Head of Conference Production - Maternity Cover (12Months FTC)

Informa Markets, a division within Informa, creates global platforms for industries. We organise over 500 large-scale branded and transaction-oriented events in 14 specialist markets. These are typically not-to-be-missed annual events where buyers and sellers build relationships, see and show products and do business.

We also provide year-round online platforms where companies showcase their businesses and products and buyers conduct research, generating valuable leads, and we provide data and digital content that supports the flow of knowledge and transactions in markets.

We’re part of Informa, a global business with a network of trusted brands in specialist markets across more than 30 countries, and a member of the FTSE 100 who are #3 in Glassdoor's Best Places to Work 2025 UK list. 

This role is based in 240 Blackfriars ,London Office

For over 100 years, Aviation Week has been a leader in innovation, evolving from its origins as Aviation and Aeronautical Engineering magazine—now known as Aviation Week & Space Technology. What began as a humble publishing company has grown into one of the largest multimedia information and services providers in the aviation sector, with Aviation Week Events now encompassing 16 annual in-person events.

Our mission is to empower customers with predictive intelligence, unique opportunities, and direct connections to the people shaping the future of flight and beyond.

We are seeking an experienced and highly organized individual to step into a maternity cover position as Head of Conference Production or Conference Production Manager for a period of one year. This role is critical in overseeing the production and delivery of market-leading global events, ensuring their success and alignment with organizational goals. The successful candidate will lead a team of three direct reports and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality conferences across multiple regions. Flexible working arrangement with 3 days in-person at Central London or New York Informa offices. International travel required for event attendance.

Role Accountability and Duties:

Event Portfolio Management

• Oversee the production and delivery of a comprehensive portfolio of events, including MRO, Aero-Engines and Space Tech conferences, ensuring all events meet strategic objectives and audience expectations.
• Manage event timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure seamless execution.

• Act as the primary point of contact for high-profile events and support a collaborative team environment focused on delivering high-quality events for the MRO, Aero Engines, and A&D communities.

Leadership and Team Management

• Provide leadership and guidance to three direct reports (Conference Producers), ensuring their professional development and performance.
• Set clear objectives, monitor progress, and provide constructive feedback to the team.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture, encouraging creativity and excellence in conference production.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including sponsors, speakers, and industry partners.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination with venue teams, suppliers, and other external partners.

Strategic Planning

• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and execute the annual conference strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals.
• Identify emerging trends and opportunities within the industry to inform future event topics and formats.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with marketing, sales, operations, and other departments to ensure seamless event execution.
• Support the sales team in securing sponsorships and partnerships by providing compelling event narratives and data.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Marketing, Communications, or Event Management) or equivalent experience.
• 7 years+ experience in events and conference production.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and lead a team.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Familiarity with managing large-scale international events across multiple regions.

• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Strong research and analytical abilities to identify relevant topics and trends.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders.
• Commercial acumen and the ability to manage budgets and drive profitability.

• A proactive and results-driven approach.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work under pressure.

We believe that great things happen when people connect face-to-face. That's why we work in-person with each other, or with customers and partners, three days a week or more. When you’re not spending time together in one of our offices or other workplaces – like at an Informa event – you get the flexibility and support to work from home or remotely.

We work hard to make sure Life at Informa is rewarding, supportive and enjoyable for everyone. Here’s some of what you can expect when you join us. But don’t just take our word for it – see what our colleagues have to say at LifeAt.Informa.com

Our benefits include:

• Great community: a welcoming culture with in-person and online social events, our fantastic Walk the World charity day and active diversity and inclusion networks
• Broader impact: take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding available too
• Career opportunity: the opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms and on-demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning. When it’s time for the next step, we encourage and support internal job moves
• Time out: 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days after two years, plus a birthday leave day and the chance to work from (almost!) anywhere for up to four weeks a year
• A flexible range of personal benefits to choose from, plus company funded private medical cover
• A ShareMatch scheme that allows you to become an Informa shareholder with free matching shares
• Strong wellbeing support through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, a healthy living subsidy, access to health apps and more
• Recognition for great work, with global awards and kudos programmes
• As an international company, the chance to collaborate with teams around the world

We’re not solely focused on a checklist of skills. We champion energy and ambition and look for colleagues who will roll their sleeves up, join in and help make things happen. If it sounds like a match and you have most – although not all – of the skills and experience listed, we welcome your application.

If you would like to request reasonable adjustments or accommodations to assist your participation in the hiring process and, or in the advertised position, please inform the appropriate Talent Acquisition Partner for the role once they have been in touch. Your request will be reviewed and considered in confidence. At Informa, you'll find inclusive experiences and environments where all perspectives and backgrounds are welcomed. As part of this approach and our diversity and inclusion commitments, we are also formally an Equal Opportunities Employer. This means we base decisions on relevant qualifications and merit and do not discriminate on the basis of key characteristics and statuses, including all of those protected by law. Ask us or see our website for full information.

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