Senior Project Manager II (Trade Shows & Events)

Jack Morton Worldwide Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Jack Morton Worldwide Inc. in Addison, IL is seeking a Senior Project Manager II (Tradeshows & Events) to lead large-scale experiential programs from concept to delivery, ensuring on-time, on-budget execution and client satisfaction.

You'll oversee the full lifecycle, build detailed plans, manage budgets and vendors, coordinate production partners, and mentor a PM team, while traveling as required. This role requires 10+ years of PM experience in events and a Bachelor's degree, with strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10+ years of project management experience within the tradeshow, exhibition, experiential marketing, events, or related industries.
• Proven success managing large-scale, complex projects from inception through completion.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies, scheduling, budgeting, and resource planning.
• Experience managing vendors, logistics, and production partners.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and production specifications.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently, including weekends, for onsite event management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee full lifecycle of high-profile tradeshow and event programs.
• Develop detailed project plans, schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
• Ensure objectives, scope, timelines, and quality standards are met.
• Manage budgets, forecast expenditures, and seek efficiencies.
• Coordinate internal resources and external partners to ensure success.
• Lead cross-functional teams and mentor junior PMs.
• Identify risks early and develop contingency plans.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Vendor management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Scheduling

Production specs

Travel

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in related field

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Project management software

Job description

Experience Without Limits Come shape the future of brand experience.

At Jack Morton, we design and buildhead-turning, smile-inducing, impact-driving brand experiences that redefine what experiential marketing can achieve. We help our clientsunlock the full value of experiencesby turning bold ideas into meaningful connections.

That takes a team that's bold, curious, and acts as one.We build on each other's ideas, challenge conventions, and show up for one another every day. Here, you'll do your best work, grow quickly, and partner across clients, disciplines, and global teams to bring new ideas to life.

This is a place where curiosity drives what’s next, boldness raises the bar, and every win is shared. Where ownership is expected, egos are left at the door, and the work reflects the passion and talent of the people behind it.

Experience without limits—in your work, your growth, and your impact.

**Must be able to work onsite 5 days/week at our Addison, IL location*

Are you a seasoned project management professional who thrives in the fast-paced world of tradeshows, exhibitions, and live events? Do you excel at balancing complex timelines, budgets, logistics, and stakeholder expectations while delivering unforgettable experiences?

We're looking for a Senior Project Manager II (Tradeshows & Events) to lead large-scale experiential marketing projects from concept through execution. In this role, you'll be the driving force behind successful event delivery ensuring projects are strategically planned, flawlessly executed, and completed on time and within budget.

What You'll Do

As a Senior Project Manager II (Tradeshows & Events), you'll oversee the full project lifecycle and serve as a critical operational leader for high-profile tradeshow, exhibition, and event programs.

• Manage projects from client intake and planning through design, production, installation, onsite execution, and post-event analysis.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
• Ensure project objectives, scope, timelines, and quality standards are achieved.

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop and manage project budgets throughout the entire project lifecycle.
• Monitor costs, forecast expenditures, and identify opportunities for efficiencies.
• Coordinate internal resources and operational support to ensure successful project execution.

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary operational point of contact for project stakeholders.
• Communicate project status, risks, timelines, and updates to internal teams and leadership.
• Build strong partnerships across Client Services, Account Management, Operations, Production, and Finance.
• Source, negotiate, and manage third-party vendors, contractors, transportation providers, and show service partners.
• Coordinate installation and dismantle (I&D) services and all required event logistics.
• Ensure seamless execution from warehouse to show floor.
• Lead cross-functional project teams to deliver exceptional client experiences.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and mentorship to project management team members.
• Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented environment focused on excellence.
• Identify project risks before they become issues.
• Develop contingency plans and implement proactive solutions.
• Navigate changing priorities while maintaining project momentum and client confidence.

Technical & Production Oversight

• Review technical drawings, production specifications, and exhibit construction details.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, venue requirements, and operational best practices.
• Leverage industry expertise to support production decision-making and quality control.
• Compile final project costs, labor, materials, vendor expenses, and service fees.
• Analyze project performance and report budget variances.
• Support accurate invoicing and post-project financial reconciliation.

What You’ll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10+ years of project management experience within the tradeshow, exhibition, experiential marketing, events, or related industries.
• Proven success managing large-scale, complex projects from inception through completion.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies, scheduling, budgeting, and resource planning.
• Experience managing vendors, logistics, and production partners.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and production specifications.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently, including weekends, for onsite event management.

Technical Skills

• Project management software proficiency.
• Experience with ERP and business systems, including Microsoft Dynamics or similar platforms.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
• Strong reporting, budgeting, and financial tracking capabilities.

Last but not least, we believe in diversity, equity and inclusion.

Jack Morton is an equal opportunity employer; we strongly value diversity at our companies. We do not discriminate on race, religion, color, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

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