• Stay healthy with Specsavers eye care, a company-funded Health Cash Plan and access to mental health support.
• Get active and stress-free with discounted gym memberships and the Cycle to Work scheme.
• Embrace flexibility with Location Flex and Holiday Exchange to take time when you need it.
• Take time to give back with a Charity Day and access wellbeing resources whenever you need them.
• Join one of our Hearst ERG groups.

Financial Wellness – Boost Your Budget

• Plan ahead with a generous Workplace Pension, Income Protection, Life Assurance and Season Ticket Loan for easier commuting.
• Make smarter money moves using Salary Finance tools, Financial Wellbeing sessions and Home Tech benefits to spread costs.
• Treat yourself with major discounts across London plus everyday savings via the HAPI at Hearst app.

Inclusion & Belonging

Hearst UK is deeply committed to using our influential brands to reflect the world we want to live in – one that respects, protects, represents and uplifts the voices and opinions of all people. As a business, we recognise the significant benefits of creativity, collaboration and innovation that come with diverse teams. Not only is diversifying the voices in our organisation the right thing to do, but it also helps us create powerful and exciting content that can be enjoyed by many more people. This is why we're working to build a sense of true belonging within our business and foster a culture in which everyone feels heard.