Freelance - Events Project Manager

About the opportunity

Playbook Media is seeking an experienced freelance Event Project Manager to provide project management and production services for The British Book Awards 2027 (the Nibbies).

This is a defined, project-based engagement supporting the planning, coordination and successful delivery of one of the UK's leading publishing industry awards campaigns and ceremonies.

Working collaboratively with the Head of Events, the established Nibbies project team, and external suppliers, the freelancer will deliver agreed project management and production services.

Playbook Media will retain responsibility for the overall event strategy, creative direction, budgets and final approval of key decisions.

Scope of services

The assignment will cover:

• Owning and maintaining the event project plan, key milestones, delivery schedules and critical path from submissions closing through to the ceremony.

• Managing judging logistics, shortlist and winner announcement activities.

• Liaising with internal stakeholders, production partners and external suppliers to support the delivery of agreed project outcomes.

• Coordinating production planning, technical requirements, supplier deliverables and event logistics.

• Identifying project risks, dependencies and potential delays, and recommending appropriate solutions.

• Monitoring project expenditure and supporting supplier negotiations within agreed budgets and approval arrangements.

• Providing on-site project management and production coordination during essential rehearsals and the awards ceremony.

• Completing agreed project documentation, handover and post-event reporting.

A more detailed scope of services, deliverables, milestones and payment arrangements will be agreed before the engagement begins.

Working arrangements

Engagement: Freelance - Events Project Manager

Project period: December 2026 – May 2027

Estimated commitment: Approximately 65 days across the project period, depending on project requirements and agreed deliverables.

Available project budget: Up to £25,000 inclusive of all expenses

The successful contractor will have flexibility to determine how, when and where they deliver the agreed services, subject to project milestones and deadlines. The assignment will involve collaboration with Playbook Media's internal teams and external suppliers, participation in essential project meetings, and on-site attendance for agreed production activities and the awards ceremony.

The engagement will be governed by a freelance services agreement setting out the scope of work, deliverables, fee and other relevant terms.

Application and Selection Process

We welcome proposals from experienced freelance event project managers with a proven track record of delivering large-scale, complex live events, ideally awards ceremonies or similarly production-heavy events.

To express your interest, please submit your professional profile or CV, together with:

• A brief overview of relevant projects and experience.

• A brief outline of your approach to managing the project, including how you would prioritise activities, manage budgets and ensure successful delivery.

• Your availability during the project period.

• Your proposed fees, inclusive of all expenses.

Shortlisted consultants will be invited to discuss their proposals, experience and commercial arrangements.

Application deadline: 6 pm on 26 November 2026