Trade Exhibition & Conference Manager

Prefered skills

Events, Conferences, ClickUp, Client Relations, Event Management, Customer Experience, P&L Accountability, Business Administration, Team Motivation, Operational Efficiency

Job description

Position Description:

Responsible for operational efficiency through optimisation and collaboration.

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Event Project Manager to join our team and oversee the planning and execution of our B2B Retail Events portfolio. The successful candidate will report directly to the Portfolio Director and will be responsible for managing the project team to ensure the successful delivery of all events within the portfolio. Having a solid foundation in e-commerce and CX is essential.

The candidate should possess sound trade exhibition and conference experience, project management and P&L accountability are a must.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in project management, preferably in B2B or B2C events or related industry.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team of project managers.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and mitigate risks and issues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with clients, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Experience with project management tools and software, such as Asana, Trello, or ClickUp.
• Knowledge of the Retail, e-commerce, and CX industry.
• Residing in Cape Town
• Willingness to travel as required.

Brief overview of Position:

• You create commercial opportunities by developing, directing and coordinating the internal structures of Vuka Group Retail Division to ensure the team produces more commercially and ultimately financially vibrant Events.
• You are an ultra: positive,  collaborative,  assisting,  motivating,  caring, and driving force for all within the Retail Division to propel them and their roles into a better, more efficient and effective process.
• You report directly to the Portfolio Director and will be responsible for managing the project team to ensure the successful delivery of all events within the portfolio.
• You work closely with the Portfolio Director to develop and implement the portfolio strategy, ensuring alignment with company goals and objectives.

Main Responsibilities:

• Maintain your focus on delivery of Revenue targets for Vuka Group Retail Division. Ensure profitability of events by adhering to event budgets and keeping overall costs in control.
• Develop and implement project management processes and tools to improve efficiency, consistency, and quality across the portfolio. Set and manage event milestones effectively to keep the event on the correct timelines. Provide timeous reports and analysis.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth project delivery and high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Manage and motivate team members, providing guidance, support, and training as required. Ensure team members are working smartly and productively together.
• Monitor project performance against established KPIs and provide regular reports to senior management on project status, risks, and issues.
• Create and manage project schedules, budgets, and resource plans to ensure timely and efficient delivery of all events.
• Identification of gaps in operational efficiency and Direct (not Manage) the elimination of these efficiencies.
• Optimising internal and external communication and collaboration.
• Ensure operational deadlines are always met consistently.
• Manage the operational priorities of the Production and Marketing Departments.
• Work with the Portfolio Director to determine policies, goals and objectives.
• Working to transform the Events into Experiences and develop the brands within the portfolio.
• Enhancing the customer journey and experience (Mapping).
• Programme development: Working with the Event Producer, you will decide on topics to be covered at the conference. You will also assist to research, develop, and write the content of conference programmes.