GovNet
Head of Content & Programme (Maternity Cover)
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Location: London (Hybrid) Start Date: September 2026 Contract: Fixed-term maternity cover (up to 12 months)
Role overview: This is an opportunity to take ownership of the event programmes behind market-leading events including HETT, DigiGov Expo, and Digital Defence Summit, bringing together senior leaders from the NHS, central government, local government, and the technology sector to tackle the biggest challenges facing public services. You'll combine strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and exceptional stakeholder management to create programmes that inspire audiences, attract influential speakers, and support the continued growth of some of the UK's leading public sector events. Leading a team of Content Managers, you'll work closely with Sales, Marketing, and Operations to ensure every programme delivers value for delegates, partners, and exhibitors while strengthening GovNet's position as the leading events business serving the public sector.
About us: At GovNet, we take pride in creating vibrant communities through events, exhibitions, conferences, and training courses that serve diverse industries, ranging from education to healthcare to emerging technologies. We are passionate about understanding and addressing the evolving challenges faced by these communities and strive to deliver impactful solutions. With a proven track record across various markets, we are dedicated to enhancing the sectors we serve. Duties include:
- Own the content strategy across HETT, DigiGov Expo, and Digital Defence Summit.
- Research emerging trends across healthcare, government, and technology to identify the topics shaping future programmes.
- Develop commercially successful multi-stream conference agendas that attract senior decision-makers.
- Recruit, manage, and build relationships with high-profile speakers from across the NHS, government, industry, and academia.
- Build trusted partnerships with key stakeholders, advisory boards, industry bodies, and sponsors.
- Work collaboratively with Sales and Marketing to maximise audience growth and commercial opportunities.
- Develop new event features, digital products, and year-round content initiatives.
- Represent GovNet at industry events and become a recognised voice within the sectors we serve.
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing Content team.
- Oversee the successful delivery of conference content both onsite and throughout the event lifecycle.
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You'll bring:
- At least five years' experience producing large-scale conferences, exhibitions, or B2B events.
- A proven track record of researching markets and developing commercially successful conference agendas.
- Experience identifying, inviting, and managing senior speakers and external stakeholders.
- Strong operational event experience, including onsite conference delivery and speaker logistics.
- Experience managing and developing people.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the confidence to engage senior leaders.
- Outstanding writing, communication, and presentation skills.
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to balance audience needs with sponsor objectives.
- Excellent organisational and project management skills.
- A strong understanding of the UK public sector and the policy landscape influencing healthcare and government technology.
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What we offer:
- Competitive salary.
- Flexible, hybrid working (work from home 3 days a week).
- Summer and EOY Parties, and team socials.
- 25 days holiday.
- Up to 3 days off for your birthday, wedding, or moving house.
- Westfield Health Cash Plan and lifestyle discounts.
- Summer half-day Fridays.
- Dedicated time for your learning and development.
- 37.5-hour week.
- Tech scheme & cycle-to-work scheme.
- Workplace Nursery Scheme.
- Group Life Assurance.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Pension Scheme.
Interview process:
- 🧑💻 1st stage Teams interview
- 👥 2nd stage in-person interview
Our Values:
- 🙌 Back Your Team: We support one another, building strong, collaborative relationships.
- 💫 Immersed in the Market: We stay deeply engaged with the industries we serve, ensuring we deliver tailored solutions.
- 🎇 Fearless Accountability: We take responsibility for our actions, embrace challenges, and continuously seek growth through feedback.
- 🤸♀️ Always Agile: We remain adaptable, ready to evolve with the ever-changing landscape of our business.
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion: We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under UK law. If you require any adjustments during the application process, please let us know, and we will be happy to accommodate your needs.
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