Senior Event Manager

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg seeks a Senior Event Manager to lead and deliver high‑profile events—from corporate galas to large festivals—across planning, budgets, logistics and on‑site execution.

You will mentor coordinators, manage vendor relations, and ensure client satisfaction. Requires 5+ years in event management, a related degree, strong leadership and negotiation skills, plus proficiency in event software and MS Office.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in event management.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Marketing, Communications, or related field preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership with experience managing teams.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in event management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Creative mindset with a passion for delivering memorable experiences.
• Strong understanding of marketing, branding, and PR principles as they apply to events.
• Flexible hours including evenings and weekends as required by event schedules.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and profitability.
• Oversee all aspects of event planning and execution, including venue selection, vendor negotiation, logistics, and on-site management.
• Lead and mentor a team of event coordinators and support staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and exceeding expectations.
• Source and manage relationships with external vendors, suppliers, and contractors, ensuring quality and adherence to contracts.
• Create detailed event timelines and project plans, ensuring milestones are met.
• Conduct post-event evaluations to identify areas for improvement and gather client feedback.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and licensing regulations.
• Innovate and implement new event concepts and strategies to maintain a competitive edge.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

MS Office

Event management software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management or related field

Tools

Event management software

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned leader in bespoke event planning, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Event Manager to join their prestigious team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned professional to oversee and execute a wide range of high-profile events, from corporate galas and product launches to intimate social gatherings and large-scale festivals. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in managing complex projects, a keen eye for detail, and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional client experiences. You will be instrumental in shaping the vision and operational execution of events, ensuring seamless coordination and outstanding results.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and profitability. Oversee all aspects of event planning and execution, including venue selection, vendor negotiation, logistics, and on-site management. Lead and mentor a team of event coordinators and support staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment. Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and exceeding expectations. Source and manage relationships with external vendors, suppliers, and contractors, ensuring quality and adherence to contractual agreements. Create detailed event timelines and project plans, ensuring all milestones are met. Conduct post-event evaluations to identify areas for improvement and gather client feedback. Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and licensing regulations. Innovate and implement new event concepts and strategies to maintain a competitive edge.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in event management, with a strong portfolio of successfully executed events. Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Marketing, Communications, or a related field is preferred. Demonstrated leadership skills with experience managing teams. Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in event management software and Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under pressure and meet tight deadlines. A creative mindset with a passion for delivering unique and memorable experiences. Strong understanding of marketing, branding, and public relations principles as they apply to events. Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required by event schedules.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package and a comprehensive benefits program. This includes medical aid, a generous provident fund contribution, opportunities for professional development and continuous learning, and exposure to a diverse range of exciting events. You will be part of a supportive and innovative team, with significant opportunities for career advancement within a growing organization. Join us in creating unforgettable moments in the heart of Pietermaritzburg .