Event Manager - Cultural Festivals

Auckland Council; Auckland; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal organization in Auckland seeks an experienced Event Manager responsible for planning and executing major cultural festivals. The ideal candidate will possess strong project management and financial skills, along with a passion for cultural storytelling. You will oversee logistics, stakeholder relationships, and ensure inclusive and safe event execution. Join a dynamic team and contribute to Auckland's vibrant cultural landscape.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• Experienced event professional with a background in large-scale events.
• Excellent project and financial management skills.
• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Understanding of bicultural and multicultural contexts.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders for event delivery.
• Manage suppliers and logistics for events.
• Build relationships with sponsors and suppliers.
• Assist with risk management and event regulations.

Skills

Event project management

Financial management

Strong communication

Stakeholder relationship building

Tools

Asana

Job description

Overview

2x Fantastic Permanent Opportunities! Imagine being part of a team that delivers some of the largest and most important cultural festivals in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. Adding value to the cultural, social, and economic fabric across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland's vibrant cultural landscape.

At Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), our mahi translates into positive impact, delivering world-class events, driving sustainable economic growth, innovation, and celebrating the city’s unique identity. Here, you’re not just an employee – you’re an Event Manager responsible for weaving the vibrant tapestry of Auckland’s diverse culture and stories to the world. The role involves working behind the scenes to bring events to life.

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

As Event Manager – Cultural Festivals, you’ll play a pivotal role in the planning and execution of major cultural events and festivals delivered by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. Reporting to the Group Manager Major Events, you’ll be responsible for end-to-end project and event management, working closely with cross-functional teams, suppliers, iwi partners, community groups and stakeholders to deliver events that are inclusive, compliant, safe and unforgettable.

You’ll also work in partnership with other Event Managers across our Destination rōpū to ensure consistency, workforce coordination, and best practice delivery across our other festivals.

Key responsibilities

• Assist with risk management and Event Regulations, reporting, site planning, and all event plans
• Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders like agencies for seamless delivery
• Source and manage event suppliers in collaboration with the appointed field operations team
• Build strong relationships with sponsors, suppliers, and government agencies
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, sponsors, and suppliers to ensure successful collaboration and engagement
• Collaborate with internal TAU teams such as marketing, finance, communications, and operations to ensure smooth delivery from each work stream
• Where directed by the Group Manager TAU Major Events, provide additional event services and support for other TAU anchor events

To view the full scope of this role, the position description can be viewed by the appropriate TAU materials.

He kōrero mōu: About you

Our ideal applicant will be equipped with the following:

You will be an experienced and highly organised event professional with a strong background in delivering large-scale festivals or events. You’ll bring excellent project and financial management skills, an eye for detail, and the ability to juggle competing priorities.

With outstanding communication and relationship-building abilities, you’ll thrive in collaborative environments and have a passion for cultural storytelling and community engagement. Proficiency in tools like Asana and confidence managing multidisciplinary teams is key.

An understanding of bicultural and multicultural contexts within Aotearoa is highly valued.

You will also bring:

• Proven experience leading end-to-end delivery of large-scale events or festivals
• Strong budgeting and financial tracking skills
• Ability to build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships
• Confidence in managing logistics, compliance, and health & safety requirements
• Experience working with marketing teams to support audience engagement
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with a calm, can-do attitude under pressure

Applications close 3rd October 2025

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

You will have the chance to work within a collaborative and dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional development and growth. You will work alongside a highly motivated and engaged team to deliver some of the most anticipated events each year.

A full list of benefits can be found by contacting TAU or viewing the benefits section in the official materials.

If the above sounds like a role you’re excited about, apply now!

#TAU

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, please advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.