Event Design Manager

The Event Design Manager plays a pivotal role within the Event Experience & Design Department, specializing in event decor and design, team management, and project coordination. This dynamic position carries the primary responsibility of overseeing a talented team of event designers, project managers, and administrators, ensuring meticulous planning and seamless execution of numerous events. This includes management of the overall profitability of the department and accountability in driving revenue across the organization. With an emphasis on planning, organization, efficiency, and time management, this role is vital to the department's success.

Key Job Responsibilities

Team Management & Project Oversight:

1. Lead, mentor, and manage a team of event designers, project managers, and administrators alongside the department director.
2. Ensure proper project management, admin and processes are completed by the team with oversight of all of their projects.
3. Provide guidance and support to team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
4. Oversee the planning, execution, and post-event evaluation of all events within the department.
5. Set clear goals and expectations for the team, ensuring all members are aligned with standards and client expectations.

Event Design & Deck Creation:

1. Collaborate closely with event designers to develop creative concepts that align with client visions.
2. Lead select projects, taking charge of event layouts, themes, and decor design to create memorable experiences.
3. Assist and provide direction to other designers, ensuring the delivery of innovative and high-quality event designs.
4. Design and Create client facing design proposals and decks.

Financial Performance & Project Management:

1. Take ownership of assigned projects, overseeing their execution from inception to completion.
2. Coordinate with various internal teams to ensure meticulous planning and execution of events.
3. Manage project budgets, negotiate vendor contracts, and track expenses to maintain budget adherence.
4. Support sales team to drive revenue and find ways to efficiently execute shows to drive profitability.

Event Planning & Production Scheduling:

1. Develop comprehensive event timelines, production schedules, and critical paths for efficient event execution.
2. Collaborate with stakeholders to gather event requirements and seamlessly integrate them into the planning process.
3. Contribute to the creation of engaging and innovative event experiences in conjunction with the Event Experience & Design team.

Event Execution & On-site Management:

1. Manage on-site aspects of select events, addressing issues and ensuring smooth execution as needed.
2. Oversee event setup, coordination with teams, and client support during events.
3. Maintain composure in high-pressure situations to ensure a positive client experience.
4. Efficiently handle logistics, supply procurement, and vendor coordination on-site.
5. Conduct immediate post-event evaluations to gather feedback for improvement.

Client Management & Relationship Building:

1. Cultivate strong client relationships through exceptional service and communication.
2. Collaborate with clients and internal stakeholders to understand and align with event visions and requirements.
3. Address client inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and professionally.

General Responsibilities:

1. Collaborate seamlessly with cross-functional teams to ensure the smooth coordination of event projects.
2. Represent the company professionally, maintaining strong client relationships and delivering exceptional customer service throughout the event lifecycle.
3. Utilize office tools and software effectively for communication, documentation, and project management.
4. Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey ideas and interact confidently with clients and team members.
5. Embrace learning opportunities to stay updated with industry trends, event technologies, and best practices.
6. Be flexible with working hours to accommodate event schedules and attend events on-site as needed.

Job Qualifications:

1. A Bachelor's degree (BS/BA) in a related field is preferred.
2. A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in event production, decor and design, including project management; focus in Toronto is preferred.
3. A minimum of 1 year experience in team leadership.
4. Strong leadership and team management skills, with a proven ability to mentor and guide team members.
5. Exceptional organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities.
6. Proficiency in event management software and computer applications.
7. Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively interact with clients, stakeholders, and team members.