Venue Sourcing Manager

• Building a Brand Starts with a Story
• FIRST is a leading global brand experience agency providing Content, Creative, Digital Technology, Management & Delivery, and Data & Insights services. For 30 years, we have utilized three flexible delivery models: Embedded teams, Corporate Campus operations, and a Full-Service Agency.

Managing over 37,000 events & projects annually across 110 countries, FIRST serves 130+ brands, specializing in Fortune 500 companies within the Financial Services, Technology, Healthcare, Media, and Professional Services sectors. FIRST is part of the broader Encore family of companies. Encore is a global leader in event production and technology.

Consistently recognized for excellence, recent honors include 2026 Chief Marketer Agency of the Year, the Ad Net Zero Award for sustainability, and more.

Learn more at www.firstagency.com

• What You Would Get To Do
• The Venue Sourcing Manager will play a pivotal role in delivering exceptional service to clients through effective meetings management. This position is responsible for overseeing the venue sourcing process for various events. The role involves supporting clients with site selection services for meetings and events, reviewing venue contracts and client addendums for accuracy, negotiating terms where applicable, and developing and submitting RFPs (Request for Proposals) via Cvent. The Venue Sourcing Manager will ensure a seamless and successful venue sourcing process, meeting client needs and expectations.

Limited domestic travel required for site visits.

Your Contributions

Provide site selection services for meetings and events

Develop and submit RFPs (Request for Proposals) via Cvent

Use strong client communication skills in understanding business needs and where flexibility can be exercised while still supporting event objectives

Quality control venue proposals to ensure venues/meeting space are viable for Event needs; think creatively to find solutions, and propose recommendations to meet business needs

Review venue contracts and client addendums for accuracy and negotiate where applicable

Negotiate space, rates, costs, concessions and terms of contract agreements

Provide and track cost savings for the client

Support with reporting and/or commission collection as required

Collaborate with planners on the team on proper pass off of event once sourcing/contract phase has concluded

Work with the team to ensure adherence to the client’s standards of operation and policies; ensure compliance and risk guidelines are followed

Be proactive with ideas and creative solutions

Consolidate and keep information up to date in client systems, including Cvent, to fulfill client reporting requirements

Conduct site visits and assist onsite at events as required

Attend industry events during and after work hours as necessary

Cultivate and maintain relationships external clients and suppliers

Contribute to the creation and deepening of a knowledge bank of venues, hotels, destinations, and services that ensures the FIRST team are providing expert advice and recommendations to clients

Help to train new joiners and/or mentor junior team members

What We Are Looking For

5+ years’ of experience with a strong focus on venue sourcing, and meeting planning, preferably within an agency and/or financial or consulting environment

Strong knowledge of Cvent eRFP and budgeting modules

Proficient with Microsoft Office including Excel and PowerPoint

Negotiating, risk management and contracting skills

Advanced project management skills, including budget creation, management and reconciliation

Experience with high level conference and meeting management

Ability to establish relationships and maintain a positive rapport with colleagues, clients, vendors, and suppliers

Strong oral and written communication skills

Creative problem solver, resourceful, and a team player

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize heavy workloads and maintain attention to detail

Highly organized with excellent time management skills to handle multiple tasks and meet strict deadlines

At FIRST, we believe that the passion, creativity, and commitment of our teams drive our success. That's why we offer a range of benefits and perks to support your personal and professional growth

Private Medical Insurance with BUPA from day one

28 Days Annual Leave PLUS Bank Holidays

Personal Volunteer Day

20 Days of Sick Pay each Year

Enhanced Parental Leave (Maternity & Paternity)

Wellness Stipend

Complimentary access to Headspace, Rocket Lawyer & Maven

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Cycle to Work Scheme

Season Ticket Loan

Mobile Phone Allowance

Pension Scheme Enhancements

Discretionary Bonus Structure

Global Opportunities: With a presence in 7 countries worldwide, including headquarters in London, New York, and Singapore, you may have the opportunity to work on exciting projects across different locations.

#LI-TS1 #LI-Hybrid

FIRST is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. FIRST is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We stand firm: FIRST will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. If any candidate feels that they are unable to meet the requirements of the role, please get in touch to discuss adjustments or other suitable roles.