Event Manager (Freelance)

The Event Manager will be the main point of contact on site for all event operations and report to the Management Team. They will lead the daily Operations Team, and will support all Site Delivery teams across multiple aspects of the experience, always ensuring world class delivery and exceptional customer service. The Event Manager will lead local conversations and decisions related to the event, especially during the management of incidents/ unplanned works and other situations as they arise. They must be able to follow procedures set out by the Management Team, and provide leadership for the local team of an Event Supervisor, Retail Manager and Trail Manager, technical, retail, guest services, F&B and interactive staff on site.

Responsibilities

• The Event Manager will be the main point of contact for the venue and for local authorities in relation to any operational matters during the show including: traffic issues, authority inspections, special guest access, etc.
• Overall responsibility and main point of contact for all departments and vendors on site at the event including, but not limited to: staffing, medical, security, cleaning, utilities, catering, sound & video, lighting, retail, parking, and guest services staff.
• Budgetary responsibilities include supporting the operational delivery of onsite budget requests, setting and meeting event objectives and budgetary guidelines, notifying the Management Team of any urgent changes in spending, and weekly & monthly reviews with the Finance teams and the Executive Producers.
• Budgetary responsibilities also include ensuring all expenses are documented in the budget and that the event abides by any and all budgetary limits.
• Liaison with the Project Finance team to ensure suppliers are PO’d and paid as per budget/ terms.
• Implementation of The Event Safety Management Plans and ensuring they are updated to reflect any local laws or regulations.
• Support the development and implementation of the site signage plan, including coordinating signage needs, placement, and updates with relevant onsite teams and vendors.
• Work alongside the Management Team in preparation of ESMP documents for local Authorities and Departments/Agencies.
• Implementation of Standard Operating Procedures across all functions, including but not limited to; Security, Medical, Car Parking, Guest Experience, Accessibility and Staffing
• Follow event procedures and guidelines when dealing with incidents on site.
• Manage risk and present post-event reports
• Provide exceptionally high levels of Customer Service and be the face of the show including answering any customer complaints both in person or posted complaints.

Requirements

• Previous experience managing large outdoor festivals, Illumination trails or outdoor experiential events.
• Previous budget management experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in event management, live events, festivals, experiential events, or a related production environment.
• Exceptional observation skills.
• Ability to deal with stressful situations in a calm and professional manner, and to help de-escalate as problems arise (such as injuries, inclement weather, guest frustrations, etc.)
• Must have people management and interpersonal skills.
• Must be an effective communicator, team oriented and have strong leadership skills.
• Comfortable working in a constantly changing environment.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Must have experience in using Google Drive and the Google suite of applications including Sheets, Word, Google Meetings.
• Visa/permits - The candidate must be able to work in the event country and achieve one of the following:
• (1) Already a citizen/resident in the country and is permitted to work.
• (2) Already in possession of a work visa/permit.

Nice to have

• Current First-Aid certification is a plus.