Senior Event Manager

ILUMINA; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Big Group in Sydney's CBD is seeking a Senior Event Manager to lead the Functions & Events team and oversee a portfolio of premium events from planning through execution. This role offers hands-on delivery and leadership across the team, with flexibility for occasional evening or weekend events.

Reporting to the Head of Events & Reservations, you will manage complex, VIP events, coach staff, and drive operational standards while delivering exceptional client service and revenue opportunities.

Qualifications

• Typically 6+ years' experience in event management.
• Proven track record of independently managing complex, premium events.
• Experience leading and coaching other event professionals.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate end-to-end event requirements including AV, catering, room set-up and floorplans.
• Create detailed event briefs and manage information in booking systems.
• Manage budgets, invoicing and revenue opportunities.
• Build strong client relationships from confirmation through execution.
• Act as day-to-day operational lead for the F&E team.
• Provide hands-on leadership across planning, set-ups and delivery.
• Coach and support Event Managers and Coordinators.
• Ensure quality assurance on VIP and high-risk events.
• Support event allocation and prioritisation across the team.
• Represent Head of Events at operational meetings.

Skills

Event Management

Team Leadership

Client Relations

Budget Management

VIP Events

Stakeholder Mgmt

Planning & Coordination

Leadership

Communication

Job description

At The Big Group , we are all about the essence of true hospitality, made for the 21st century. From sourcing ingredients, training our staff, and curating the details, the great Art of Australian Hospitality is its ability to flex from formal to relaxed, ultra-contemporary to authentically multicultural, and to show everyone a good time. When it comes to our team, Fun is Fundamental! We believe that a dynamic and enjoyable work environment is key to delivering exceptional service. Our team is passionate, energetic, and dedicated to creating memorable experiences for our guests while having a great time doing it!

Our Venue:

Situated in the heart of Sydney's CBD, the Building is made up of two state of the art buildings operating under one roof. Within the operation The Big Group manages all the hospitality for 8,500 employees and across multiple floors of meeting rooms, large event spaces, café outlets and an Event Centre that caters up to 1000 people.

Our meeting room and client floors offer personalised high-touch service for meetings, executive dining and formal events. We operate a stunning 3 level, tech-advanced event centre, encompassing a 550 pax seated main area, pre-function areas, lounge, meeting rooms and an art gallery. Additionally, we have multiple café areas across different levels to service the internal client throughout the day.

Across the entire building, we offer a vast array of service styles and dining/menu options all produced onsite and led by our Executive Chef with a large focus on creativity, taste, local produce and nutrition.

Position Overview:

We are looking for an experienced Senior Event Manager to join our Functions & Events team. Reporting to the Head of Events & Reservations, this role will operate as the day-to-day F&E lead and 2IC, providing hands-on leadership, coaching, event oversight and first-level escalation support to the team. Alongside these leadership responsibilities, you will personally manage a selective portfolio of premium events from planning through to execution. This is an opportunity for an accomplished event professional who enjoys remaining close to event delivery while also leading people, developing capability and driving operational standards. Primarily Monday - Friday, with flexibility to attend key evening and weekend events on occasion.

Main Duties:

• Coordinate end-to-end event requirements including AV, catering, room set-up, resources, running orders, suppliers, security, logistics, bump-in/out and floorplans.
• Create detailed and accurate event briefs and maintain all event information within relevant booking and event systems.
• Manage event budgets, invoicing and commercial requirements while identifying opportunities to maximise event revenue.
• Build strong client relationships and proactively manage event requirements from confirmation through to execution.
• Act as the day-to-day operational lead and first point of escalation for the F&E team.
• Provide visible, hands-on leadership across event planning, set-ups and key event delivery.
• Coach and support Event Managers and Coordinators, driving consistency, accountability and high standards across the team.
• Provide oversight and quality assurance across complex, VIP and higher-risk events.
• Support event allocation and prioritisation across the F&E team.
• Represent the Head of Events & Reservations at selected operational meetings and support the implementation of agreed processes and operational standards.
• Work collaboratively across Operations, Culinary, AV, Security, Facilities and other internal partners to deliver exceptional event outcomes.

Skills/Experience Required:

• Typically 6+ years' experience in event management, with a demonstrated track record of independently managing complex, premium, large-scale and high-profile events.
• Demonstrated senior-level experience, including coaching, supporting or providing operational direction to other event professionals.
• Experience managing large-scale events of 500+ guests together with high-touch VIP events.
• Strong leadership, judgement and decision-making capability, with the confidence to independently manage day-to-day operational matters and recognise when escalation is required.
• Exceptional client and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organisational, administration and time-management abilities.
• Strong commercial and end-to-end event planning acumen.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in event management, booking and floorplan systems.
• A collaborative, hands-on leadership style and genuine desire to support the development and success of the wider team.