Senior Event Manager

$90,000 - $110,000/Yr

Oak View Group - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Chicago, IL

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Senior Event Manager at McCormick Place Convention Center plays a pivotal role in providing professional client services support for the planning, organization, and management of events. This position is responsible for leading and supporting the Event Managers, ensuring that all event-related activities are coordinated and executed flawlessly. The Senior Event Manager will work closely with the Director and Assistant Director of Event Management to recruit, train, and develop full-time event managers, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment. In this role, the Senior Event Manager serves as the central resource for the full-time Event Manager staff, offering expertise and guidance throughout the event planning process. They supervise staff and oversee all operational aspects related to large-scale events, including the scheduling of both union and non-union staff. The Senior Event Manager meets with client groups to plan and organize assigned meetings and events, ensuring clear communication between all parties involved to deliver superior service. Additionally, the Senior Event Manager is responsible for managing event financials, preparing pre-show estimates, and completing post-show settlements based on contractual requirements. They lead site visits, create detailed event resumes, and coordinate activities with various service contractors. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving, ensuring that all event setups are correct and that any issues are addressed promptly. The Senior Event Manager must maintain excellent interpersonal relations with clients, employees, and contractors, contributing to a safe and healthy work environment while working on-site for assigned events.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the central resource for the full-time Event Manager staff during the event planning process.
• Supervise staff and oversee all aspects of event operational support related to large-scale events.
• Meet with client groups to plan and organize assigned meetings and events, ensuring clear communication between all parties.
• Partner with HR to support hiring initiatives, engagement activities, and community outreach.
• Assist in ensuring accuracy of event financials, including post-event billing of services and equipment charges.
• Prepare pre-show event financial estimates and complete post-show financial settlements based on contractual requirements.
• Ensure timely and accurate event information is delivered to the Finance Department for settlement/invoicing purposes.
• Assist sales managers in preparation of pre-booking cost estimates.
• Lead site visits and meetings with clients for all assigned events.
• Detail events for client approval and internal communication by creating Event Resumes in Ungerboeck Software.
• Coordinate activities with various service contractors for assigned meetings and events.
• Guide clients in preparation of events by interpreting and explaining contract provisions, policies, and procedures.
• Keep clients informed about the status of deadline schedules, including floor plan submissions and insurance requirements.
• Assist in the management, development, and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities of event-related programs.
• Exercise discretion and utilize independent decision-making during events to best represent McCormick Place and the client.
• Ensure that all event insurance certificates, licenses, and permits are obtained in a timely manner.
• Educate customers and vendors on labor jurisdictions.
• Conduct pre and post inspections of event space.
• Advance and communicate all event information to appropriate departments and staff.
• Troubleshoot during event preparation and ensure all setups are correct, making decisions about policy, procedures, billing, and staffing.
• Oversee all production, setup, event staff, and event-related contract services.
• Maintain communication with the events team to ensure a flawless event.
• Communicate any problems and proposed solutions to the AGM and/or Director of Events in a timely manner.
• Prepare event reports noting attendance, times, significant problems, etc.
• Coordinate effectively with appropriate in-house operations and partners.
• Maintain superior interpersonal relations with clients, employees, management, contractors, and union employees.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Management, Business, or related field.
• Seven or more years of event management experience in convention centers or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Five or more years of employee supervision experience, with union knowledge preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs in a Windows format; experience with AutoCAD preferred.
• Knowledge of operational characteristics of events, including crowd management and control techniques, fire and public safety regulations, food service practices, A/V equipment, and relevant regulations.
• Understanding of setup, audio, video, lighting, and rigging preferred.
• Self-motivated with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to function and make management decisions in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including long shifts, early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and demonstrate problem-solving skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) preferred, but not required.
• Experience in event management software (Ungerboeck) preferred, but not required.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) savings plan
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off (vacation days, sick days, and 12 holidays)