Events Lead

The Events Lead is responsible for developing, leading and executing integrated client and employee engagement strategies that support RMB's business objectives, strengthen client relationships, enhance brand positioning and create meaningful engagement opportunities. This role requires a strategic thinker who can connect business priorities, market opportunities, client needs and brand objectives to develop impactful engagement platforms. Equally important, the successful candidate must possess exceptional executional capability, demonstrating a hands-on approach to managing complex projects and delivering premium experiences from concept through to implementation and post event reporting.

The role is responsible for the Institutional portfolio, including Global Markets. This will include business sponsorships, conferences and bespoke client and employee engagement initiatives. They will also be responsible for flagship client and employee events where required. Working in partnership with business stakeholders, marketing specialists and external suppliers, the Events Lead will identify opportunities to drive business growth, deepen client relationships, showcase RMB's expertise and create memorable experiences that deliver measurable impact.

Integration across the marketing value chain

The Events Lead should play a key role in ensuring that events do not operate in isolation but are connected into the broader marketing and communications ecosystem. This includes working closely with the Marketing Head to understand strategic priorities, partnering with Sponsorship to activate relevant rights and opportunities, collaborating with Communications to support content and amplification plans, and engaging Research, Digital and business teams where required. The role is not expected to own these specialist disciplines, but rather to ensure that event planning and delivery enables seamless integration, clear accountability and maximum value from each engagement.

Strategic engagement and planning

Develop and implement integrated client and employee engagement strategies aligned to RMB's business objectives, brand priorities and target audiences

Take a holistic view of the business, identifying opportunities to leverage engagements, sponsorships and events to strengthen relationships, generate content and drive awareness.

Assess market trends, client needs, competitor activity and broader environmental factors to inform engagement strategies and recommendations

Partner with business stakeholders to develop annual engagement plans that support business growth and relationship-building objectives

Identify opportunities to connect engagement activities across business units, products and client segments to maximise impact and value

Event strategy, design and delivery

Lead the conceptualisation, planning and execution of flagship, sponsorship, client and employee events across the Institutional Segment and the bank as required

Translate business objectives into compelling event experiences that resonate with target audiences and deliver measurable outcomes

Challenge and interrogate business briefs to uncover opportunities for innovation, differentiation and enhanced engagement

Ensure the successful end-to-end management of multiple complex projects, balancing strategic intent with flawless execution

Maintain a strong personal involvement in planning and delivery, stepping into operational detail when required to ensure excellence

Stakeholder and relationship management

Build trusted relationships with senior business leaders and key stakeholders across RMB and the wider FirstRand Group

Work in close partnership with the Marketing Head, Sponsorship, Communications, Research and Digital teams to ensure events are integrated into broader marketing and communication plans, with clear opportunities identified for sponsorship leverage, content amplification, client engagement and post-event follow-up. Work closely with agencies, production partners and suppliers to develop and deliver premium experiences that meet RMB's standards

Support the Sponsorship team and Marketing Head by providing event-specific input into sponsorship planning, feasibility, audience experience, delivery requirements and activation opportunities.

Project budget and operational management

Lead all aspects of event planning and delivery, including timelines, governance, procurement, logistics, risk management and stakeholder communication

Develop and manage engagement and event budgets, ensuring effective allocation of resources and strong financial discipline

Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance processes, systems and ways of working

Implement best practices and operational standards to ensure consistency, efficiency and excellence across all engagements

Ensure robust measurement and reporting processes are in place to evaluate effectiveness and support future decision-making.

Measurement and insights

Define success measures and objectives for engagement activities and events

Partner with the Research and Insights team to evaluate performance and return on investment

Develop post-event reports and strategic recommendations that demonstrate business impact and identify opportunities for future enhancement

Team leadership and capability building

Act as a mentor and subject matter expert within the Events team, contributing to the continuous development of team capability and professional standards

Support the growth of team members by providing guidance, constructive feedback, knowledge sharing and on-the-job coaching

Foster strategic thinking and best practice event management across the team

Create opportunities for team members to broaden their experience and build confidence through exposure to increasingly complex projects and stakeholder engagement

Champion a culture of continuous learning, innovation, accountability and excellence

Lead by example, balancing strategic leadership with a hands-on approach that encourages collaboration and shared ownership of outcomes

Additional requirements

Strong understanding of marketing, communications and client engagement principles

Proven experience developing and delivering integrated engagement and experiential marketing strategies

Knowledge of financial services, Corporate and Investment Banking, markets and competitor environments would be advantageous

Understanding of macroeconomic trends, industry dynamics and client landscapes

Strong people leadership and stakeholder management capability

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining exceptional standards

Qualifications and experience

Relevant degree in Marketing, Communications, Business or a related field

Minimum of 10 years' experience in marketing, client engagement, events or experiential marketing roles

Demonstrated experience leading large-scale, high-profile client and employee engagement initiatives

Experience in premium, relationship-based marketing environments

Strong understanding of:

o Client-centric engagement strategies

o B2B marketing principles

o Corporate and Investment Banking environments (advantageous)

o Strategic event management and experiential marketing

KEY COMPETENCIES

Strategic capabilities

Strategic and big-picture thinking

Innovation and creativity

Ability to identify opportunities and connect ideas across the business

Strong business judgement and decision-making

Leadership and relationship management

Influencing and stakeholder management

Building strategic partnerships

Collaboration and teamwork

Executive presence and credibility

Strong communication and presentation skills

Delivery excellence

Exceptional project and programme management

Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality

Results orientation and accountability

Organisational agility and adaptability

Ability to manage complexity and competing priorities

Personal attributes

Hands-on and willing to roll up their sleeves when required

Comfortable moving between strategic thinking and operational execution

High levels of ownership and accountability

Service-oriented mindset

Resilient, proactive and solutions-focused

Passion for creating exceptional client and employee experiences

Key success factor:

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable in the boardroom shaping long-term engagement strategy as they are behind the scenes managing event delivery, solving operational challenges and ensuring that every detail contributes to an exceptional experience