Manager, Marquee Events

Full-time; Contract

(April 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026 with possibility to extend)

Date Posted: February 11, 2025

Who we are

The Pacific National Exhibition is an iconic institution in BC, famous for bringing generations of people together to celebrate and build memories. This 115-year-old non-profit organization has an annual operating budget of over $70 million dollars and generates revenue through three activity streams:  the 15 day annual summer Fair which average more than 700,000 people annually, Playland amusement park which welcomes 400,000 guests annually including Fright Nights, and a busy year-round portfolio of events including concerts, trade shows and film, cultural and community events.  In total we bring over 2 million people through the site each year. The fourth activity stream is park care and facility maintenance.  PNE is proud of the work it does at Hastings Park and has a vibrant team that is passionate about events, guest experience and delivering memorable experiences. 

At the PNE, we strive to create an environment that reflects our organization’s core values: Enthusiasm, Excellence and Evolution. With a focus on these core values, we are committed to achieving our mission which is to “Deliver Memorable Experiences” for all who interact with the PNE whether it is our guests, our employees or the community. 

The PNE is a matrixed organization that serves four core activity streams and multiple departments. The PNE’s Fair and Festival Operations Department oversees the company’s internally produced events such as the Summer Fair and Fright Nights as well supporting special projects such as the 2026 FIFA FanFest being hosted on the PNE festival grounds.   

Our Fair and Festival Team Profile

Inspires an exhilarating and fun-loving workplaceSupports a flexible work environmentInnovates in both concept and processThrives and promotes a fast-paced event operation cultureCollaborates with all departments in a positive and proactive way

What will you do this year?

Manager, Marquee Events is a leadership position that reports to the Director, Fair and Festival Operations and has direct accountability to coordinate and plan PNE’s responsibilities for delivery of the 2026 FIFA FanFest with a focus on integrating this festival’s impact into the year-round event and Fair operations.

In your role as the Manager, Marquee Events, your primary accountabilities will be to:

Leads Team

Leads cross departmental and cross agency planning meetingsGives clear direction and required support to achieve business targets and outcomes.Monitors team progress on objectives and clears barriers to success.Directs operational teams through delivery of events with a project management mindset and a strong attention to timelines and details.Champions an inclusive and collaborative working environment.Models the PNE’s core values while demonstrating respect and kindness; is accountable to performance; and fosters collaboration.

Leads the Business

Develops plans, manages deliverables and reports outcomes for FIFA FanFest and Summer Fair.Is accountable for coordinating internal PNE planning along with multiple agencies for delivery of FIFA FanFest. You will work collaboratively with the Host Committee team and other delivery partners to ensure financial and event operational objectives are met for all parties.Develop cohesive and integrated event plans for FanFest and Summer Fair that maximize efficiency and cost effectiveness.Ensure adherence to venue policies and procedures with respect to health and safety, customer service, and labour managementCreate production schedules, timelines, event specs using Momentus system other event planning materialCreate and implement innovative ideas, and strategies that ensure an outstanding experience for guests. Collaborates with the Marketing, Sales, and Operations departments (ie-Food & Beverage, Public Safety, Facilities & Maintenance) to ensure ideas and strategies are successful.In partnership with the Director of Fair and Festival Operations, build, own and maintain processes to implement efficiencies, standards and operations across the organizationAssign and monitor resources to ensure project efficiency and maximize deliverablesPrepare and present updates for relevant management channels, ensuring effective collaborative project planning is achieved. Report project outcomes and/or risk to appropriate stakeholders and escalate issues, as necessary, according to project work plansEvaluate and mitigate risk by anticipating various scenarios throughout the course of a project and build actionable plans accordingly

What else?

Diploma, Certificate or degree in Event Management, Business Administration or a relevant discipline or an equivalent combination of education & experienceMust have 5 years of experience of Managing dynamic teams.3-5 years of experience in the live events industry is preferred.Must have previous experience with business development and building strategic growth plans with demonstrated success in revenue-generating program developmentMust be able to work an event-based work schedule which includes weekends, late nights, extended hours, and extended workweeks.Proven ability to work in matrixed or cross-functional organizations building strong relationships with the general public, industry partners, and business stakeholders to deliver events and servicesKnowledge of the planning, production, and management of major events within the entertainment industryKnowledge of CAD and/or Momentus system is considered an asset.Ability to create planning documents and tools to efficiently execute eventsMust possess good decision-making skills with the ability to react well to high-pressure situations and tight timelinesSuccessful candidates must undergo a Criminal Record Check

Who are you?

Exceptional Project ManagerAccountable for performanceDetail-oriented and results focusedEntrepreneurial spiritCommunicates with courageMotivated by fast-paced environmentsSkilled at problem-solvingEffective communicatorTime Management Expert

Where and when to APPLY?

Applications can be submitted via the PNE website at www.pne.ca/jobs and will be accepted until the role is filled. We look forward to hearing from you! 

 

Additional Information

The PNE's compensation offerings are in alignment with a pay-for-performance pay philosophy that recognizes individual, and teamwork performance. The role is a contract, full-time position with a typical salary range of $75,000-90,000 per annum.  The starting salary will be based on the successful candidate’s competencies, including but not limited to knowledge, skills, experience, and internal pay structures.  As a part of the PNE's total compensation package, this position may be eligible for other benefits subject to program eligibility requirements. 

The PNE is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an inclusive workforce that reflects the diverse community we proudly serve. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or age. If you require any support or accommodations throughout any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the People & Culture Department at hr@pne.ca.