Events & Conference Manager

Salary for this Role:

From £65,000 with benefits subject to skills and experience

Job Title:

Reports to:

Closing Date:

Job Description:

Job Title: Events & Conference Manager

Details of the role:

Working pattern: This is a full time permanent hybrid role (4 days in the office) on Crick terms and conditions of employment (Please note due to the nature of the role you will need to be hands on including working occasional weekends and evenings)

Application closing date: 20th of October 2025 11.55pm

Start date: Spring 2026

About us 

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. 

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy. 

About the role

As our Events & Conference Manager, you’ll be at the heart of it all. welcoming a huge range of people to one of the UK’s most influential research institutes. From world-leading scientists and government ministers to commercial partners, funders, and even royalty, you will host and deliver a packed programme of events that reflect the prestige and ambition of our work.

We’re looking for someone with exceptional interpersonal and management skills, a sharp eye for detail, and the ability to make even the most complex event look effortless. You’ll bring poise, precision, and professionalism to every occasion, whether it’s a scientific symposium, a VIP lecture, or an all staff celebration.  Ultimately, you’ll know how to pull a room together with confidence and finesse.

Each year, you’ll shape and oversee more than 150 events, plus a steady stream of high-profile visits that demand bespoke hospitality and seamless execution. You’ll also lead our regular tour programme, giving guests a glimpse into the ground breaking science happening behind the scenes.

As an experienced manager, you’ll lead a team of four and report directly to the Deputy Director of Communications. You’ll be part of the Communications and Public Engagement team, but your work will span the entire institute — collaborating closely with senior scientists, Crick leadership, facilities, service partners, and the executive support team.

This is a fantastic opportunity to become a trusted ambassador for one of the world’s leading biomedical research institutes, helping to bring together scientists, stakeholders, and visitors to spark meaningful conversations about science. You’ll be integral to creating moments of connection and inspiration, shaping events that celebrate discovery, share knowledge, and showcase the Crick’s impact on the future of science.

What you will be doing

As the Events & Conference Manager at the Crick, you will:

These include but are not limited to:

• Develop, plan and deliver a diverse Crick events programme ensuring strategic objectives are met and all stakeholders are managed to the highest professional standard

• Working with the Crick conferences committee ensure that the events we host deliver the best outcomes for us – reflecting a mix of first-class science, collaboration, and innovation whilst generating a profit.

• Work closely with the research management support team to ensure delivery of high level scientific discourse at the Crick

• Manage the Tours and Visits programme ensuring that the Crick and its research are showcased in the best way possible, including lab visits and ensuring a diverse range of science and scientists are represented

• Lead the Events team, managing workflows and resources, improving processes, developing staff and performance

• Provide expert advice and guidance to Crick staff and other event organisers wanting to hold an event at the Crick

• Work with the Head of Public Engagement with Science on cross team events

• Working with the Exhibitions team to ensure that the Manby Gallery shared exhibition/event space meets the requirements of all users

• Manage the external events budget, ensuring that all financial administration is actioned promptly and accurately and records maintained.

• Work with Crick legal team as required (i.e. when drafting contracts for events with special requirements)

• Create and develop links with people across the institute to help with event and tour delivery

Please see full job description here

About you

You will have:

• Expertise and significant experience in managing large, complex and high profile events involving multiple stakeholders, VIPS and organisations*

• An understanding of the scientific and academic world and scientific events as well as an understanding of the Crick and how it operates*

• Demonstrable hosting experience and ability to manage competing demands under pressure*

• Team leadership and significant experience working with executive teams and senior management*

• Highly developed interpersonal and influencing skills, with a demonstrable ability to work with a wide range of people internally and externally, up to the most senior levels, and to inspire trust and confidence*

• Experience of operating effectively and making key decisions in complex institutions (and/or with complex networks of stakeholders)

• A consultative approach - consulting with colleagues and sharing expertise and ideas to deliver effective outcomes

• Highly organised, with strong planning skills and the ability to prioritise in the face of competing demands and work to tight deadlines

• The commitment to be onsite daily*

*Minimum Criteria

About Working at the Crick

Our values  

Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture.

• We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently. 

• We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world. 

• We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community. 

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: [email protected]

Find out more about life at the Crick.

What will you receive?  

At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development: 

• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays. 

• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%. 

• Health & Well-being: 

• 24/7 GP consultation services. 

• Occupational health services and mental health support programs. 

• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans. 

• Work-Life Balance: 

• Back-up care for dependents. 

• Childcare support allowance. 

• Annual leave purchase options. 

• Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.

• Perks: 

• Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts. 

• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction. 

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed.  

We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.