Senior Event Operations Lead | Trade Shows & Logistics

The Ferguson Agency; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ferguson Agency in Fort Wayne, IN, is seeking an experienced, highly organized Event Operations Manager to lead the operational delivery of our growing Event Marketing practice. This role owns the infrastructure behind successful event execution—from warehouse and asset management to sourcing, estimating, logistics and field operations.

The ideal candidate understands how physical events come together and can move comfortably between planning, vendor management, warehouse operations and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• 7+ years of experience in event operations, trade shows, experiential marketing, event production, exhibit-house operations or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of exhibit structures, fabrication, graphics, furnishings, freight, material handling and installation/dismantle preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational planning and execution across trade shows and live experiences.
• Translate project requirements into operational plans, schedules, budgets and resource needs.
• Coordinate activity across account teams, project management, vendors, warehouse resources and field teams.
• Anticipate execution risks and solve issues before they affect timing, budget or client experience.
• Develop scalable processes and standards as the Event Services practice grows.
• Oversee warehouse organization, receiving, storage, staging, fulfillment, returns and inventory control.
• Maintain visibility into client- and Ferguson-owned event assets, including location, condition and usage.
• Coordinate maintenance, repair, refurbishment and retirement of assets.
• Recommend when equipment should be reused, repaired, replaced, rented or purchased.
• Maximize utilization and financial return of Ferguson-owned rental inventory.
• Source exhibit systems, furnishings, graphics, fabrication, rentals, production services and other event resources.
• Build and manage a strong network of regional and national production, logistics and field-service partners.
• Solicit competitive bids, negotiate pricing and terms, and evaluate vendors based on quality, capabilities, timing and cost.
• Manage vendor performance and identify new resources or production methods that improve quality, flexibility or profitability.
• Develop estimates for structures, production, rentals, freight, labor, installation and other operational services.
• Translate project requirements into executable scopes and budgets.
• Maintain historical cost information and benchmarks to improve estimating speed and accuracy.
• Track costs against estimates, reconcile vendor invoices and support project profitability analysis.
• Develop logistics plans covering shipment, delivery, installation, event operation, dismantle and return.
• Coordinate freight, material handling, drayage, storage and installation/dismantle services.
• Review exhibitor manuals, venue requirements and deadlines to identify requirements and cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure required show services are ordered accurately and on time.
• Lead onsite operational responsibility for event installation, execution and dismantle.
• Develop field schedules, labor plans and onsite operating requirements.
• Coordinate staff, contractors, union labor and vendors.
• Troubleshoot onsite issues quickly while maintaining quality, safety, schedule and client readiness.
• Conduct post-event reviews and incorporate learnings into future projects.
• Maintain visibility into event schedules, inventory, warehouse capacity, labor, transportation and vendor availability.
• Develop internal and external resources to support peak event periods.
• Establish SOPs, checklists, safety practices and quality standards.
• Identify opportunities to reduce cost, improve efficiency, eliminate errors and increase profitability.
• Exceptional organizational and project-management skills with the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Strong financial acumen and an understanding of how operational decisions affect project profitability.
• Resourceful, decisive problem solver who performs well in fast-moving environments.
• Comfortable working both strategically and hands-on.
• Strong communicator able to work effectively with clients, agency teams, vendors and field personnel.
• Ability to travel and work outside normal business hours as event schedules require.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

Job description

The Ferguson Agency in Fort Wayne, IN, is seeking an experienced, highly organized Event Operations Manager to lead the operational delivery of our growing Event Marketing practice. This role owns the infrastructure behind successful event execution—from warehouse and asset management to sourcing, estimating, logistics and field operations.

The ideal candidate understands how physical events come together and can move comfortably between planning, vendor management, warehouse operations and