Events Operations Manager

About the University We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the College/Department The External Relations department brings together student recruitment, marketing, PR, social media, profile and reputation management, development and fundraising, alumni relations and stakeholder engagement into one dynamic, expert function. The team is responsible for telling the University’s story in the UK and internationally – shaping how we are seen, understood and experienced by our audiences. From creating compelling messaging and content across campaigns, digital channels and events, to building influential partnerships and driving sustainable income, External Relations delivers complex, high‑impact work that is central to the University’s success.

Our work supports growth, strengthens trust and reputation, and makes a significant contribution to the University’s long‑term ambitions. About the Events Team Events are an integral part of the University of Derby and help to continually develop our profile and reputation, generate commercial income and offer opportunities to staff, students and external visitors to engage further with us. The Events team lead on the organisation and delivery of all high-profile University events, including our Open Days and other recruitment events, University Court and inaugural lectures.

About the role

The successful candidate will lead the Events Operations team, line managing at least two Events Officers, which is part of the External Relations department that supports the University’s strategic objectives relating to Recruitment and raising the University’s profile, reputation and impact locally, nationally and internationally.  The Events Operations team has responsibility for the strategic planning and delivery of a full and varied annual events programme, with a focus on delivering high quality events that have high impact.

These include open days, interview days, schools and colleges visits, conferences, graduation, events hosted by the Vice-Chancellor, community events, inaugural/guest lectures, virtual, live streams events and many others. The role of the Events Operations Manager is to ensure that all events are managed and delivered to the highest standard and deliver maximum external impact. You will be responsible for the operational planning and delivery of the annual events calendar, as well as occasional ad hoc events.

The Events Operations Manager will support the Associate Director – Student Recruitment in constantly developing and enhancing the University’s events programme to ensure events at Derby continue to appeal to a wide audience and support our strategic objectives.

Occasional weekend, evening and flexible working will be required.

Anticipated interview date:
Friday 11th September 2026

About You We're looking for an experienced and strategic events professional with a proven track record of delivering high-profile, large-scale events and managing complex projects from concept to delivery. You will have significant experience influencing and working with senior stakeholders, leading high-performing teams, managing substantial budgets and people, and using data and insight to drive decision-making and…