Events Lead

About the role

FirstRand is hiring an Events Lead, based in Johannesburg. 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. 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

• 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
• 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