Learning and Events Manager
Background
The Learning and Events Manager leads Business Canterbury’s learning and events function – the team, the programme, and the strategy that shapes it. Reporting to the Head of Advocacy and Strategy, the role translates what we hear across the Canterbury business community into events and training that build capability, create connection, and strengthen the business community and the environment in which they operate.
This is a leadership role. You are accountable for our Learning and Events team, for the direction of Business Canterbury’s learning and events programme, its execution and delivery, and for its commercial performance. You decide what we deliver, in what formats, and for who, and you are equally responsible for turning those decisions into a well-run calendar. The role carries some direct delivery, principally with support on major events at peak periods, but your time is weighted towards leading people and shaping the programme rather than running events or training yourself.
Business Canterbury sits at the heart of the region’s business community. That gives you early visibility of the issues and opportunities facing Canterbury businesses, and this role converts that visibility into a programme that responds quickly and resonates across our business community through the right topics, formats and targeted at the right people, at the right time. Strong systems, partnerships and effective use of technology and AI make that possible at scale.
Position Objectives
• Lead and develop a high-performing learning and events team, growing capability across the function.
• Set the direction of the events and training programme, including what we deliver, for who, in what formats and at what price, and review that mix regularly.
• Deliver the programme’s commercial performance against revenue, margin, attendance, sponsorship and partnership targets.
• Convert insight from across the business community, particularly through our advocacy work, into programmes that meet real and emerging needs.
• Continue to build the reputation of our events and training so they remain recognised as the best of their kind in the region.
• Turn strategy into delivery through robust systems, planning and the effective use of technology and AI.
• Develop partnerships and pathways that extend the reach, quality and commercial strength of the programme and connect it to Business Canterbury’s wider services.
• Ensure we have the right systems and processes, which are regularly reviewed to drive efficient delivery, customer impact and commercial outcomes.
The Role will include the Following Areas of Responsibility:
• Team Leadership
• Programme Strategy and Design
• Commercial Performance
• Delivery and Reputation
• Systems, Efficiency and AI
Key Areas of Responsibility
You are responsible for delivering on the following key accountabilities for this role. Key performance indicators (KPIs) which will be discussed and agreed with you upon commencement include:
Team Leadership
You are accountable for a capable, well-supported team that delivers consistently.
• Lead, motivate and develop the team, setting clear expectations and holding people to account for the quality of their work
• Lead HR activity with direct reports, including recruitment, induction, performance and engagement
• Set, monitor and report on individual KPIs, with variances and actions reported to Executive
• Build depth so delivery quality does not rest on any one person, and support the team with workload planning and prioritisation across a demanding calendar.
Programme Strategy and Design
You decide what we deliver, for who, and in what form.
• Own and regularly refresh the Events and Learning and Development strategies, covering audiences, formats, positioning and commercial model
• Determine the annual shape of the programme: what we run, retire, test and introduce
• Work with the Head of Advocacy and Strategy so the programme responds to what we are hearing across the business community and aligns with our advocacy priorities and the Canterbury Ambition
• Research the market to identify opportunities for differentiation and collaboration
• Introduce new formats and delivery methods, including online and on demand
• Build partnerships that strengthen the programme, including access to speakers, expertise and content
Commercial Performance
You own the financial result of the programme.
• Develop an annual budget and achieve it
• Own pricing, cost structure and margin, and decide where to invest, scale back or stop
• Grow non-registration revenue through sponsorship and partnership, working with the Operations and Partnership Coordinator
• Use attendance, conversion, satisfaction and financial data to inform decisions and drive growth
• Report against budget and operational activity, with major variances and solutions reported monthly
Delivery and Reputation
You are accountable for what the team delivers, and for how our events and training are regarded.
• Lead planning and delivery of the programme through the team, with consistent quality across the calendar
• Take direct responsibility for the success of flagship events and at peak periods, and support the team where needed
• Continue to build the profile and standing of our events and training so they are recognised as the best of their kind in the region
• Ensure an excellent customer experience from registration through to attendance and follow up
• Maintain a high and consistent standard of presenters, facilitators and supporting resources
• Lead major event debriefs and act on what they tell us
• Work with the Marketing Manager to align the annual programme with the marketing strategy and plan
Systems, Efficiency and AI
You make the programme scalable.
• Maintain robust systems, processes and planning to support successful delivery
• Work with Executive to identify where technology and AI can drive efficiency and scale
• Lead AI change management for the function, including process documentation and team training
General
• Any other duties that may arise as the position develops
• Participate in other strategic projects across the business as required
• Promote and actively encourage membership growth through identifying and actioning membership acquisition and retention opportunities
• Actively participate in:
• Team meetings
• Annual business planning process
• Staff engagement surveys
• Professional development
• Identifying and acting on opportunities that support our strategy
• Operate within the agreed Strategy/Operational Business Plan and Budget
Corporate Responsibility
• Create and maintain information and appropriate Business Canterbury management systems
• Promote a positive and professional image of Business Canterbury at all times
• Represent Business Canterbury as appropriate
• Engage in appropriate stakeholder liaison
• Understand and implement Business Canterbury values of Lead the Change and the Charge; Be the Best Business Partner; Fiercely Focussed on what’s best for our Customers; Commercially Driven for impact and Authenticity matters.
• Ensure you understand and adhere to all Business Canterbury Policies including the Health and Safety Policy, which involves actively contributing towards Business Canterbury’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our fellow staff and our members at all times.
Applications close 12 noon, 7 September 2026
